Ronald K

Thanks guys.

Ive been making a lot of leather mittens of late. I use 2.5 to 3 Oz suede cow splits.

Delafield. Just West of Milwaukee.

Is anybody else using a Singer slant needle sewing machine for leather? This is a 1050’s vintage direct gear drive home sewing machine but it seems to work really well for leather. In fact If it fits under the presser foot, this machine seems to handle it well. Im using denim needles and upholstery thread with good results but wonder if there is a better needle and thread for leather.

So far I have been getting leather from tandy leather but I think Im paying a real premium ($5.6/sq ft for Econo Sueded Cowhide Splits ) so Im looking for a more economical source for leather to sew chopper mitts.

I use suede cow hide to sew chopper mitts (fingerless gloves) but some of the leather I get is rough with a very fuzzy nap while some is beautifully smooth suede with little nap. Is there a trick or technique for improving the nap on suede? By improve I me knock down or reduce the roughness of the suede nap. Can it be sanded smooth? Or am I just out of luck? I know it sounds silly but is there a tool to slice or trim down the nap? I envision a mini lawnmower or planner blade that would cut down the fuzzy nap. I treat these mitts with spray silicone to waterproof.

Ive been reading along here for a while and decided to join in. There are a lot of really talented craftsmen and women here. I am humbled. Im new to leatherworking having made knife sheaths and holsters and belts and Ipod cases, quivers, armguards and most recently leather mittens (chopper mitts) but all my work looks like it was done by a 3rd grader when I look at the work of others here. I will do more reading than posting. Ron