Quality Leather And Patterns

[natenaaron]

If you want to offend a leather dealer call them and ask for leather with brands, scars etc. You would think I asked if their teenage daughter was single. No use naming names and I understand in a way. no one wants to be known as the folks who sell crappy leather. I guess, for that there is Ebay, and I found some nice folks selling "craft leather". Obviously off cuts from their own leather work. I bet they will have what I need for those notebook covers.

Project number two. This time I will need quality leather and that seems to be easier to source but I have no idea who would be a good honest place to order from. I will never be some place where I can view the leather before I need it. Thus, honesty is key. I don't have the money to waste.

Patterns. Is there a source for patterns out there that people find good. I found armatige leather through their you tube videos but not sure if their patterns are worth the money.

Thanks for the help.

[JLSleather]

It's gonna be easier to help if we know ... what kind of leather you are looking for, and how much of that leather (shoulder, a back, a side, 10 sides?? .... patterns for what, exactly?

[25b]

I've built Nigel's iPad case from his pattern set (and videos) and it turned out perfectly.

I don't know what kind of leather you're looking for...and I don't know where you can buy small quantities of good quality leather as most places that sell small quantities usually will just send you questionable quality leather, hoping you won't notice or care enough to make them take it back.

If you can afford a side of leather, I'd recommend Wickett & Craig...I've always been happy with the quality of their leather.

[JLSleather]

Yeah, that's two votes for W/C leather .

[MonicaJacobson]

I've always had good luck with Maverick. They have nice Horweens and softer leathers. But, as JLS said, it depends on the type of leather you're wanting. I haven't bought from W/C yet, but I intend to.

[natenaaron]

What I want is a good question. I am working toward a brief case build but being totally new to this I thought maybe a shoulder to start, but I don't really know how much that is quantity speaking. The buying leather part of leatherworking has me totally bamboozled. I just don't know what the different types of tanning is good for. is there a place to learn about that?

I have never really been drawn to tooling. I really like the work on the Armatige site and that is the style I would like to aim for.

[25b]

When I made the iPad case from Nigel's pattern, I used a veg retanned double shoulder and that was plenty for all the pieces and I had about 3-4 square feet left over, if that helps.

I learned about the different types of leather by reading...a lot....a whole lot. Both on here, but also in leatherworking books.

Edited August 13, 2015 by 25b

[byggyns]

A briefcase is a pretty ambitious first project. I won't say it can't be done, but you will likely be happier with your result if you build a few smaller items to practice stitching, setting rivets, cutting straps, attaching buckles, setting snaps, dying, finishing, etc.

I'd suggest starting with things like a wallet, notebook cover, & belt. The amount of hand stitching you do on a double layer belt will really give you practice on stitching.

I've already made several holsters, knife sheaths, notebook covers, and a belt, and am just to the place where I feel I could probably tackle a briefcase or messanger bag.

For ideas of what people have used, check out the threads in the bags & purses sections. There are also tons of patterns for various bags in the pattern section

Luggage, Briefcases, Satchels:

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showforum=99

Purses, Belts Wallets:

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showforum=67

As far as leather, the weight & type will depend on your intended purpose. If you want to add tooling, you will have to use veg tan. If not, oil tan, latigo, veg re-tan, and several others could be used. Most firm cases will be from 4 oz and up. Thinner leathers will result in a bag more prone to collapsing and not standing up by itself. I've seen some cases made from 8-9 oz, but that is thicker than I would probably use. I use that weight for holsters.

For quantity, you will need at least a double shoulder for most bags, and depending on the size & design, you may need an entire side.

[natenaaron]

Thanks byggyns. I was going to work up to the case/bag but it is a goal.

[byggyns]

Another place for patterns that I have heard positive reviews of, but not personally used is: http://www.bighousedaddy.com/

Check out their stuff to see if they may have one that works for what you want.

ETA: If you have any leather supplier close, go by to actually put hands on different leather types. Although I may not buy a lot of leather from Tandy, I have one close by, so I can feel what different types of leather are like. I can also drive a little farther away & get some better stuff from Weaver Leather.

Edited August 18, 2015 by byggyns

[johnv474]

Nigel Armitage's patterns are worth it. I have his wallet and messenger bag patterns (both oof which paid for themselves in leather savings, i.e. fewer mistakes and do-overs). If you consider the quality of his work and then to have made patterns available is uncommon (and admirable of him if you ask me). You can learn much of what you ask through Google, Youtube, Wikipedia, and this forum... but not all information from the books is easily found online so you may want to check out leathercraftlibrary.com and so forth.

[natenaaron]

Leathercraftlibrary.com is great. Thanks for pointing me to it.