Mujician

So I'm looking at making a wallet - I'm going to use an awl to make the stitching holes, but could you tell me when should I use a stitching groover and spacing wheel rather than a sticking chisel? Or does it depend on the final look I want? Many thanks

Hi, this may sound like a simple question, but what is the best way to cut out shapes, or parts of something to be made up? Trace around a template and cut that out, or cut directly around a template? Is it best to use a knife or rotary cutter? Many thanks for your help

I didn't know what a diamond itching chisel was so I googled it - I came up with this - http://www.banggood.com/1-2-4-6-Prong-Diamond-Chisel-Leather-Craft-Tools-Hole-Punch-Tool-p-81484.html?currency=GBP&createTmp=1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_content=lola&utm_campaign=pla-home1-uk&gclid=CKGug6TF_coCFS8z0wodoskNqA Do is that correct? Do you use this because its quicker than using an awl? Do I need to look out for these being different sizes?, or are the points all the same size? If there are options should I go for the smallest sized? Sorry for all the questions, but I just want get the right gear for the job, and to make it easy for me!!

Thanks, really helpful.

Thanks guys - a few more questions if I may. Thanks - the sewing holes you talk about, are these larger than holes than if I used an awl myself? If I were to make a template of the parts of the kit could I just get away with using a stitching groover and an awl or would i need to make larger holes if I'm just using thread? I'm afraid I don't understand the whole weight thing. Surely a piece of leather that is bigger weighs more than a smaller one?! Anyway - could you tell me the thickness of 3-4oz and the thickness of 1.5-2? What is the advantage of using chrome leather - what exactly is the difference between chrome and veg? Finally, after glueing two pieces of leather together for a belt, do I need to groove on both sides or just one side? Could you recommend an awl type for doing this for me? Many thanks for your help! I made a belt before the dog collar - the belt was from a tandy belt blank, so it had the long hole and studs already installed. I made the collar from scratch - so I'm very happy!! (although it isn't perfect!) Many thanks!!!

Thanks Dwight, well, I do want to continue with leather! I'm loving so far. I really want to know how to make a lined belt next too. I have made a belt from a belt blank and also I just finished a dog collar I made from scratch. Any ideas of good online places I can look to learn how to make a lined belt?

As the title say, I would like to make a wallet. I'm aware there are kits available, but I would like to be able to make it from scratch. Is it still advisable to buy a kit so I can have some practice? I have seen the kits on tandys website - the only pictures available are of the actual made up item. Could anyone advise me on how the kit will arrive? Is it pre-dyed?, pre-tooled, Or is it only cut out leather parts for me to tool, dye and stitch? When I do graduate(!) to making my own from scratch, what thickness leather do I choose, and what about the liners etc? Or will this become obvious if I bought a kit? Many thanks.

Hi, I'm making a dog collar for a friend. This is really my first proper project so I'd like it to go well! I've done the tooling and dying. and its nearly time to put the hardware in. How do I stop the colour from leaching everywhere? How do I protect it against the elements? Do I finish it as I normally would and simply apply a waterproofing layer? I have discovered giving things a final buff with some boot polish makes the leather super shiny - would the water proof go on over the boot polish, or in the case of adding waterproof, should I forget about boot polish? Many thanks, Ben

Hi, I'm new here, and will be asking lots of questions! I've recently bought a fair bit of leather-crafty stuff. I've made a few key fobs with leather stamps, but they come pre-riveted. I'd like to cut some of my own but I don't know how big the holes should be for rivets. Should i just use my eyes and my brain with a rotary punch?! Secondly, I'd like to make some rabbit fur lined mittens for my wife - I'm following this tutorial - http://www.theurbanabo.com/urban_howtos.php?hid=43 but I'm finding it hard trying to fit the thumb cover on my mock up. I wonder if anyone else has tried it. Lastly, I've got coming in the post, a guitar strap to make for my wife - its in one piece - 50 inches long. Is it okay to leave it as one length, or should I cut it in two to make an adjustable part? Or actually should I have a separate length to add to the main part of the strap? If anyone could give suggestions to me where I might find good tutorials from scratch, that would be great. Thanks in advance, Ben

Hi, I signed up here yesterday. I hope to gain a better insight from some of you guys. I started to make my own leather jug the other day, and that was my first go at leatherwork. For my first attempt I made it okay but the sealing of it hasn't gone according to plan. Never mind! I am also interested in trying to make other items from leather, I have some goat hide which I'd like to try and just make a cover for my iPhone. I'm also interested in having a go at tanning my own leather/skins, and taxidermy. Is there anywhere on this forum or anyone in particular I could message with a few questions on this subject? Many thanks, Ben