Tugadude

I don't have a dog in the fight. When I zoom in on the photo it appears to be three threads to me. Perhaps the OP needs to reach out to the company whose product that is and simply ask.

I have seen where someone stitched with three separate colored threads, taking care to ensure they laid nicely as shown. I doubt I'd have the patience for it. You might also notice the relatively huge slits you need to create in order to facilitate the look. I don't know that I'd want to weaken the leather like that, but if it is on something that isn't going to receive hard use, maybe it doesn't matter so much. I think it is 3 individual threads and a lot of care. If you can "stack" two threads and make it look aesthetically pleasing, then you can also do three, or four...the hole just needs to be large enough to accommodate more threads.

You didn't indicate whether you tried the internet. Perhaps that's how you found us? In any event, the following is a pretty comprehensive resource. The main thing, as pointed out, is the conditions you are storing the leather goods in. That might be the culprit and until you address that you might continue to have problems. https://www.libertyleathergoods.com/how-to-clean-mold-from-leather/

Yes, very nice. Some of us like to see the interior too!

You story mirrors mine to a a degree. I wanted something that I couldn't find, a sleeve for an iPad stylus. Or when I did find one it didn't suit my taste or seemed too expensive for what it was. And so I made my own, out of leather, and now I no longer use a stylus but never stopped creating with leather. One thing you might consider when making a replacement for you key fob. Go ahead and use a rivet, but also use some stitching. Think belt and suspenders. Plus, you are going to want to learn the saddle stitch and this is a good way to learn. There isn't going to be a lot of stitching so you can focus on quality. Here's a really good instructional video below. I also recommend checking out Nigel Armitage on YouTube.

BTW, I saw a video of a lady applying clear Tokonole to some leather on the grain side and she buffed it to a beautiful luster. Made it look like much more expensive leather. So there's more to that product than what you might think at first glance.

The bit I mentioned is around the :24 second mark. Note that they used clear on the green one at the end and it turned out awesome. The edge was probably dyed green to begin with and then burnished with Tokonole.

For edges I'd stick with the clear as it can be used on any color. The pigmented versions are mainly for application to the flesh side of leather to smooth it out. For that, add just a bit of purified water to the Tokonole to render a slightly less viscous quality. Then use a glass burnisher. You CAN use black on the edges of black leather projects pretty safely, but if you use black on anything but black, you pretty much have to treat it as paint because any that slops over onto the face or back of the leather is going to be ruined. There's a Tokonole promotional video on YouTube and I found it funny that they applied black to a brown piece of leather and it looked horrible. No way they were going to be able to salvage it. So stick to clear!

Easy to make and you can use scrap wood. As far as a clamp, I have had good success with a cheap plastic C-clamp. It doesn't have to be fancy, it is just a third hand. If you stay with it, maybe you can make a better one or purchase one that suits your needs.

Not to mention you'll have an easier time achieving consistent tension. I don't know how that is possible stitching while holding the item.

Contrary to what some might believe, there is no "trick" to good stitching. It is a process and like any process it needs to be studied to be understood. Then once the fundamentals are understood you can then embark on experimentation, including choice of needle, thread, awl or chisel, etc. So there is no reason to struggle for years on end, hoping for good stitching. Your project looks great by the way!

Very nice and a beautiful sentiment on the vow book. I'm sure they will be treasured.

Welcome. There are a number of threads here about beginner tool sets. No need to buy a lot of tools to begin with and you may have some which can be utilized. What sort of belt hangers are you interested in making?

OK, what also happens is sometimes when you load the cards it puts stress on the stitching line and changes the appearance. Thanks for sharing your recent work. Hopefully it will inspire others who are interested in exploring their own designs for minimalistic wallets. It is quite the craze right now, especially among the EDC community. They are always looking for smaller, lighter, functional wallets.

I looked at the stitching lines closely and I'm wondering whether you hammered them down at all. I find it makes your stitches look their best.

Nicely done. What I like most is it doesn't look like a clone of all the rest I've seen. There is still room for people to do their own thing.

If this has been posted before, I missed It. This has a lot of potential. Not satisfied with the existing offerings in the market? Make your own. Can't find that elusive design that has gone obsolete? Make one yourself. Has anyone here tried this? https://www.instructables.com/3D-Print-Your-Own-Leather-Stamps/

First of all, I pray you are getting around OK now. That picture you showed of the torn up road was shocking. Interesting stuff! There is always more to learn and I had never seen a set of stamps like that. Thanks for sharing the pics and the story. Also, here's something that some might be able to use. Make your own 3D stamps! https://www.instructables.com/3D-Print-Your-Own-Leather-Stamps/

Here's another, showing how you can use two swivel knife cut lines to keep the pattern under control.

This may not be the "exact" tool you own, but I think it should help!

I realize this is an old message, but still wanted to respond to it. I've known several who have started their own business including my parents. I got to see first-hand the challenges they faced. Later on, when I entered the business world, I had the fortune and misfortune to work with several "start ups". To me the successful ones had at least one thing in common and that was an understanding of business and/or they hired someone who did. I saw a few who started into business only to find out it wasn't as easy as they pictured and they eventually succumbed. One grew too large, too fast, and ended up literally leaving the state. Millions of dollars in bills remained unpaid. A sad ending to what could have been a solid, profitable company. Now I know that nobody here is likely to be jeopardy of owing millions, but the fact remains that you really do need to do your homework. As far as pricing, I saw that as one of the biggest problems the new companies faced. In order to attract business, many sold their services below the competition. I guess they figured they'd get a base of business going and then raise prices. Sometimes that can work, especially if you have resources, either your own or from an investor. Unfortunately lack of capital has sunk many, who didn't foresee trouble on the horizon. All it takes is for one large customer to slow pay or no pay and they are sunk. At least in the beginning. Much more to say and many more stories I could tell, but the one thing I've learned is that just because you're good at something, like leatherwork for example, doesn't mean you're cut out to be in business. Many talented people have tried and failed because they failed to understand what it takes to run a profitable business. So if you are itching to start your own, either get educated yourself or work with someone who can help you steer the ship. There are tons of free seminars and websites dedicated to helping small businesses. Take advantage of those too.

Lead can be purchased in sheets of various thicknesses. I suppose it could be sandwiched between two pieces of leather.

I've heard of shotgun weddings...

What a cool thing to do for a friend. And it looks super too!

Wow! How unfortunate. My prayers for you and others affected by the devastation. Yes, more important things are going on.