TarasEquineDesigns

Hi - Newbie Here I am inlaying braids between two layers of leather. I need to hand stitch the layers together (don't have a machine) and so I've been using diamond chisel punches to mark the holes for stitching. I've tried gluing the layers together before punching the holes but unfortunately this is breaking some of the braid so I think I need to punch the holes in both the leather layers together before putting all the layers together. Any recommendations on how to keep the leather layers straight while punching so the leather and holes will line up when I begin stitching? Also, when I'm punching the holes I notice the front is nice and straight but the back is not. Is there a good way to make sure the stitching lines on the back stay straight? I'm using 3 - 4 oz leather. Any help would be great!

They will be used for hatbands, bracelets and maybe eventually belts.

I'm not a leather worker but very crafty. I would like to make leather billets like the ones in the attached photo. What type of leather should I use (I don't want anything too heavy or thick) and what other materials/tools do I need? They will need to look well made since they will be added to products in my business. Any help will be appreciated. Alternately, if anyone would like to make them for me I'd consider purchasing and attaching them myself.