CastleLeatherWorks

if you have the machine already cant you just take measurements from it and figure out the rest with regards to how much space you want it to take up? i would just look at sewing machine tables for reference and figure out what you like and dont like then adjust to your needs.

Thank you...This is the first one that’s going out in the wild so only time will tell.. I questioned the square corners myself and was going to put a small radius on them but decided not to because I don’t do that to my wallets. So basically just to keep my work consistent looks wise. I have the prototype long wallet I made about 10ish months ago and it’s holding up well. Not a whole lot of actual use but it gets banged around the shop pretty often lol I never sold it because while I know the leather will stretch the pockets are a tad on the tight side.

This is a revision from a previous long wallet I made a while back.. customer wanted dark brown so I had to dye some veg tan as I didn’t have any dark brown buttero on hand (buttero is my leather of choice) Pattern is pretty simple might have to make some revisions and add some snaps or something but the customer likes it and I hope you do as well. Leather is 2.0oz wicket and Craig veg tan hand dyed with fiebings mahogany color. Inside is lined with black buttero and the thread is .45mm waxed black linen thread spaced at 3.38mm and the edges are finished with black uniters heatable edge paint. as always comments and critiques always welcomed.

SOLD !!!

@ThoughtFission i think most people use clickers and dies to save time although im not opposed to using automated machinery. how much volume are you trying to get out and also what kind of items are you making? for some reason the thought of cutting leather on a waterjet seems strange to me. especially for higher end goods. i dont think most consumers that buy the types of leather goods we make want mass produced items. maybe im wrong but just because you can use an automated machine technology doesn't mean you should especially in the world of handmade leather goods.

let me start by saying the design and craftsmanship are awesome for one ! in my opinion this bag design is very masculine like modern renaissance looking.. finding the right customer seems like it would be a challenge as its definitely to pursey for a man lol i could for sure see Xena warrior princess rocking this..or maybe a fancy electrician.

its a discount store in America that sells overstock clothing and home goods sourced from larger department stores. you can find some good deals sometimes.

idk about you but using a razor/utility knife works fine for me. lol but all joking aside..what application would this be beneficial as i cant think of any myself.. im aware of water jets being used in the metal working industry but why would anyone want to cut leather with one. if you could please explain.

uniters and fenice get my money ... i also started with edge koat and did one project with horrible results and never used it again. i then tried giardini which had better results but i found it to be to thick for my liking. i can get a really really great looking edge with 3-5 layers of uniters or fenice with sanding in between and then a light wax buff

that would be nice.. i have several spools of .55 that i got on clearance from tandy and i wish it was thinner so i could get more use out of it.

this is gonna look great !!

looks cool man cant wait to see what else you come up with

please post the pics to the forum i cant open links on my work computer lol thanks!

is edge paint not an option?

i love this kind of stuff please post more pictures and info when available .. thank you for sharing !!

great job this is very nice work..do you happen to have anymore pictures from different angles or the inside? look is very high end. where is the hardware from ? sorry for all the questions but im trying to learn all i can about bag making at the moment. thanks for sharing

I really like this thread. i was able to pick some up on clearance at the tandy store for like $4.00 a spool a while back. got like 4 oddball colors but one was burgundy and ive used it the most. its very nice but i dont use it much anymore as Ive switched over to a finer.45mm twist brand waxed linen thread. Although currently waiting to order some meisi xiange twist waxed poly as ive heard only good things.

this ^^^

LMAO.... i havent but after reading this im gonna try it lol

your cases look good !! my only suggestion would be to break the edge and burnish or maybe even add a liner for a more refined look.

They have a large following on Instagram... i was going to order from them a while back because i was looking for some chromexel and couldn't find any elsewhere=/ .....didn't end up going through with the purchase because of shipping costs to southern California. So i just ended going with what i know and got stuff from district or rocky mountain. Sorry for not helping one bit lol also i dont see what them being in a small town has to do with how they run there business. im sure if they were unreputable someone would have dragged them by now. Anyways i would say if you're that intrigued just place a small order and see how it goes.

can someone post a picture?? i cant open links on my work computer

My leather working journey less than 2 years ago. i already knew i wanted to make higher end products ( not tooled ) so i decided to start with wallets/cardholders because that's the reason i got into leather work in the first place.. **side note** i was shopping for a designer wallet and noticed they all felt like junk and cheap. thought to myself i can make this LOL - I can honestly say that i am barely starting to feel like my work is good enough to warrant selling. while i have sold about 15 wallets my work is only getting better because i am constantly trying to improve the fit and finish of my products. While i have made several bags/key chains and other items to test my skills my main focus is on wallets and card holders. i dont see how alot of makers are getting business (must be the bright color pueblo as it is eye catching) because to be quite honest i feel like 90% of the work i see is exactly what @JLSleather stated a piece of leather folded in half and stitched. i get that its an easy way to get into leather work but i feel its very over saturated with people making the same thing. or maybe thats just my Instagram feed. In regards to growing your skills which was your initial question i would say dont spread yourself to thin pick an item that you intend to sell and make it till you can look at it and feel good about selling it. I am very critical when it comes to detail because of my day job as a machinist so at times i am hyper critical of my work. its also detrimental to my pocket because of all the time i spend on my products but im hoping it will pay of in the long run. Take care -

can i get in to ?? might ass well since everyone else is

just make your own pattern. now that youve got your feet wet and have made some items. its not that much work to draw out your own design ( it can be similar just not exactly the same) and cut it out of some heavy card stock or manila folders like i use lol Also i find it highly unlikely anyone will bring it up unless your company blows up and gets famous then someone might go out of there way to hassle you about it. Ive probably made 3 or 4 different revisions to my wallet pattern that i currently use . just fine tune it as you go. i got the initial dimensions from my store bought wallet that was trash and just figured it out by watching videos and other makers. you'll see where you need to make things bigger or and some extra leather for wiggle room or cut allowance. its all part of the process