Abdo

Looks great! How long did that take you to make?

@Retswerb @Tugadude @LeatherLegion thanks for the kind words guys!

@TugadudeYes it is dark brown! I was trying to attach the pics earlier but they were flipped for some reason...

What do you guys think? This wallet was adapted from Jonbradyleather’s design. More pictures at https://Instagram.com/kattanleather

Hey guys. I have a YouTube channel to showcase how I make leather wallets. Please watch and critique / comment on any aspect of this video. It would really help me out if you could like, subscribe and leave a comment or question on YouTube. Thanks!

@BentleyLeather I think it’s too early. I’m sure it’ll pick up a bit after I receive my letter set.

It’s Pueblo from Badalassi Carlo tannery

@JayEhl Thanks for the feedback. I agree, the scene with the needle storage case in particular was blurry. I’ll keep that in mind for next time. Definitely get an alphabet set when you’re ready. It’s kind of expensive but it will pay for itself in the long run Good luck!!

Yes you should totally get a logo stamp and I would 100% recommend an alphabet set. A lot of people want an embossed name/initials on Etsy. I lost a lot of business because I had this cheap plastic stamp from rmleathersupply that I couldn’t t use. I had to do one letter at a time (it was a nightmare trying to line up names perfectly) and eventually it warped from hammering. I just ordered a brass alphabet set from Hex n’ Hit A heat press would be amazing. Dream Factory makes a good one (also a clicker press) but it’s expensive. You can use an arbor press with a heat gun instead if you want a cheaper solution

@BentleyLeather Your products look good. I’m pretty sure you’d be able to do it. Do you currently sell your products? What platform do you use? By the way you should post your videos on reddit and facebook groups to get more views.

@battlemunky @Danne Thanks guys. I have all kinds of glue applicators including a small one like in the picture; that’s what I normally use. I decided to try a disposable foam brush because it sounds nice when you brush it against the leather (ASMR sound). I get 6 of them for $1 from the dollar store, so it’s not a huge deal if I throw it out after I’m done making my video.

Thanks Bryan! I’m interested in turning this whole leather craft thing into a business. That’s why I started doing YouTube videos. I figured it would generate more sales and give me a slight edge...I’ve noticed an increase in ETSY traffic but not sales. I guess it takes time. What’s your goal? I’m trying to understand the algorithm as well. My views are drawing ~ 2 mins of watch time, which is about 66% of my video length (I don’t think the algorithm cares about % watch time as much as the actual mins though...so YouTube should be ranking your videos a bit higher...)

Thanks for the kind words Alex! I agree, I don’t like music in the background and much prefer the sound of tools, leather etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGumgagJrN0 Hey guys. I worked really hard to make this video. If you like what you see, please consider leaving a comment on YOUTUBE / hitting the like and subscribe button. It would really help me out as I’m trying to grow my business. I want to keep improving so please feel free to critique. Ask me any questions. Thank you!!

Hey guys, I’d like to get a stitch awl and was wondering, what size blade should I get? I’m considering a palosanto scratch awl to go with my Sinabrocks pricking irons. Sinabrocks have 2.2 mm teeth so I thought it would be best to get the scratch awl with a 2.2 mm wide blade. I wonder if I should get a smaller size awl? I’m worried that if I don’t drive the awl in perfectly straight everytimr, that I might make the stitch holes bigger? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!!

@MikeRockI will put a lot of the stuff on that bottom shelf so hopefully it will help with the vibration. Thanks for the tip. @HandstitchedGreat idea! I will try it. I will also wrap the legs with vibration-absorbing rubber. I will report back in 10 days once my order arrives.

@Tinkerton I wish I had seen your post before I went ahead and purchased my bench. I love the tabletop on it but the steel legs vibrate so much!! Is there anything I can use to wrap the legs that will absorb some of the vibration/noise?

Hi guys, I’m in the market for a leatherwork bench. Would you recommend something like this: https://www.globalindustrial.ca/p/work-benches/open-leg/adjustable-height/72-x-36-maple-square-edge-work-bench-adjustable-height-1-3-4-top I live in an apartment with thin walls, so I want a bench that can help absorb the noise from hammering chisels into leather (I know that I can use shock absorbing mats as well). The bench I’m considering has a 1-3/4” maple butcher block top and adjustable steel legs. It’s way sturdier than my current cheap/light wooden table, which I think could help? My concern is that it has steel legs. Would this create more noise when I’m hammering vs. wooden legs. p.s. I can’t make my own bench because I don’t have the space, time, tools or know how. Thanks

@JJN Thanks for the recommendation. I heard great things about Juki sewing machines. About the needle position / speed reducer, why do you recommend to get one or the other, but not both? @Wizcrafts Thanks you so much for the tip! I had no idea!

Hey guys, I am considering getting a Techsew sewing machine but I am not sure which model fits my needs. I make leather wallets (99% of the time) and so I am thinking a flatbed would be more suitable than a cylinder machine. I wouldn’t mind a cylinder like the Techsew 2750 PRO, but I am concerned that it will not be as comfortable to sew on (since I’ll only be making wallets). The 2750 PRO comes with a flatbed attachment but it seems like it sits much higher than a regular flatbed and has a smaller work surface. I was looking at the Techsew 1660 PRO which is a flatbed and comes with cool features like the edge guide and servo needle positioning motor. My concern is that I might not be able to add a speed reducer on it ( I spoke with Mike from Techsew and he wasn’t sure, can anybody confirm this?), which would be a deal breaker for me. I’d like to go with Techsew because they are based in Canada and have (apparently) excellent customer support. However, I am willing to consider other options. I have never used a sewing machine before and know very little about them. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you so much everyone for your feedback. Sorry for the late replies. I’ve been very sick lately. @terrymac I sometimes tap the stitches with a hammer. I often hesitate to do this because I don’t know if I like the flattened look of the stitches. @Tugadude yeah I’ve seen money clips before. Seems very practical / cool solution. @Hardrada i’m pretty sure it’s not veg-tanned. It’s somewhat scratch resistant. I got some scratches from normal use but nothing major @cbossio It comes in 3.5oz I think but I got it split to 3oz. I skived the edges / card slots make the wallet thinner.

LThanks everyone for the feedback. It really helps. @Tugadude @CastleLeatherWorks Thank you. I agree, the stitching should be closer to the edge. I used calf leather that’s finished like shell cordovan (from rmleathersupply.com). I didn’t dye the edges. I only burnished them with some Tokonole. Thanks for the comment @Hardrada, I definitely see what you mean. @Nate1977There is one cash pocket on the right. The card slots on the right side are joined at the edge (see picture). Not sure if it’s clear. Hopefully it makes sense.

My best wallet so far. How can I improve?