Selvune

well, to get back on target, my stitching seems to be getting much better, but now have trouble with the corners when going around. Watching way more videos as I want to get this down. ALso, I finished my first bi-fold wallet and you know the old saying "measure twice, cut once". Should have thought about that. I put the wallet together with glue, then stitched, then burnished, used the tool to help open the pockets up if there was extra glue and BAM, cards don't fit. I should have measured twice. At least when you look at it, it looks like a wallet. Anyway, hope everyone has a GREAT day and I look forward to talk to all of you as time goes on, and someday, maybe on par with the quality work you all do

Ok, so I made a lighter case yesterday and made a wallet today. Getting ready to punch for stitching. I didn't skive down the edges as I haven't started it...with that said, the wallet is pretty thick. If the irons don't go all the way thru, do I just finish with an awl like if it was a pricking iron? I don't want to try and punch from both sides. If I should post this somewhere else or in a new post, just let me know. I know forum etiquette can be pretty important on these boards.

Thank you.

Well, "first" official project completed. Not the prettiest, but functional Yes, I see quite a few issues with stiching and the opening cut at the bottom, but for a very first attempt, I am pleased. Can't wait to see the improvement as time goes on. Thanks again for all the advice.

I am EXTREMELY new to leatherworking and just getting started. I have been searching for classes around my local area (Indianapolis area) and really only found Saturday morning classes at the Tandy store, which seem a little more advanced to what I am looking for and more around carving and other things that I am not even close to being ready to do at my skill level. Even checked out one of the art studios in Broadripple that I know does pottery and woodworking, but to know avail around leather. I am turning to this group to see if you have any recommendations on classes to take or even if there might be local leather workers that would take time (I am willing to pay) to help me get down the basics. I am reading several books and have watched 100s of videos, but I am really a hands on person and learn best by watching someone else do it, then try while they watch and tell me what I am doing wrong (or maybe even right). If anyone has any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it. Maybe clubs around town where people get together to talk and could get advise there. I am willing to travel a little distance. The only constraint I have is I work a full time job from 8 to 5 m-f and occasionally have family events on the weekends and Sunday mornings are out during the school year. All comments and suggestions are even appreciated, even if the answers is no, there is nowhere or no one to help. I do have a lot of vacation banked at work, so I could take time off from time to time if that would be an option. Thank you for any responses you have and have a great evening or morning or afternoon...depending on where you live. TO THE MODERATORS: IF I SHOULD HAVE POSTED SOMEWHERE ELSE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW SO I CAN DELETE AND MOVE.

Do I need a cobblers hammer or will the flat side of a ball peenhammer work or my rawhide mallet? Ty

Thanks for the feedback. Was a little worried how much of an investment I was really going to need for just starting out to learn technique and see if I even enjoy it. Regardless of all the different feedback above, I just want to say this forum is very polite and understanding with a newbies questions. I have been on forums for other hobbies (miniature painting) and they are BRUTAL even when you say it is the first time painting a miniature after a 32 year break. Well, I believe I have the stitching now going in the correct direction. Not the prettiest, but the right direction...I hope. When I say left versus right, it was the side in the stitching pony, diamonds facing away and up from me. I started stitching away from me and stitched towards my body. Am I reading the directly correctly now? They go up on the right side and down on the left side.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I have managed to get the angle of the stiches on both sides of the leather to be angled versus one side angled and one side straight, however my stitching is still going the wrong direction LOL. More videos and practice are on the table. Might run to the leather shop and have someone show me in person and tell me what I am doing wrong.

Thanks for the information. I had done research before buying anything but didn't trust my judgement, so I went to the Tandy store and asked for help and that is what they suggested I get. The thread is also Tandy thread. With just starting, he suggested the inexpensive thread and said once I get good (or stick with the hobby), he would suggest getting a better quality thread. I am going to keep practicing with what I have today and when it runs out, definately get a better thread and will look into different chisels. Thank you again.,

First, I am a complete beginner here. I don't think I have done any sewing/stitching since high school, which was quite a long time ago I am practicing on some scrap leather and can't figure out why some of my stitches look to go straight across and some look like they are angled. Am I not pulling the thread tight enough or might it be something else? Please ignore the beginning and end as I wasn't paying attention and did it all wrong. Also, I am referring to the one labeled 3rd., but 2nd has a similar problem beyond my holes aren't straight.

very sorry to hear this. Though we know they don't live as long as us, it doesn't make it any easier.

Thanks for the advice. I did go to a leather craft store, however I picked up leather and a template for a wallet, not a belt. Might need to go back and do that as well. I bought a extremely discounted piece of leather and have been practicing cutting the leather, burnishing, beveling, etc. So far it has been fun and I hope to buy a better quality piece of leather to actually make a wallet (or belt ) that I might actually use. Thanks again for all the advice.

Thank you everyone and thank you Scoutmom 103. This is a little closer to me than the Tandy leather shop on the west side. I went out yesterday and bought some tools and leather to work. Would have started yesterday but my other craft (beer) had a big tasting happening, so didn't think sharp tools would be wise

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Jeff and I live just outside of Indianapolis. I recently made some changes in night life and I am looking to find a new hobby over sitting on my butt watching TV after the kids go to bed, or maybe doing the hobby while watching TV. I previously was into miniature table top gaming with painted miniatures, but COVID closing stores and my son losing interest, I thought I might take a dabble into the world of leather. Hoping to pick up some beginner tools tomorrow morning and start with some basic work. Any advice or suggestions on tools/templates will always be appreciated, but fairly sure the internet has the list I need. My thought was to start out making wallets, bracelets and key chains, but nothing overly fancy. I have spent quite a while on sites like this (lurking) as well as watching Youtube videos. Hoping I enjoy the craft. I did find a local "leather club" (no, not that kind haha), but they haven't updated their website since early 2020, so not sure if they even exist anymore Have a GREAT day and a GREAT weekend.