Criticles

Thank you for clarifying and also for the feedback! You're right that I did 'reverse slanted' for the stitching beside the plastic slot. Initially, it was only to secure the plastic more. I used gold thread at first, but after sewing, I wasn't happy with the look because there were gaps in the stitch holes (I think my sewing was just too tight that it pulled apart the holes and made them bigger). So I just thought to make it some kind of a design and stitch two different color threads over each other. First time I've done this stitching-- it looks like it uses up more thread than the usual stitching but I like it as a decorative. Ah I might've misunderstood the suggestion. This is good to know-- I'd choose tools with multiple and practical functions over those with only specific uses (unless they're essential) any day. I used a scratch awl to make grooves for the wallets but obviously I really need more practice with symmetrical grooving and punching holes properly on the lines. A wing divider sounds like a multi-functional tool as well-- I'm thinking I can use a compass as an alternative if I ever need to do circular stitching. Thank you again for both your feedback and guidance.

These are useful points for improvement-- thank you for taking the time. 1 & 4. Missing that one stitch bothered me a lot and it's a lesson in accurate measurement. I used an awl for the sewing line but I guess I didn't put enough pressure. I agree that using a stitching groove would help with both symmetry and alignment, which I struggle with just using a metal ruler and marker. I'm hesitant to rush-buy every leather tool under the sun, so the mistakes I make along the way helps decide which specific tool to get next and practice with. Thanks for the new tool suggestion. 2, 3, 5 & 6. The set of threads I have for now are all 1mm, and I think that thickness becomes more obvious because I used a diamond chisel. I might not have punched hard enough either because I wanted the holes to close in around the leather. My threads are waxed, but I think they look dry because once I'm done with stitching, I'd run my lighter quickly through all the threads to secure them and darken them a bit. Maybe beginner's mistake. I'll try thinner threads and gently hammering them down as suggested. 7 & 9. Great suggestions.

For both wallets, I used a diamond chisel to punch the holes, so I guess that's what made it look slanted. So far, I've only used diamond and round punches so it may be the result of that. I prefer diamond chisel because of the slant, but I also use 1mm thread for this project so it might've made the thread looks thicker in the stitch for this leather thickness.

I truly appreciate the feedback and the encouraging words. There's a short message for him behind the picture slot that I stamped and foiled. I'm too shy to share but also it's a message just for him but nice catch hehe. I also foiled my signature or 'brand' there so it's more discreet. Thank you for the suggestion about the burnishing. I thought I could rub down the layers with just burnishing gum and I spent hours and hours doing so to no avail. I'll definitely try sand paper/sand sticks in my next projects. Great holster! You burnishing result is exactly what I was aiming for. Do you just sand and burnish it with gum, or do you also put paint over it?

I like the design stitching for the logo too-- it's something I want to practice and experiment with. What kind and how thick was the leather that you worked with?

I like the idea of using ornamental(?) fabric inside, and the burnishing looks great. May I ask, why sew the three pockets facing the side instead of upwards? I can't tell the measurements from the pictures but it seems there isn't enough space to insert cards. Won't cards placed in the slots be bent or the holder get deformed?

Great improvement. I love the idea of using stitching for creating design logos. Design stitching offers a good crossover between embroidery and leathercraft. You did a good job with the logo and the stitching is more consistent and neat compared to your first prototype. What kind and how thick was the leather you used?

I made a personalized wallet for my boyfriend. I started by creating a prototype for practice because it's my first time working with this kind of leather. The leather used in the prototype is too thick so I could only do one pocket per side. So I made sure to get thinner leather for the pockets of the final version. I also included a picture slot using recycled plastic from a clear envelope. It a bit hard to sew the leather layers with the plastic because I had to use super glue to make sure the plastic is secure. To add a sentimental touch, I included a quote in one pocket with letterpressing and foil stamping (I include a personal message behind the picture slot for my boyfriend). Doing a prototype first helped me improved on burnishing edges and sewing, although I think I still have a lot of room to improve when it comes to symmetry and consistent measurements. All of my tools are hand-tools too, so it's harder to be accurate, although I'd like to think of design errors/mistakes as adding character to the product. If you have any suggestions or feedback, I'd appreciate it. Right now, leather crafting is a passion and hobby for me, and I've only ever made leather products as gifts to friends and loved ones, but I'd like to improve my skills hopefully to mature into my own brand. On that note, would this wallet be something you'd like to use? What would you change/add/remove if you were to use it? What do you like best about it?