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HI - I'm looking for advice on finishing my wallets with the edging/lining like that of the wallet in the attached pictures. I have the leather i want and have it thinned to a workable gauge, but am having problems with how to sew/cut to form neatly around the edges. Any help with technique or steps would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Hi all, recently cranked out my first bifold and some long wallets in Burgundy CXL and Hermann Oak Veg tan, let me know what you think! Thanks for looking, Kevin

I made my first wallet today, which is my second finished leather project to date. I designed It myself. I know it is nowhere near perfect, and I have learned a lot in the process, but I still have a few questions: Im pretty sure the reason why the dye on the edge transferred to the other side of the wallet on the inside is because I didnt do a final burnish with some gum trag (second picture). As far as I know that helps the dye from bleeding/transferring. Am I right? The wallet is really thick, probably because I used what I am assuming is around 3 oz leather (I dont have a thickness gauge, I should probably pick one up) It wont stay shut by itself. What oz leather do you think would be best for this style wallet? To finish the wallet, I applied a couple of coats of neatsfoot oil, then topped it off with 50/50 acryllic resolene (only on the outside), and then some obenaufs leather preservative(also only on the outside). However, I didnt do any of this until after I stitched it all together. Is that the recommended process, or should I have done something different? I dont really like the glossy looking finish you can see on the outside (you can see in the third picture). What do you think is giving it that look? I like leather that looks more satin than glossy. I also noticed the color on the backside has a slightly pinkish hue. Is there anyway to remedy that without using dye? I know, I ask a lot of questions. I am a perfectionist, and as you can probably guess, I am pretty frustrated with the outcome of this wallet. Thanks! Zayne

ive just completed my second wallet , it turned out pretty good with a very unexpected dying finish (Accidental) but the finish looks great , i first dyed all the inside pouches with med brown antique finish which turned out the expected antique brown. I USED A CLOTH TO APPLY THE DYE. Then i dyed the outside cover of the wallet with the same antique brown ..... BUT...... i used a brand new fresh NATURAL SPONGE which i took out of a packet. It was moist when i took it out, i'm guessing the dampen them before packaging to keep them fresh and soft. But the finish i got was completely different to the rest of the wallet. The only way i can describe it is an almost alligator grey/brown which looks really good ! On the outside cover i also incorporated a Brand which was on the leather i bought hince the name i put on the wallet "The Cowboy " By the time i was finished waxing and finishing the edges this evening the daylight was gone and i have really yellow light in the house , not ideal for taking pictures . but i did any way and here they are , Tomorrow when i finish work ill take good pictures outside when its still bright and upload them . By the way i was also wondering has any one else experienced the whole sponge changing the colour of the dye ? And if not its definatly worth a try ! Also i used olive oil instead of neatsfoot oil on the whole wallet so that could not have affected the colour . Let me know what you all think ! Ps the photos really do not do the colour any justice

i know it still needs work but its my first attempt, problems i encountered: dying : it seemed to turn out a little blotchy i had two equal size pieces and after dying one piece shrunk about an eight smaller in width than the other: also the leather seemed to get very hard after it dried, ive got some neatsfoot oil and some carnauba creme in the post so im going to apply som of that when it arrives and maybe it will help, at the moment its just a dyed finish : all of your comments good and bad are welcome , dont be afraid of hurting my feelings, i welcome good advice !

Hellow everyone I would just like to say this is an awesome fourm with a wealth of information. So I am compleatly new to leather working. I have been reading things online over the past two weeks trying to find a winter break project "Im a sophmore in college" and have been contemplating leather work for some time. I would like to make a bifold wallet over my break that last a month. So do you think this is a good idea. If so what materials should I use, I don't have a lot of money to invest at the moment. what tools would I need for just this project? Also is there a way to get a free pattern for a bifold wallet? Thank you very much

Hey everybody, I'm new to the forum and new to leatherworking, but here's my first attempt at a wallet. I'll keep posting as I make more progress. Let me know any ways you see I can improve. Thanks, Johnny