Pricking Iron for a beginner!

[Tequila]

@Key  I’m surprised no one mentioned something that I always do before hand stitching, using a stitch groover.  The groover creates a small groove where you’re going to stitch, that allows the thread to “lay in” the leather, it also gives you a line to follow whether you use pricking irons or chisels.   Of course you can always just use a wheel to mark your holes and then use an awl. 

I’d practice (a lot), as @zuludog said, everything looks easy when done by someone with years of experience.  To make a good saddle stitch you need to be consistent and repeatable, over and over again. 

[Klara]

Not everybody uses a groover, it's as simple as that. 

@Key Really fine leather is not sewn in saddle stitch, as far as I know, but with glover's needles. The names indicate the purpose. And frankly, I would think that shoes are a very different subject altogether. Because, as with saddles, it's not just a question of making an item well, but of making something that fits well, which adds a whole other dimension. 

In your place I would start out leatherwork with Jo's pattern for a needle case. It's free, easy to make and you end up with a useful item. Then maybe a checkbook cover, if you use checks. Or a simple wallet or card holder. Those are essentially flat items, which simplifies things. Then move up to 3D bags (those with a gusset) - I find them much more difficult, if only because they are more difficult to hold for stitching. And then consider what you really want to do. 

 

[DaveP]

My two cents worth... I've only been saddle stitching for about 2 years now. I started with Tandy diamond stitching chisels in 3.5 mm. They worked fine for me at the time. Until I bent one (my fault). I replaced the single one I had bent. But after watching a lot of Nigel's videos on saddle stitching I purchased Kevin Lee stitching chisels. Made my saddle stitching 100% better!! Front and back. They are a little spendy but I think worth every penny. I have never used a groover as I don't like that look personally. Drilled holes same. I only make knife sheaths and the occasional small wallet and minimalist wallets.

 

1 st pic with Tandy tools.

2nd with Kevin Lee...much cleaner and more distinct angle. Which I prefer. 

2nd pic

[Jaxx1024]

Thanks for those photos. I think sheaths are on my list of to do’s but still working with flat stuff for now.