New to leather work

[zuludog]

8 minutes ago, MtlBiker said:

With the exception that the Tandy code you mention is for NEEDLES (which you certainly meant to say) and not Chisels. 

Ooops! .... yes ..... sorry ...... that was a slip of the keyboard

 

 

[AussieTanker]

21 hours ago, zuludog said:

Let's start with the basics first

Extremely helpful.  Thank you for taking the time to write it all up.  There is so much useful info on this site from so many experienced artisans it's wonderful.

Edited August 27, 2023 by AussieTanker

[Handstitched]

On 8/26/2023 at 4:44 AM, CADman69 said:

I hope this isn't too stupid of a question but like I said, this is 100% new to me and I have no idea where to start, just winging at this time.

Firstly, welcome to the addictive  world of leather, where there is no cure    Theres no such thing as a stupid question, we all had to start somewhere .  That ' stupid' question may save you time , money and frustration .  While we all use similar or same methods to making projects etc.  there  are no ' rulz'  as such to working with leather , everyone may have  their own way of doing things , its the end result that counts . But  most importantly>>>>> Have fun 

HS

[CADman69]

On 8/26/2023 at 10:33 AM, MtlBiker said:

I wish there was a "Like" button here because your reply is excellent and would certainly deserve it.

With the exception that the Tandy code you mention is for NEEDLES (which you certainly meant to say) and not Chisels. 

 

I agree, I wish there was a like button. I can't believe the responses I received on this. I can't say thank you enough to everyone who took the time to reply 

I am still just practice the basics. Threading the needle, locking the thread in and pricking holes and stitching.  

It will be a while before I attempt to actually make something because I want to be good at the basics so I do not get frustrated and loose interest in this craft 

[zuludog]

Just my opinion but ...... I think you should try to make something as soon as you can, even if it's something simple like a key ring or a basic card holder or simple sheaths/slip covers for your knives and stitching chisels, there are  several videos. These are simple enough to learn as you make. Or make your own pattern/mock up from card or thick paper

Making these small projects will show you most of the techniques used in leather work - drawing out a pattern, cutting out the leather, making the stitching holes, saddle stitch, edge finishing, gluing up, threading a needle, waxing the thread, treating/greasing the finished article, and possibly dyeing leather and using an awl. 

To thread a needle cut the thread on a slant or taper/feather it with a knife on a board, then wax it, again there are videos

I started out locking the thread as shown in many videos, but then I thought - Why? I don't do that when I sew fabric. So for several years now I just fold over the thread and it works well enough - I do wax the thread though.

Edited August 30, 2023 by zuludog