Ranga Report post Posted March 11, 2024 Guys, I am looking to make a tote bag for my wife. I have the leather and i have cut the pattern. However, I am having a lot of issues in skiving and stitching. Is there anyone in the Houston area who can work with me on this project please? Do let me know Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mablung Report post Posted March 11, 2024 What kinds of issues? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ranga Report post Posted March 11, 2024 My skiving has not come out great and my punches are not following through to the second layer of leather. So stitching is a huge issue. I just dont know if the punch is not sharp enough, do I need an awl to make the holes in the leather and if the stitching needles are not sharp enough. Hence the request for help in Houston. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mablung Report post Posted March 11, 2024 2 hours ago, Ranga said: My skiving has not come out great and my punches are not following through to the second layer of leather. So stitching is a huge issue. I just dont know if the punch is not sharp enough, do I need an awl to make the holes in the leather and if the stitching needles are not sharp enough. Hence the request for help in Houston. There’s likely a Tandy nearby, or at least near enough to make a day trip. Take a basic construction class and bring your tools, or just go in and ask questions. Skiving takes practice and a scary sharp blade. The “safety beveler” tool makes skiving easier but requires regular blade replacements. How thick is the leather you’re punching through? Most chisels need some sharpening and will need a good hearty whack with a mallet or maul to go through. You’re probably doing fine and have decent enough tools and just need some practice using them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ranga Report post Posted March 11, 2024 You are correct. I may not need to skive at all. Stitching, I found at Tandy that I could use their machines for a fee. So yes, I need to spend time at Tandy to get it stitched and move on from there. Thanks for the assist. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mablung Report post Posted March 11, 2024 1 hour ago, Ranga said: You are correct. I may not need to skive at all. Stitching, I found at Tandy that I could use their machines for a fee. So yes, I need to spend time at Tandy to get it stitched and move on from there. Thanks for the assist. Glad to help in some capacity. What kind of leather are you using? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ranga Report post Posted March 12, 2024 I use two layers. Outer layer is veg tanned and the inner is chrome tanned Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
