Decorative Stitching/Embossing on a Driving Bridle

[TomE]

Does anyone know what this style of decorative stitching is called and how it is done?  I'm interested in how they created the relief in the decorative design.  Any resources for learning this technique?  This example is from the Society of Master Saddlers national saddlery competition.  Thanks for looking.

[BlackDragon]

I believe it's known as trapunto-style leather stitching.

Basically it's similar to making a raised brow band but much more elaborate. You need a core made out of leather or cork, then you mold and glue your leather around the core, then stitch in place.

[TomE]

Thank you, @BlackDragon!  "Trapunto" gives me lots of in roads for exploring.  I also found the Stohlman book on embossing leather as a free download at the Tandy website.  He describes using linen thread as a filler for small raised designs with parallel edges, but he doesn't stitch around the borders of the embossed designs.

Facebook revealed that Catrien Coppens made the bridle in the picture.  She's a saddler at the Royal Mews who has won numeous competitions.  She does tutoring and will be teaching classes this month at the Walsall Leather Skills Centre.  Think I'll get in touch to see if she's willing to do some long distance tutoring.

[BlackDragon]

1 hour ago, TomE said:

Thank you, @BlackDragon!  "Trapunto" gives me lots of in roads for exploring.  I also found the Stohlman book on embossing leather as a free download at the Tandy website.  He describes using linen thread as a filler for small raised designs with parallel edges, but he doesn't stitch around the borders of the embossed designs.

Facebook revealed that Catrien Coppens made the bridle in the picture.  She's a saddler at the Royal Mews who has won numeous competitions.  She does tutoring and will be teaching classes this month at the Walsall Leather Skills Centre.  Think I'll get in touch to see if she's willing to do some long distance tutoring.

Not sure why I didn't remember using thread as a filler, I do this on the spine when I rebind books. 

I looked Catrien Coppens up a little and she does some amazing work! That would be so cool if she could do that. Maybe she would be will to do a basic webinar on the embossing.