Simple Instuction Leather Crafting Book

[countrygal]

Hi

I am new to this forum, and to the world of leather crafting.

I understand from other posts that A L Stohlman is the author that I should look out for with regard to starting to learn leather crafting skills.

I have decided to purchase "The art of hand sewing leather" and "Leathercraft Tools" book by this author, however I would really like to purchase a book to guide me in the cutting of the different leathers, suedes etc.

Although no doubt I am along way off achieving my current goals, what I would like to do first is to start with learning to make items with soft leather such as medicine bags and possible bags.... with tassels....I love tassels.........that kind of style.

With a longterm view of eventually progressing to creating a wonderful hand tooled ladies saddle bag made out of thicker leather.

At the moment it is all a world of mystries and dreams. But I would love to bring this dream to life and would be so very grateful if you suggest any relevant and simple instructional books.

Thank you for your time

[Chavez]

Hi!

There are many bags in Stohlman's "Art of making leather cases vol 2" if I'm not mistaken. Although the first volume is very informative too, so that's a good book to have when you are starting out.

Valerie Michael's handbook gives a great into into leatherwork and guides you through making a few bags as well as some other small items.

For some beginner tooling patterns get a copy of Stohlman's "Patterns & Designs".

Good luck!

[Glendon]

I would agree with Chavez completely. I would suggest investing in the 3 volumes of "The Art of Making Leather Cases". The techniques tend to follow from one volume to the next. I wouldn't follow each pattern exactly, but if you take the skills and move from a couple of the smaller projects in volume one to the larger projects in volume three, you should be able to work out how you would want to make just about anything short of clothing.

"The Leatherworking Handbook" by Valerie Michael is also very handy to have. I find I refer to the leather thickness chart in that book quite often. I also found the illustrations for sewing in that book more helpful then the ones in "The art of hand sewing leather". Personal preference, but I found having both helpful.

[countrygal]

Hi

I would just like to thank both of you for all your advice and for the information on the correct books to purchase.

I will now be buying these books you have recommended instead of the books I initially thought of buying.

Could I ask some more advice from you.

I would like to purchase a pair of leather sissors, and would like to buy to best.

Again having read other threads, I can see that the Gingher knife edge sissors are highly recommended.

Having visited the Gingher website I can see there are 2 pages of these knife edge sissors.

Can you please recommend the correct sissors I should purchase.

Many thanks

[Mike516]

My favorite book is "Leatherwork Manual" by Al Stohlman, AD Patten and JA Wilson. Very basic and old (I think it was printed in the late '60's) but I love it. I got a used copy in new condition for like 10 bucks.

Edited April 19, 2012 by Mike516