captain Report post Posted February 7, 2013 Hi guys. I am very new to leather. I want to make some simple, high quality leather portfolio/envelope/clutch pieces. However, Ideally I would like to not have to use a sewing machine (1. because I want a more hand-done, authentic look, and 2 I don't have an industrial sewing machine So I was wondering what the best way to approach this would be. I was thinking a tonging chisel/punch like this: http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/search/searchresults/3008-00.aspx Is there a better way? Is there a trick to lining it up so that the holes match on both sides for sewing? I will be making my own template, but here is a rough idea of what I am looking to make: http://www.swellmayde.com/2011/03/diy-envelope-clutch.html I'll also need help with correct thread, stitches, etc. But I'll take it one step at a time. Thanks guys! (I will most likely be using a 6oz weight leather) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chief31794 Report post Posted February 7, 2013 (edited) Captain, That's not the chisel you want. If you are looking for an alternative to using a stitching awl, then you want a Diamond Shaped Chisel. Tandy sells them as well. This is what they look like. http://www.tandyleat...s/88044-06.aspx. I would get a 6 prong and a single prong http://www.tandyleat...s/88043-00.aspx They come in three different SPI configurations. The first one is the six prong and does about an inch of length at a time the other is to place holes that are offset due to not quite matching up (avoid that as much as possible, but it still happens), I also use a two prong for going around curves. The thonging chisel is used to make slits for lacing. The diamond point is for sewing. Hope that helps, Chief Edited February 7, 2013 by Chief31794 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
captain Report post Posted February 7, 2013 Captain, That's not the chisel you want. If you are looking for an alternative to using a stitching awl, then you want a Diamond Shaped Chisel. Tandy sells them as well. This is what they look like. http://www.tandyleat...s/88044-06.aspx. I would get a 6 prong and a single prong http://www.tandyleat...s/88043-00.aspx They come in three different SPI configurations. The first one is the six prong and does about an inch of length at a time the other is to place holes that are offset due to not quite matching up (avoid that as much as possible, but it still happens), I also use a two prong for going around curves. The thonging chisel is used to make slits for lacing. The diamond point is for sewing. Hope that helps, Chief Thanks! That definitely helps (shows how much I know!) Is there a trick for getting the holes on both sides to lining up perfectly when making holes with the chisel? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chief31794 Report post Posted February 7, 2013 Thanks! That definitely helps (shows how much I know!) Is there a trick for getting the holes on both sides to lining up perfectly when making holes with the chisel? Nope, best to glue the two sides together temporarily and punch through both pieces at the same time. Use a stitch groover (also available from several places) glue just the edges together with either rubber cement or contact cement, or a good leather cement. I use tanner's bond white leather glue for this then clamp the pieces together. The tanner's bond gives you some working time to align the pieces, so let it set in the clamps for at least an hour. If the edges come out a little uneven you can sand them lightly to make them neat and aligned, it also removes any glue residue from the seam. Chief Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted February 7, 2013 Thanks! That definitely helps (shows how much I know!) Is there a trick for getting the holes on both sides to lining up perfectly when making holes with the chisel? Yes, glue it together first. Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
captain Report post Posted February 7, 2013 Yes, glue it together first. Tom Oh really? What kind of glue? Again...sorry for the ignorance here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chief31794 Report post Posted February 7, 2013 I mentioned the three types of glue used most in the post above. Chief Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
captain Report post Posted February 7, 2013 I mentioned the three types of glue used most in the post above. Chief Sorry Chief, Didn't see that post earlier. Thanks so much! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
humperdingle Report post Posted February 7, 2013 There's a coincidence... I made an A4 sized one today... It's only really two pieces for the main body. I pricked holes in the front part, then glued it to the back with PVA just to hold it while I punched through and stitched. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
captain Report post Posted February 8, 2013 There's a coincidence... I made an A4 sized one today... It's only really two pieces for the main body. I pricked holes in the front part, then glued it to the back with PVA just to hold it while I punched through and stitched. Very nice! A4 as in a4 paper size? Mine will be similar but I plan using old buttons as the "clasps" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
humperdingle Report post Posted February 8, 2013 Thanks. Quite pleased with it as It's only my 4th project so far. The leather should darken with some conditioner and over time. Yes, A4 paper. I used a bigger A4 folder to get the right size, so it wouldn't be too tight. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
