VRSDesigns Report post Posted July 28, 2014 Hi All I'm new to leather working and I am having a slight problem when cutting. I am noticing that one of the corners is a mm or so out when cutting. I have tried using a fiskars rotary cutter with a steel ruler. On one of them green self healing cutting mats. Could I be using the wrong tools and surface to cut on? I would appreciate and advice and guidance anyone can share with me! Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ConradPark Report post Posted July 28, 2014 Leather is a flexible material, especially with thinner weights it will never be exactly down to the mm so I wouldn't say you're using the wrong tools. I always have at least a mm in allowance on all sides for smaller projects. After gluing together I cut away larger excess and then sew everything, after that I sandpaper the edges and start the finishing process, by then the mm difference will be gone. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
walletman Report post Posted July 28, 2014 Hi yes glue it first then cut or try just cutting from each side to the middle To stop it streching All so a thin layer of cork on the underside of your ruler to stop it slipping Hope it work Walletman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VRSDesigns Report post Posted July 28, 2014 (edited) Thank you ConradPark & WalletMan for you're replies, greatly appreciated. The Leather I'm using is very thin, I don't know the right term for it but I think it's pre treated. No colouring or wax finished required. I do think I'm trying to be perfect with it, with no margin of error. Fault of my previous job were everything had to be perfect with no margin for error. On the tool side I've brought a straight blade knife just this morning, as I think all the safety features on rotary blade might be getting in the way. I will implement the suggestions you have both made for which I'm thankful allowing me too get over this slight stumble. Cheers Edited July 28, 2014 by VRSDesigns Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hi Im Joe Report post Posted July 28, 2014 It's probably just practice. I know it took me a while to get to where I was cutting everything true and square. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted July 28, 2014 Keep your knife perpendicular to the leather. Just a slight lean could put you off a mm. Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VRSDesigns Report post Posted July 28, 2014 Joe/Tom Thank you for you're feedback. Practice is something that will play a major part. But all the little tips and hints I am finding useful Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rickybobby Report post Posted July 28, 2014 I would think 1mm is not a huge difference to be concerned with. The leather will differ in size while working with it in regards to moisture content, tooling, pulling, stretching while assembling a project, ect. Think about it this way... 1 mm difference from one side to the other is only 1/2mm off on each side. Don't be to hung up on small things, you may begin to dislike the craft searching for perfection. Make your item to the best of your ability and see what others enjoy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VRSDesigns Report post Posted July 28, 2014 Hi Rick Thank you for you're message. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
