Any Books Or Video Guides On Fine Leather Working?

[DavidL]

I've been looking around and the only resource I have found for in-depth (over 150 pages) instruction is from theleatherconnection.com.

Are there any other books that have a ton of important info on the basics of leather and how to make bags and small leather goods (wallets, pouches..) even if they are short books. Guided videos would be something I'm interested in too. The books I'm looking for are the intermediate - expert level. Books that go in-depth on types of leathers and basic techniques I would be interested in as well.

The ones so far I have seen so far for consumer type leather working:

japanese leather craft books.

Leatherworking manual.

Theleatherconnection.com manuals.

[Hi Im Joe]

I would say the leatherworking manual is really good by Valerie Michael. Not a long book but tons of good info. You just have to be willing to figure some stuff out on your own.

Secondly, for bags I would say check out Arthur Porter's Youtube videos. REALLY long and REALLY in-depth about how to make a few different styles of bags. Highly recommended.

[Greystone]

Ditto for Arthur Porter

[DavidL]

thanks!

[Basically Bob]

Like Joe, I use Valerie Michael's book (The leatherworking Handbook) extensively for stitching info. I use Al Stohlman's techniques outlined in his "The Art of Making Leather Cases" Volumes one and two. Val Michael's techniques are in the "British" style which is my personal preference.

[Basically Bob]

.... I should have explained a bit more. I use the Stohlman books, primarily as a reference for case construction techniques, loops, hardware attachment etc. but do not use the North American stitching style (grooving a stitch line).

[DavidL]

.... I should have explained a bit more. I use the Stohlman books, primarily as a reference for case construction techniques, loops, hardware attachment etc. but do not use the North American stitching style (grooving a stitch line).

Can you explain what type of cases are in the book? Are we talking about suit cases, luggage cases or backpacks.

[Basically Bob]

Sure.

Volume one covers the basics: attaching hardware, shields and tabs, bckles , rivets and snaps, the correct way to attach belt loops. Knife sheaths, cheque book covers and a mote book cover. Volume two is more advanced with lots of info on the construction of various handles and installing zippers.brief cases, toiletry bags, book/bible covers etc..

Lots of info on the internet about all of Al Stohlman's books.

[DavidL]

Thanks. volume 2 sounds interesting.

[billybopp]

All three of the Stohlman case books are pretty good. They are best read in order, as they somewhat build on skills presented in previous volumes. Many of the demo projects are outdated (Polaroid camera case, etc), but the skills taught are still very much valid and useful. All three are downloadable from Tandy's Leathercraft library for $9.99US each at the moment. https://www.leathercraftlibrary.com/c-79-ebooks.aspx?pagenum=1

Hope that helps

Bil

[KeepItSimple]

I find the Armitage Leather YouTube channel very helpful for hand stitching.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8urn9l3pybW5LztUa6zbOA

He goes into a lot of detail on how to hand stitch leather and how to make your stitching look top knotch

[raysouth]

Hello keepitSimple,

Just watched the video you suggested and it was great. Do you, or anyone else, have any idea where such a box holding clamp might be available? With my hands, something like this would be a valuable asset.

Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year.

God Bless.

Ray

[Colt W Knight]

I really like Stohlman books for techniques and such, but a lot of the patterns are out dated in a lot of his books.

[verus22]

I have all of the above books. I love the Leather Case manuals by Al Stohlman (all 3), and the Leatherconnection manuals (I have all 4) go into all the little nitty-gritty details (that I love!), but can be hard to follow at times (videos would have been great, but a good imagination helps!). They are VERY detailed. I only have one of the Japanese books so far, but despite the language barrier, the pictures make it easy to follow, especially if you have prior knowledge of the basics. Valerie Michael's book is also a great reference! Also, Al Stohlman's "Art of Hand Sewing Leather" is another great book! Videos: anything by Nigel Armitage (Armitage Leather), Ian Akinson (Leodis Leather), Tandy Leather, Springfield Leather, all on youtube, really great tutorials!!! I don't carve or stamp, so I can't help you there, sorry! Hope this helps!