JubWub Report post Posted April 27, 2015 Im having alot of trouble starting out leather working. i realy want to stick with this hobby because its fun. the thing im having trouble with is how to stitch, and ALOT of other things. im just confused when making a wallet and stuff, i dont know what to do first . im just scared that i will leave this hobby but i really dont want to. PLEASE help me and explain leather working. i am going to start fresh from the beggining so i understand it. can someone explain leather working to me and explain everything i need to know and all the technics or just send me videos of leather workng or any thing that will help me, thanks you to everyone who helped me, i really do appreciate it, (sorry about my gramar, my keyboard stinks) THANK YOU GUYS (GALS) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
papaw Report post Posted April 27, 2015 First off people here will share info as to what to do tooling and matl. needed. I would start off looking on u tube for making leather wallets and any other items you wish to make, there are so many videos from some of the best leather workers out there today. You can then ask the questions as you need answers for, even telling you will no help if you don't understand what you are told. Also if you put the area of the country your from you make have someone in your back yard that may offer to help. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JubWub Report post Posted April 27, 2015 thanks so much, there is something that I don't understand but It is SO hard to explain why and what I don't understand Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomG Report post Posted April 27, 2015 Hey JubWub... That's sort of like saying "I want to go to the moon.. how do I build a rocket..." It's like anything else. You need a starting point. To start, you need to understand that there is stamping and there is carving. I would start with stamping to learn how the leather feels and acts during manipulation. Both require leather to be cased. There is an excellent thread on here about it. Get a few pieces of scrap from Tandy or Springfield, or a cheap shoulder or even a belly. Learn to case it. Get a few stamps. Practice using guide lines to stamp straight. Practice blending stamps to create designs. Get a medium brown oil based dye. Use alcohol or even water to dilute it to different shades of brown. Go to Tandy's website and do the free tutorials to see how to use most of the tools they sell. As Papaw said.. look at YouTube for some videos and tutorial. Then try the techniques. Good leatherwork can take years to perfect, but you can turn out "acceptable" work with some practice. Some folks are naturally talented.. others of us have to really concentrate and struggle with some aspects of it.... But there will always be some project that you can do to get enjoyment out of. And again.. like Papaw said.. As specific questions.. do searches here on specific questions.... many have already been answered. And don't give up!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
King's X Report post Posted April 28, 2015 If I may suggest the Al Stohlman's Hand sewing book available on-line, Amazon or other outlets. There are a couple of cheap issues on eBay. This is probably one of the best materials that will help you build up your confidence. Keep at it! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JubWub Report post Posted April 28, 2015 I really am happy for your response and I am very thankfull for people like you to help me, thank you so much, its just I just started to like leatherworking like 3 days ago, and I don't know most of the leatherworking vocab you told me, thanks you for the help and I just feel so streasted that I don't know anything but ill get better, I hope. when you started did you have trouble like this? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomG Report post Posted April 28, 2015 Not really stressed. But a little lost at times. But I had a local mentor of sorts. And that was before I found the leatherworkers site. What equipment and supplies do you have? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
camano ridge Report post Posted April 28, 2015 Justin, if you have only been looking into leather work the last 3 days, I assume that is since your first post. Don't give up just yet. I have been doing leather work for 40 years and still occasionally feel like throwing something across the room (please don't throw anything). What I want you to do is take a deep breath pick a project you want to do then let us know and we will walk you through the basics answering your questions as you go. If you are not sure of what a certain term means ask. If you have started a project and are having trouble with it post a picture and tell us what you are having trouble with. You have already been told to look up you tube videos for what ever project you want to do. There are other videos such as from Ian Atkins and Niegel Armitage that will help. Do not worry if your first project does not go well. Over the years I have accumulated a box of projects that did not go well. They are learning experiences. So do the best to describe the problem you are having now to the best of your ability and we will see if we can figure it out. Don't worry about getting the terminology right. Some of us even understand technical terms like thing-a-ma-jig and doo hicky. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
King's X Report post Posted April 28, 2015 Ditto! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JubWub Report post Posted April 28, 2015 i have nothing yet, I don't have anything to use, nor do I have leather, I have no idea what tools to get and I don't know what leathr to use. that's one thing I need help with, can you help? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JubWub Report post Posted April 28, 2015 THank you very much and I will be wanting to make a wallet which I have always wanted to make. as I make it I will be streaming it live which then you can come on and help me out and tell me what to do live, the webste is twitch.tv I really hope you guys can help. I just have no tools and my bad, I have been into leatherwkring for 3 weeks, I forgot to add weeks. and last thing can you help me find tools? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomG Report post Posted April 28, 2015 (edited) Tandy has a starter set for $50 (#55501-00). It has a few basic tools, a swivel knife, 4 projects, and some other stuff. One of the things you have to be careful of is the disease.... Buying tools you really don't need yet.. or will never need.. gets expensive fast. Oh.. No one has pointed out.. to carve or stamp, we use Veg-Tan leather. For garments, we use chrome-tan or other leathers. Where do you live? Edited April 28, 2015 by TomG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JubWub Report post Posted April 28, 2015 well I have heard that getting a kit is not really good, I would rather get my own tools that I can rely on and that fit and feel conftorbale with. I also live in orange ct, I know there is a tandys near me Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
camano ridge Report post Posted April 28, 2015 Justin, you have been given good information on where to get tools. You don't have to have a pre set package of tools. All though the starter set pretty much has what you need to get started. You were also told to call Kevin at Springfield leather. He will not treat you like a 13 year old kid, he will treat you like a customer and will answer questions and make suggestions. Also on there website is ask Kevin, it is where you can ask questions on line and you will get answers. Get some leather or a wallet kit a few basic tools, and get to work. You can't really begin to understand a lot of it until you start to do it. If you need a list of basic leather tools, do a search on these forums, it has been discussed many times and there have been many lists made. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomG Report post Posted April 28, 2015 Kits depend... the only problem I have with kits, is I have seen some of the precut leather can be a little dry. And that wooden mallet sucks. The tools will be the same as on the Tandy shelf. Not top of the line, but sufficient to see if you are going to like the hobby. 5 stamps will cost as much as that starter set. You will also need a good slab of granite. And maybe a Poly mallet to start. Others will chime in on their opinions as well, I hope.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JubWub Report post Posted April 28, 2015 I asked kevin a few questions, when he responds ill let you know what he said Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JubWub Report post Posted April 28, 2015 im also in chat right no Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zuludog Report post Posted April 28, 2015 The problem with leatherwork is that like most other activities or hobbies, there is a lot to learn, understand, and buy all at once I suggest that before you buy anything you do some homework and then start simple Other people have posted similar requests, and the replies will also apply you. Here are some suggestions Look at previous threads on this forum, especially Leatherwork conversation, Getting Started, How Do I Do That? and Leather Tools There are lots of videos on YouTube. Just put leatherwork into the search box These two books will be very helpful The Leatherworking Handbook by Valerie Michael The Art of Hand Sewing Leather by Al Stohlman You can learn a lot by making a key fob - making a pattern, cutting out, edge bevelling, use of an awl, pricking iron, stitching chisel, saddle stitch, stitch groover, edge burnishing, and if you wish, dyeing and tooling. As for tools, your choice is either to buy a starter kit, or get them as you need them. My suggestion would be to only get a starter kit if you can get it at a reduced price. Buy tools as you need them, and understand what they're for, and how to use them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zuludog Report post Posted April 28, 2015 You do blacksmithing, work with clay, and are keen to start leatherwork, so it sounds as though you are practical and confident at working with your hands. Then you could try making some tools yourself; keeps the costs down and is a satisfying thing to do. Try An edge slicker or burnisher A round/scratch awl - something like a thick pin or needle, a nail, or hard stiff wire, mounted in a home made handle. As I'm British I have used an old dart head A sharpening strop, from scraps of timber and leather. I just used ordinary general purpose glue and weighted it down overnight with a pile of books Perhaps a sewing pony. It doesn't have to be a shining example of the cabinet maker's art, as long as it does the job Get ideas from this forum, and look at the suppliers' websites for ideas. will give you an idea of what's available, and the prices - Tandy, Goods Japan, Osborne, Vergez-Blanchard; you will hear of others or surf the Net for leather tools, leathercraft suppliers, and so on Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
byggyns Report post Posted May 1, 2015 If you are close to a Tandy, sign up for a class there. If Hartfort, CT. is the closest to you , they have classes just about every Saturday in May. According to the Tandy website, they still have 6 spots open for a stitching & lacing class tomorrow. As has been said, there is really no replacement for getting your hands on some leather & getting started. Using some tools at the store that you don't have to buy yourself will show you what you like & don't like in some of the tools that Tandy sells. Most Tandy kists come with the basic supplies needed. You will have to buy rivet / snap setters, any stamps for tooling, and dyes / finishes if you use their kits. Once you take a few classes or make a few kits, you can start to design & build things on your own from a shoulder or side. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
