Hand Stitching Thinner Leather

[tboyce]

I've been making some card wallets and I've noticed that, as I hand stitch these thinner chrome tanned leathers, they tend to bunch up and warp a bit. How does one avoid or correct that issue? (or am I the only one experiencing this?)

Thanks in advance for any suggestions

Tom

[Jim]

The simple answer is to use a lock stitch (single needle and thread) as opposed to the saddle stitch. This will give you better control on how tight the stitches are, or in this case aren't.

I've run into the same problem and this solved it.

Jim

Edited May 28, 2015 by Jim

[ConradPark]

Another way, and this is how most commercial bag/accessories manufacturers are doing it, is to use a professional leather stiffener glued in between layers, often the outer but sometimes all layers.

Even when the edges are skived to be thin for rolled edges or other reasons, there's usually enough material left for making it more rigid than the 'flimsy' leather. Sometimes, thin veg tan leather can substitute. When I thin larger pieces of leather, I always keep the flesh side off cuts, just for reasons like this, and also to use for prototype making so I save on wasting expensive leather.

Also, while it takes some experience, it's fully possible to saddle stitch thin layers of flimsy chrome leather or skins - even without stiffener. A slow and light approach, pulling both threads at the same time, and also using the thinnest thread and a small stitch count.

Good Luck.

Edited May 28, 2015 by ConradPark

[tboyce]

Thanks guys