Members KayeMagic Posted September 28, 2015 Members Report Posted September 28, 2015 Hey everyone! I am new to leather working and have done a few small projects. As I have limited funds and can't afford a sewing machine I was wondering how you guys make your hand stitching look so good. Any tips or tricks for big/thick projects? Thanks in advance! Quote
Members 25b Posted September 28, 2015 Members Report Posted September 28, 2015 (edited) Youtube. Nigel Armitage / Armitage Leather. "Saddle-stitch in detail" Watch repeatedly until you get it. Edited September 28, 2015 by 25b Quote
Members KayeMagic Posted September 28, 2015 Author Members Report Posted September 28, 2015 Ok great Thanks!! Quote
Members snubbyfan Posted September 29, 2015 Members Report Posted September 29, 2015 My take on hand stitching. I've got some leatherworking videos on my YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOM3hbruUKHov9kquIxXKlA/videos If you'd like to check it out. Quote Keep on Chooglin'Check out my YouTube Channel, comment and subscribe for updateshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOM3hbruUKHov9kquIxXKlA
Members penguineer Posted September 29, 2015 Members Report Posted September 29, 2015 One little tip - "set" the stitching when you've finished, either by rubbing it down with a bone folder or using a smooth face hammer. This tends to even the stitches out and ensure they lay lawn into the stitching groove. Cheers! Quote -- Stupidity is a naturally renewable resource. Any sufficiently advanced magic is indistinguishable from a yo-yo. Chain lube - it's not just a fetish.
Members 25b Posted September 29, 2015 Members Report Posted September 29, 2015 This tends to even the stitches out and ensure they lay lawn into the stitching groove. Cheers! Note to OP...Not everyone cuts a stitching groove into their leather and it is NOT required that you do so...don't let anyone try to tell you otherwise. If you have any questions, please PM me and I'll help. Quote
Members KayeMagic Posted September 29, 2015 Author Members Report Posted September 29, 2015 Thanks Everyone! Quote
Members chiefjason Posted September 30, 2015 Members Report Posted September 30, 2015 I do cut stitch grooves. But I want my thread to lay on or under the surface of the leather. I use a stitch wheel to set spacing. And pre punch my holes with an awl chucked into a drill press. Works well for me. Quote
Members thekid77 Posted September 30, 2015 Members Report Posted September 30, 2015 Hey everyone! I am new to leather working and have done a few small projects. As I have limited funds and can't afford a sewing machine I was wondering how you guys make your hand stitching look so good. Any tips or tricks for big/thick projects? Thanks in advance! Hey there!! I will be the first person to tell you to stay away from most Tandy tools because they are generally poorly machined and made of cheap steel, BUT I would suggest that you also try out Tandy's Fine Diamond Chisel (comes in 6, 7, and 8 stitches per inch, I believe).......the one I use is model # 88056-09 and it works great for wallets and card holders....one of the big advantages of using this chisel is that the teeth are designed to punch thru the leather (they're not tapered), not just to make marks in it as the european pricking irons do..... it's also a time saver (not that anyone doing leatherwork is in a hurry) since you're getting all of your holes punched before you begin stitching, which helps you keep a consistent rhythm and tension going when your feeding the needles thru and pulling the thread tight... If you're punching through thick leather, it can be done with this tool, but i would suggest you punch lightly at first, remove the tool, punch thru a little more, remove, and keep doing this until you're all the way thru....if you try to punch thru 4+ mm of leather or more with this tool, it will get stuck. Also, you may wan to polish the teeth because although the points are sharp, the sides are quite rough.....I hope this helps!!! Quote
Members 25b Posted September 30, 2015 Members Report Posted September 30, 2015 (edited) The Seiwa ones are much better quality than those tandy pieces of garbage. I would strongly recommend anyone considering purchasing stitching chisels to go view Nigel Armitage's comprehensive reviews on them on youtube. I personally have used both and the Seiwa ones are the best in my (and others') opinion. Edited September 30, 2015 by 25b Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.