Techniques For Multi-Layering Thin Leather?

[Jimdad]

I've got some 3oz soft/medium-tempered horse front that I really like the look of, and I'd like to layer it for user in journal covers & messenger bags.

For journal covers, apart from the aesthetics, is there any reason I should cement flesh to flesh or flesh to grain? I'd be stitching it either way, both for the aesthetics of the stitches and the added strength to prevent delamination.

On a bag, do you think I would need and additional layer between, like bag stiffener or something firmer in temper?

[ConradPark]

I often see random questions like yours on this forum that never gets any answer. While I understand why that might be, maybe you don't. Basically it is hard to give an answer when there is no pictures. Pictures helps! Also your question is kind of too general. Unless you show an example and want specific feedback on that project, everything else stays hypothetical. Also, if you actually do the project first, a few of your questions might answer them self. Besides, people will always have different tastes. Unless it is a critical technical issue, it is really only up to you or the customer to decide what suits you.

So go ahead, make your project and come back for feedback when you have some pictures to show! Good luck.

[SmokeyPoint]

I've got some 3oz soft/medium-tempered horse front that I really like the look of, and I'd like to layer it for user in journal covers & messenger bags.

For journal covers, apart from the aesthetics, is there any reason I should cement flesh to flesh or flesh to grain? I'd be stitching it either way, both for the aesthetics of the stitches and the added strength to prevent delamination.

On a bag, do you think I would need and additional layer between, like bag stiffener or something firmer in temper?

I could be wrong about this, but I believe flesh to flesh will always be stronger unless you get specific (read expensive) adhesives. When I glue flesh to flesh, I end up tearing the leather when I try to separate after a couple hours. I get very different results gluing flesh to grain. I can pull those apart easily unless I sand through the grain, and then what's the point if you're gluing the whole surface?

Bag stiffener - probably not necessary. Using a good leather or suede glued and sewn to the exterior leather, you should be ok. If you're starting with 3oz already, you don't need much more to make a good, rigid bag.

Do what I call a "taster." (From the culinary world) Hack off a piece of both leathers you're thinking about using, glue and sew it like the end result would be, and you'll know what you'll be dealing with, how the glue holds, how it will look, how it sews, etc. Always better than getting to final assembly and realizing your glue is insufficient to hold during the sewing, or whatever.

[dirtclod]

I could be wrong about this, but I believe flesh to flesh will always be stronger unless you get specific (read expensive) adhesives. When I glue flesh to flesh, I end up tearing the leather when I try to separate after a couple hours. I get very different results gluing flesh to grain. I can pull those apart easily unless I sand through the grain, and then what's the point if you're gluing the whole surface?

I see this claim all the time the leather will tear if take it apart. I've doing leatherwork full time for over 20 years and i have had to take projects apart after the glue has dried and i have NEVER had the leather tear when i took them apart. Some of them were hard to get started but never had the leather tear. I used Barge yellow glue for years and have been using Weldwood for the 2 or 3 years. Sounds like you need to get a better grade of leather. I would really like to see a picture of a piece where the leather tears when it's took apart.

Edited October 9, 2015 by dirtclod

[Jimdad]

Thanks folks,

I could be wrong about this, but I believe flesh to flesh will always be stronger unless you get specific (read expensive) adhesives. When I glue flesh to flesh, I end up tearing the leather when I try to separate after a couple hours. I get very different results gluing flesh to grain. I can pull those apart easily unless I sand through the grain, and then what's the point if you're gluing the whole surface?

Bag stiffener - probably not necessary. Using a good leather or suede glued and sewn to the exterior leather, you should be ok. If you're starting with 3oz already, you don't need much more to make a good, rigid bag.

Do what I call a "taster." (From the culinary world) Hack off a piece of both leathers you're thinking about using, glue and sew it like the end result would be, and you'll know what you'll be dealing with, how the glue holds, how it will look, how it sews, etc. Always better than getting to final assembly and realizing your glue is insufficient to hold during the sewing, or whatever.

Thanks, very helpful!