Notebook And Passport Cover/wallet

[BarrelPony]

Hello, I am looking to make a birthday gift for my brother who is a pilot. I stumbled across a listing on etsy I really like. It's a Field Notes cover that doubles as a wallet and passport holder:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/160501114/field-notes-cover-wallet-horween-latigo?ref=cat_gallery_12&from_reg=2&joined=contact-seller&box=1

(Scroll down to see the listing once you click on the link.)

I'm new to leather for the most part, so I have a few questions. The leather used in the etsy listing is 2 to 2.5 mm in thickness. I found 3 pieces of 4 to 5 oz vegetable tanned leather online for around $20.00. Each piece averages about 2.5 to 3 feet. Is that a good deal for that much leather, and will it suit my project well?

I'm also looking into getting a 6 prong chisel for my stitches. What mm should I get for this kind of a project, and what kind and size of thread should I buy? I have some waxed thread, but have no idea what size it is.

And finally, any pattern making tips? Thanks in advance for your help!

Edited December 12, 2015 by BarrelPony

[pnj]

I use this leather in 2/3 ounce for my wallets/passport covers.

http://springfieldleather.com/20623/Side%2CTooling%2C2-3oz%2CSoft/

Two square feet is more than enough.

You'll need dye or oil or something to finish that leather. I use Fiebings dye.

Making a template/pattern is pretty easy but this isn't a bad place to start and the price is great too.

https://www.leathercraftlibrary.com/p-1867-field-notes-cover-pattern.aspx?

You'll need thread/needles and some way to poke holes in your leather. I use a stitching chisel.

Something like this

http://springfieldleather.com/19454/Chisel%2CLacing%2C1-8%22%2C4-Prong/

I am blind so I like using 4.5mm pitch on my chisels.

I use Tiger Thread that is .8mm

Many people like using 3-4mm pitch and .6mm thread.

Hope this helps point you in the right direction.

Edited December 13, 2015 by pnj

[BarrelPony]

Thank you so much for detailed reply pnj!

That leather looks perfect for what I want to do. Thanks so much for the tip, I will be buying some as well as a a chisel from there.

Also thanks for pointing me toward that pattern, it looks a lot like the one I am trying to make, I will look into getting it.

Any dyeing tips? I will be using Fiebings Saddle Tan. Do you recommend diluting it with water? I've never dyed that way, but I have heard it works well. Oh, and what finisher do you use? I have Angelus matte, that I use for my leather painting.

Thanks again!

Edited December 13, 2015 by BarrelPony

[Widget]

Don't dilute the Fiebings with water. Depending on what you're using it's either alcohol based (spirit dye) or oil based (Pro Oil is the name they use for it.). They (Fiebing's) makes their own product for it. http://shop.fiebing.com/c/leathercraft_dyes_dye-reducer.

To 2nd PNJ's suggestion, I've bought that pattern from leatherworker.net and while I haven't actually made one yet, the pattern is solid and a good starting point, and it's only a few bucks.

Good luck!