looking for some help with a leather portfolio/envelope

[metroplexchl]

All, this is my first post on this awesome forum, but I've been reading a while.  I'm new to leather working and am in need of some help.

I am sewing a leather folder and a leather portfolio.  See pics below of what I am attempting to do.  The leather is relatively thin (3 oz ?) and is to flippy floppy as is.  So, I want to sew in some pigskin on the inside (suede side), but in between the leather outside and the pigskin interior I'd like to add some sort of stiff board or sheet of some rigid material.  I think the kydex sheets that one uses to make holsters would work.....but do ye old gentlemen know of anything as stiff and light as the kydex but cheaper per sheet? Without some sort of stiffiner, the entire portfolio and folder will just crumple into an ugly blob.

 

Chris

[metroplexchl]

Anyone?  how do y'all create rigidity in something like this? Plastic sheet? Tyvex?

 

[electrathon]

There is a backer board that you laminate between two layers.  Tandy sells it, and other places.

[rickdroid]

Try using bag stifner, basically heavy/stiff paper.  try Tandy or Ohio Travel Bag for starters.  You can also try a hardware store for light weight plastic sheets.

rick

[Wdfd908]

I use interfacing that I buy at a fabric store. My local chain sells interfacing for $6.99-$9.99 a yard and I can usually get a 40% off coupon. With the interfacing, just glue it to the suede side and then glue the lining material. I like to trim it just shy of the edge so it doesn't show.

 

 

Edited August 18, 2016 by Wdfd908

[metroplexchl]

These are awesome suggestions amigos.  Thanks a lot.  Not trying to open a can of worms, but what's a good adhesive y'all use?  I've been using basic Eco leather weld adhesive.

[bikermutt07]

I've tried contact cement. Woo the smell. It would be great for that application, I'm sure. Most folks use barge or the 3m spray. M90 is supposed to be "the best spray adhesive". My workspace is in the house so I use this:

It doesn't smell and I can apply it pretty evenly with a brush. It has held together all of my small projects long enough to sew them.

[Wdfd908]

I like weld wood contact cement. If you take the time to let it cure, it works amazing. The smell though...my wife accused me of huffing 

[metroplexchl]

"No, its for the LEATHER, honey!"

[metroplexchl]

I just had a great idea....I found a bunch of old used menus on craigslist for super cheap.  I'm going to pull out the clear plastic sheets and cut those to size.  I'll glue them between the leather exterior and the pig skin interior sheet.

Boom.

chris