Introduction for a beginner

[zuludog]

I've been approached by my local community centre to give an introduction to leatherwork to a class of 10 to 12 people. Class duration is 3 hours

My idea is to keep it very simple, mainly because I know that these sort of things very easily run over time. So it would be a key fob, as follows -

Draw out the pattern with a wooden template, an elongated figure of 8 shape, then cut it out

Pass through keyring, fold over, and check the shape

Tack together with general purpose glue

Make holes with a 2 prong 4mm stitching chisel

Sew with saddle stitch

Trim & bevel edges

Burnish edges with beeswax & a small piece of folded leather

Treat with leather grease

The centre doesn't have any specific leatherworking tools, but they have cutting boards, craft knives, contact glue, and the usual odds 'n' ends for other crafts

They don't have much money to spare, so I thought to keep the costs and the time down I wouldn't bother with stitch grooving

I'm also hoping that if I take my edge beveller that would do for all of them if they got a move on

I'll take my stitching chisel & mallet, but they will have to buy another one or two stitching chisels themselves as I think just one between 10 would be too slow. They already have hammers & mallets. This would be small enough to sew on the bench without a sewing clamp.

I'd get a pack of keyrings from Tandy; either their bag of remnants or a cheap belly; a couple of packs of needles

I have loads of thread myself, waxed & unwaxed, they can use that. I'll also take an awl or two in case the stitching chisel holes need a bit of extra work

The centre does fretwork. They can make their own templates as part of this project

Any comments? I'm sure I've forgotten something

 

[bikermutt07]

Sounds like you got it. Check out "be a hero" video by Kevin at Springfield Leather. It may help a little.

[fivewayswelshcobs]

Hi Zuludog sounds a good idea but I would check about the glue some places can be funny about it not sure why could be fumes. It might be worth taking some small scraps to practice stitching or finishing on first.

[zuludog]

The glue will be OK, they already use it for other projects like felt work, and they keep it in stock so I wouldn't meed to buy it especially. It is only to hold the leather in place while it is sewn

Both myself and the centre's staff wanted to do something that could be made and taken home after one session, to keep up interest. After that we could consider other projects, and practising techniques

That's why there is nothing like dyeing, stamping, or applique for this first session, which would also mean buying tools & materials.

Like most local authorities they are strapped for cash, and many of those attending are quite hard up, being long term unemployed, or have other problems, like young offenders, or suffering from depression. So we wanted something quick, cheap, and easy at first to generate a bit of interest and enthusiasm. Who knows, it might just inspire someone to become a professional leatherworker or saddler. 

Edited August 21, 2016 by zuludog

[zuludog]

I've thought of a couple of changes

Instead of making a wooden template they can make one from stiff paper or card, folded over; cut both layers so the fold will be inside the keyring. That will be quicker and easier than making a wooden one, and serve as both a trial/prototype and a pattern. It also means the two halves will be the same shape & size

I'll get a belly instead of a bag of remnants. Using remnants would take time picking & fiddling, and it would be disappointing if we didn't have enough decent pieces. Bellies are cheap enough, about £13, and I've seen them in Tandy's Manchester shop on offer at £11. As I will be going to the shop to buy the other items I'll see if they have anything else on offer