Basics help split leather

[Tacblades]

I think i will have a lot of very basic questions to start out??? 

Not sure if this is the right area.

I want to practice with a swivel knife,  but dont want to waste any tool leather,  as i dont have any scrap yet,  i do have loads of split leather,  can i use this to practice on? 

Oh and loads of bags for full grain old leather scavanged from a leather couch. 

Thanks. 

Edited October 8, 2016 by Tacblades

[Tacblades]

Well less thinking more doing

Tried the split leather and didnt work,  too thin too hard. 

So just went for it. 

 

[bikermutt07]

Great start.

[Tacblades]

Had a go at a bit of stitching too

[bikermutt07]

Did you tap the stitches down with a mallet? If you do it makes them pop a little bit.

[Tacblades]

36 minutes ago, bikermutt07 said:

Did you tap the stitches down with a mallet? If you do it makes them pop a little bit.

No i will try that,  dont have a mallet yet  also i think my stitch spacing is too small,  not sure what the right length of stitch is? 

[bikermutt07]

It just depends. What your sewing, size of thread and awl.

There is a balance or relationship between awl size, thread size,  needle size, and hole spacing.

I have found a few combinations that work for me, but can't really explain them since most of the products are from Tandy. They don't list a size on their thread, awls, or needles. 

They are kind of like Apple, they don't play well with others.

[bikermutt07]

Oh, yeah, you can tamp the stitches down with lots of stuff around the house, hammer handle, rolling pin, any wooden handle from a skiver, or edged.

Just about anything that won't maul the leather up.

[Tacblades]

Brilliant thanks for the advice

 

[bikermutt07]

Welcome. Get creative. A lot of leather working tools are just overpriced common tools. But since it's uses for leather, they tack on some profit.

A few examples: a razor knife, needle nose pliers, contact cement, hole punchers, arbor press. The list goes on and on.

My rule is if it looks like a common tool, it probably is. And if that's the case, it can be had elsewhere for less.

Sorry for the rant.

[Tacblades]

Yes i like creative

I found some of my old embossing tools for card and stencils they are all metal so might work.