Tacblades Report post Posted October 8, 2016 (edited) 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tacblades Report post Posted October 8, 2016 Well less thinking more doing Tried the split leather and didnt work, too thin too hard. So just went for it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikermutt07 Report post Posted October 8, 2016 Great start. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tacblades Report post Posted October 8, 2016 Had a go at a bit of stitching too Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikermutt07 Report post Posted October 8, 2016 Did you tap the stitches down with a mallet? If you do it makes them pop a little bit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tacblades Report post Posted October 8, 2016 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? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikermutt07 Report post Posted October 8, 2016 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikermutt07 Report post Posted October 8, 2016 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tacblades Report post Posted October 8, 2016 Brilliant thanks for the advice Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikermutt07 Report post Posted October 8, 2016 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tacblades Report post Posted October 8, 2016 Yes i like creative I found some of my old embossing tools for card and stencils they are all metal so might work. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
