Banging my head into a wall

[venator]

3 hours ago, nstarleather said:

The main problem I'm seeing is that doing a "folded edge" design is many times harder than the normal bifolds most of us do.  When you do turned edges a lot can go wrong, you're adding extra layers which means you either have to skive the edges precisely or use thin/soft leather, which isn't ideal for a wallet.  Many of the imported wallets you find with that type of design actually use lots of non-leather parts (linings and stiffeners) to make it easier.  Yes I've seen quality wallets with this design (Moore and Giles), but you're taking about a $400+ wallet ($500+ for alligator).  Try a non-turned edge design (if you haven't already), you'll find it 1000x easier.

The wallet I tried yesterday was a non-turned edge and it didn't go well either.  However they always look so messy. . .

[venator]

13 hours ago, NVLeatherWorx said:

Takes about 25 minutes, including "punching" the holes.  I suffer from Arthritis in my hands (all those years as a combat soldier getting your hands smashed one way or another) and can still pull it off without the pain taking over.  If you are doing just a plain wallet (no stamping/tooling) then you can get away with using 3/4 oz. for the back and 2/3 oz. for interior parts.  I use the "T" style pocket design so that the edges (all of them) are not overly thick.

Just an FYI though:  the thinner the leather, the easier it is for something to slip out of place and create an issue.  It appears that you are trying to create what could be considered as a "designer" style product; if you ever have the chance to take a close look at those high-end/high-priced designer wallets you will notice that they aren't very perfect looking either, you just get confused by the all of the "bling" effect items which distract you from the reality that it isn't all that great looking when you focus on it.

Don't give up on wallets as this seems to be the market for the time being; it is about 80% of my business right now so that is what I am focusing on.

It's great that it takes you 25 minutes, if it took me that long it might work but as I said for me hand stitching this is a 3 hour jobs with all the breaks I have to take since I can't feel my hands. . .

[cjartist]

I was just wondering of you have tried using fabric to make the card pockets.  This video is helpful and it may minimize the layers of leather that you are joining together.  I have not made any wallets except for a tandy kit once.  If I do, I think I will try to use this strategy.

Here is the same idea using ribbon.

 

[Tinkerton]

On 2017-03-21 at 5:49 PM, venator said:

Well, another drunk monkey attempt at a wallet.  The stitching was perfect on the side I could see and somehow totally missed the interior of the wallet. . .depsite them being perfectly lined up and secured.  hell, they were still perfectly aligned when I finished.

I hate wallets hate hate hate.

 

however if I ever want to make money at this it seems there a great way to go.

 

I appreciate the advice but I've tried every template, watched every video and as soon as it comes to that final assembly it goes completely to hell.

http://vkleathers.com/2017/03/21/project-80-bifold-wallet/

With that last one, it almost looks like your machine or needle may be out of alignment. Also, do you take your time with the stitching, or do you rush it through?

[BenjaminEstberg]

When we sew leather to leather , if it isn't already tacked together with some barge glue then we have to put a piece of lining ( backing for embroidery) in-between the leather to keep it from slipping against itself during the sewing process.  Maybe this will help...

Keep at it...moving forward never backwards....and CAN'T MEANS WON'T!!!!!