lemlem Report post Posted June 18, 2017 When making a leather handbag, is it best to dye before or after it is sewn on a machine. What are the benefits of sewing before dying. Does it really matter which is done first? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mattsbagger Report post Posted June 18, 2017 Any bags I've made it would be impossible to dye afterwords. I would dye and finish first. Only finishing done after sewing is edges. IMHO YMMV. I don't do a lot of bags. But I prefer a contesting stitch color. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lemlem Report post Posted June 18, 2017 1 hour ago, Mattsbagger said: Any bags I've made it would be impossible to dye afterwords. I would dye and finish first. Only finishing done after sewing is edges. IMHO YMMV. I don't do a lot of bags. But I prefer a contesting stitch color. Let me ask you this. Do you glue the pieces on before you sew? I just got this sewing machine and so far I have glued the strap together (it's in two pieces) and then glue the ends to the bag before sewing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mattsbagger Report post Posted June 18, 2017 I usually glue before/sew. On this I riveted then sewed. I hand sew don't have a machine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handstitched Report post Posted June 19, 2017 G'Day , I see on the inside of the strap that theres a number still visible. I try to remove these . I have tried dying over the top, but some can be a bit ' shiny' and the dye doesn't always adhere. So instead, I get a bit of very fine sandpaper or wet & dry and very gently & carefully remove them and then dye over any marks left behind. Nice hand stitching. Handstitched. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
