Leather is wrinkling on folds, not sure how to fix

[TargetRockLeather]

I've encountered the same problem when making a small pouch  out of thick leather (7-9 oz). A trick I learned is to skive the inside surface of the bend, to make it thinner. Also, while it might make sense to dampen the leather to help it bend, I find that it contributes the wrinkling problem once it has dried. More recently I try not to wet the leather at all, If I can bend the piece without cracking it. That seems to alleviate the wrinkling for me.

[YinTx]

1 hour ago, sonataworks said:

I'm wondering if using some oils to restore the leather would help? Not sure how to go about that. My rationale is that the 50/50 alcohol/dye mixture is harsh on the leather.

You absolutely should recondition the leather with neatsfoot oil after applying dye.  Dubbin is good too, it usually has NFO in it.  If you don't it may also tend to crack over time.  Also, purchase high quality harness or bridle leather helps too, as well as using thinner leathers as mentioned when going round bends.

YinTx

[DanC]

You could try wetting it (not soaking it) and ironing it.  Yup - iron.  Place a piece of material under the iron first.

Also, instead of attaching it flat, put it on, glued and all, then fold it into shape and let it dry that way.  Use a test piece to see if you like how it turns out.

[Dwight]

On straps you do not want the wrinkles, . . . bend if first around a half inch bolt, . . . then a 3/8 inch bolt, . . . and finally a 1/4 inch bolt, . . . all while it is more than damp, . . . but not sopping wet either.  AND, . . . don't just bend it around the bolt, . . . pull on it while you are doing it.  This will stretch the outside layer a bit, . . . and it won't look as wrinkled.

What I usually do is form mine right after I dye them, . . . OR, . . . right after the first coat of the final finish.  You have to touch up either one, . . . just depends on which you want to mess with.

My worst offender is the buckle end of CCW belts, . . . but with a bit of care, . . . they won't look too awful bad.

May God bless,

Dwight

Edited November 19, 2019 by Dwight