Dyeing leather

[Dougster]

I'm making some sheaths with undyed leather for the first time. What are the relative merits of dyeing before or after making it?

Any help gratefully received.

 

[leon-1]

Well if you cut, edge and groove everything first then you can get a more even distibution of dye and hopefully not leave blank areas under your stitching.


If you are using white thread so that it stands out it doesn't end up multiple shades of whatever colour you are dying the leather. When you finish stitching it all you have to do is finish the edges waterproof and wax.

 

[Klenchblaize]

I seem to recall this qestion being asked before and, like skinning foxes, there is more than one way and as many opinions. The most obvious advantage though to applying your dye PRIOR to assembly is that of EVEN coverage across all areas, as in beneath any ‘turned’ or secondary stitched sections such as the belt loop etc.

Cheers

 

[singteck]

I have tried both and I don't find any difference is the final result.

If you dye first, then it's more difficult in the making stage because you have to prepare everything before final dye and stitch, but it's easier to dye.

If you dye at the end, it's easier to make the whole sheath first but it's more difficult to dye because of all the corners and hidden joins.

The only time you need to dye first is when you want the stitches to be white.

singteck

you need to show the result Richard

 

[Dougster]

Thank-you gentlemen. I'm putting noe together now - I'll dye it later in the week.

Thanks for all your advice - Singteck, I'll post pics soon of all my knives and sheaths - but I'm way off your standard.

Richard