I want to try leathworking

[Purdy Bear]

I want to move from working in cloth to working in leather. In cloth I can make tote bags, hand bags, satchels etc. Now I would like to try doing them in leather or suede. Iv ordered some books from the library and await their arrival. Do you have any tips for a complete novice?

 

[chas brookes]

HI
one of the best books for beginners in leatherwork is

The Art of Hand Sewing Leather
by Al Stohlman

http://www.leprevo.co.uk/photos/hand_sewing.html

also the Art of Making Leather Cases Volume 1

http://www.leprevo.co.uk/photos/cases_1.html

available from

http://www.leprevo.co.uk/index.html

who are very helpfull

 

[leon-1]

LePrevo are good people.

I don't normally use one, but you could look into getting a stitching pony after a while as it will make things easier.

Your fingers will get very sore when stitching, get yourself some zinc oxide tape for taping your fingers (1Inch wide is best).

Leathercraft tools can be expensive, try and get a list and look through e-bay for some at reasonable prices.

If you want good even results when dyeing don't use a dauber (they're a waste of money IMHO) get a few paint brushes they will give a far more even coverage and they'll last you longer.

You don't need to buy every tool under the sun to start with, go with the basics, an awl, some needles, an overstitch wheel, a stitch groover.

Learn about the types of leather and experiment with them.

That should keep you going for a little while.

 

[John Fenna]

Garment quality leather can be sewn like fabric on a domestic machine...strong needles are a must - there are specific leather sewing needles for domestic machines....

 

[Klenchblaize]

If you only buy two books make it these by Al Stohlman:

http://www.skinhouse.eu/default.asp?Action=Details&Item=718

http://www.skinhouse.eu/default.asp?Action=Details&Item=719

Cheers