Have you ever ever ever questioned recommendations on methods to create or restore leather-based devices with out using an industrial stitching machine? Proper right here, I’m going to current you recommendations on methods to make gorgeous leather-based objects using a handbook saddle sew technique. You want the acceptable devices, so be sure that to high off sooner than getting started. If you happen to want to delve deeper and be taught further about hand-sewing leather-based, start by finding out Al Stohlman’s information The Art work of Hand Stitching Leather-based-based. It’s a favorite of mine and an impressive helpful useful resource.
Provides
On this tutorial, you’ll be taught to make use of the subsequent provides for hand-sewing:
- Stitching groover (Try: Craftool E-Z Modify Stitching Groover, $25, tandyleather.com.)
- Overstitch wheel (Try: Craftool Overstitcher, $20, tandyleather.com.)
- Stitching axe (Try: Craftool Skilled Stitching Axe, $30, tandyleather.com.)
- Leather-based-based stitching needles (Try: Stitching needle, $4 for 10, tandyleather.com.)
- Waxed thread (Try: White Waxed Extraordinarily Lightweight Twine, $5 per roll, mainethread.com.)
- Rubber cement (Try: Elmer’s Rubber Cement, $3.50, dickblick.com.)
Step 1: Using Rubber Cement
To get started on hand-sewing leather-based, I prefer to make use of rubber cement; it helps keep the leather-based collectively whereas stitching, nevertheless it supplies a light-weight ample bond to allow a second likelihood to line points as a lot as precision (which isn’t always the case with completely different sorts of glue). Apply a light-weight coat of rubber cement to every objects of leather-based, then press them collectively when the cement is form of dry.
Step 2: Work a Groove Into the Leather-based-based
Now that you have points secured in place, put a groove on the leather-based with a stitching groover. This software program does two points: It presents a nice straight line to stitch on and removes a small amount of leather-based to supply a trench that the sew can sink into, which could assist defend the thread.
Step 3: Mark Sew Spacing
Utilizing the groove you merely made, use an overstitch wheel to mark the thread spacing. As a result of it is determine implies, this craft software program marks exactly the place to stitch and creates a shallow channel to sink your stitches further into the leather-based. Overstitch wheels are available quite a few sizes that modify the spaced dimension of your stitching. We’re using a amount six dimension on this stitching tutorial. While you’re unsure of which dimension to utilize, consider this rule: the amount refers again to the amount of stitches per inch.
Step 4: Use a Stitching Axe
Create holes for stitching into the leather-based. A stitching axe, used proper right here, is without doubt one of the greatest software program for the job. The axe is paying homage to an ice select, nevertheless it has a diamond-shaped blade with sharp slicing edges to pierce holes into the leather-based moderately than tear holes, as a spherical metallic stage would. When using it, pierce by the use of the leather-based on each of the dots created by the overstitch wheel. Simply make sure you maintain the axe at a 90-degree angle when piercing the leather-based to ensure that the spacing is fixed on both aspect for uniform stitching.
Step 5: Lock the Needle
For any hand-sewn leather-based problem, you will have a dimension of thread that measures 3 instances the world safety. For the saddle sew, you may use two needles: one on each end of the thread. This can be a trick I prefer to make use of when stitching leather-based: lock the needle into the thread. To try this, run the waxed thread by the use of the needle eyelet then pull it by the use of further by about an inch. Subsequent, pierce the thread with the needle stage (as confirmed) and push this loop throughout the needle upwards within the course of the eyelet. With end of the thread that initially handed by the use of the eyelet, pull out the slack that was created with this adjustment. Holding the needle, pull the loop over the eyelet to lock the needle in place. By securing the thread this fashion, you’ll not have to stress about it sliding off of the needle while you sew. Repeat on the alternative end so you’ve got obtained two needles on the thread, one on each end.
Throughout the following steps, I’ll seemingly be using a stitching pony to help with the tactic. This model pictured proper right here incorporates a wooden “turn- key” with jaws that keep the leather-based in place whereas stitching and ensures a safe work station. That’s an optionally out there accent, nonetheless it is useful to have spherical as an extra hand to help keep the problem in place whereas engaged on it.
Step 6: Start to Sew
To begin your sew, sew by the use of the first hole, guaranteeing the lengths of thread are even on both aspect. Proceed to sew by the use of the equivalent hole with every needles, each time passing by the use of the equivalent hole from reverse sides. Proceed this back-and-forth stitching technique, pulling the thread cosy with each cross, until you’ve got obtained reached the tip of your problem. If you happen to’re having downside with the needles getting caught throughout the leather-based, try widening the holes further with the stitching axe or using a pair of needle-nose pliers to help pull by the use of the leather-based.
Step 7: Lock the Sew
While you’ve obtained achieved your stitching, it might be greatest to lock the sew in to place. Sew once more a few stitches, pull the thread down cosy, and reduce the thread flush in opposition to the problem.