Stitching Leather

[MudDuck]

What is the preferred way to stitch leather?

Thanks!

[E. J. Thomas Mercantile]

What do you intend to sew? There's a difference between sewing heavier leather for strap goods or harness applications and sewing goat, calf or kip skins for small leather items like wallets, etc.

[Abrams]

http://www.ehow.com/how_15430_stitching-awl-leather.html

This link discusses how to use an awl to stitch/sew leather. If you further refine your search, you may find the method or type of stitch you are wanting, and for the type of leather you intend to sew.

[Dave Myrick]

To explain it very basically, you use a diamond shaped awl to pierce the leather, then you stitch using one piece of thread with a needle on both ends. As you stitch you pass each needle through each hole with the thread crossing in the hole. This is very very basic as the others have mentioned the type of leather and end use product all are factors to determine the actual stitch size and type etc.

Dave

[mtodriscoll]

Here are a few links I found helpful when I recently made a sheath for a knife I was making for re-enacting. The type of stitch is very similar for other types of leater goods.

These links have step by step instructions with pics for making and sewing a leather knife sheath:
http://beknivessite2.homestead.com/pouchsheath.html
http://www.knivesby.com/dan-sheath-tutor-1.html

This forum has a ton of leather sewing links:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3175642&posted=1#post3175642

It's not too hard, but you will need a few specialized tools. You can get all that you need for $25 or less though - and use them for many projects. See Tandy Leather online.

Good luck!
Matt O'Driscoll
1st Regiment KY Volunteers, Co. E

[Edwin Carl Erwin]

Nathan,

Get a copy of Al Stohlman's, The Art Of Hand Sewing Leather: "Al Stohlman introduces you to a variety of stitching techniques and provides you with valuable information on the tools and materials you'll need to get started. 72 pages".

The book is available from Tandy Leather http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/products.asp?dept=63 for $12.99.
or a library.

Hope this is helpful.

[ACo.]

The suggestion of Stohlman's book from Edwin Carl Erwin is excellent. Also, here is a link from Chuck Burrows at Wild Rose Trading Co. that best explains the basics:

http://www.knifenetwork.com/workshop/tut_wrtc_burrows.shtml

[TheColorBearer]

I always use a Glover needle when piercing leather to sew it.

[MudDuck]

Thank you all, for your suggestions. They are most helpful.