Really liked your creative responses to stitching thinner leathers. Answered like a BOSS. I usually use leather backing stiffener material cut to fit just under the edge then glued into place. Prevents the material from showing at the edge when I go to burnish or paint. I never considered PVA glue. Thanks for the tips Phillip. ~Cheers🍺👍
first vid i've watched of yours, very nice info! I am new to leatherwork, as well. Looking for and hoping you have info on working soft, supple leathers. if not, change this inquiry to a request. 😊 i purchased a couple whole italian leather hides that were leftovers from a line of furniture or clothing (don't know what it was used for, but it's beautiful leather) for 99 bucks each. the leather is very soft and supple throughout, but the belly (of course) is super soft, stretchy like a thick deer hide (comparing to what i've seen in stores and watched in vids). Would love to utilize this leather, as it's super nice (despite being belly), just really soft and stretchy
While I do produce courses utilising very soft leathers, I would not recommend them for beginners as they are difficult to work with and will likely require a stiffening reinforcement to be of much use in leather goods making. Firm vegetable tanned leathers are ideal to start on. They cut, mark, skive and stitch much easier which is ideal to learn on. My website has a free guide on how to select leather: www.leathercraftmasterclass.com/fineleathercraftcourses
Hi Phillip, Thanks for another great video. Quick Question. I am new to the craft and am looking to buy my first hides. My current thinking is to get a bag of scraps (if anywhere does that) to practice further my stitching and cutting etc. and then get 1 x 3mm hide that I will use for belts and guitar straps and dye myself + a hide of 1.5mm leather already in a finish I like for notebook covers and other small items. Do these sound like sensible choices? Over time is it most cost effective to get hides and dye yourself? What supplier would you recommend in the UK? Many thanks from Oxford! Rob
Hello Rob. Yes, those sound like solid choices. Check out Metropolitan leather. I sometimes hand dye, but you usually get a better finish from the tannery.
