The Leather Element: Thread, Needles & Chisels 

I can't believe I get to watch this guy for free, Thank you Weaver and thank you Chuck!

Tnxu sir as a beginner i have new learn of that

Great info! I was in the "whatever" part lol

I really enjoyed the video Chuck. I do have a question though. How do you thread the needle? I'm new to the hobby and have never hand sewn before. Sorry if this seems to be a stupid question. Thank you.

Does anyone else feel like Chuck is the Bob Ross of leather work lol

I’ve met Chuck a few times in person, he’s legit one of the kindest, most helpful people I’ve ever talked to!

I’m new at leather working and the way you explain things makes it very easy to understand and you “dumb it down” for us in the novice category. Thanks for all you do!

I think you've finally revealed to me why I hate stitching: I use a 4mm diamond chisel with 1mm waxed thread, and do that with almost all my projects... Thank you Chuck, I'm going to get some bigger chisels and smaller thread!

I love that you're slowly moving on to metric. :)

I got kinda soft vegetan-leather, 4 pronged chisel...I slam it in....barely able to get it back outta there. I put in the thread and the needle breaks. Great start.

I'm pretty sure the intent of the marking wheel is to mark where to pierce the leather with an awl...not a hole punch. Hole punches are for hardware and lacing. I really appreciated the way he laid out threads and stitch spacing side by side for comparison. That is useful.

Can you put together a beginners kit that is for someone like me? I want to make the occasional knife sheath not an everyday thing so it's hard for me to justify the high prices of your kits. Thumbs up

I LOVE the John James needles. I started using them when I saw a recommendation from Ian Atkinson on his RU-vid channel (he also uses the tiger thread) a bunch of years ago and I have also stopped breaking needles. Now if only I could stop losing them...

Yes, Chuck is an incredible presenter. He's engaging and never condescending. I agree with some other comments that he's very good and simplifying things in a short space of time.

Why do you prefer the flat? I thought I did too, but your stitches look beautiful with the 6mm diamond too. Is the flat easier on your hands? Deciding which one to buy from weaver right now ^^ It won’t punch through multiple layers of leather right? Would it look odd mixed with a diamond stitch, since that might be necessary if i need a smaller size and weaver only carries the one size flat?

Great video! Not a fan of the marking wheel myself but you can get a good stitch line with it. It's the hole punch that messes it up. Use an awl instead. One needle in each hand and the awl in one of them. Mark the line. Awl, stitch, awl, stitch. Much tighter seam. I use my chisels that way. Just for marking. Keep en coming Chuck.Really informative videoseries. Just wish you would have an EU site like Tandy so I could buy from you without going in bankruptcy due to import fees.

Coffee drinks a cup of Chuck in the morning

I use a stitch wheel and a stitching awl with waxed thread. I get good results. It is even and stays very well. I made a gun rig about 10 years ago and it still holds up

Wow Chuck! One of those colored threads matches the buckstitching I just did on my guitar strap project. I just put a colored suede backer on, but I'm so glad I haven't started sewing yet, I've got to get that colored thread! As always an informative lesson! Thank you.

Using a good quality stitching wheel will make a stitch that looks very good, and even better than using a stitching chisel, if you use an awl to go through the leather instead of a hole punch. Its ideal for longer curved stitch lines like on bags etc.

Chuck can you do a video on hand stitching with a dimond shaped chisel because I just received mine and my stitches do not look good

Awesome video! Chuck, could you do a video on traditional hand sewing with the awl, especially covering proper selection and preparation of the awl. What size awl to use with which needle and thread combo.

What thread size would you recommend for if 4 millimetre Diamond chisel (7 stitch per inch)?? 0.6 size thread or 0.8?? Thanks.

how do i stitch a big project because i have trouble with all of the extra thread where do i put it all?

Nicely done video, very helpful for choosing the correct chisels, needles and thread. I like Chuck, might want to cut back slightly on the coffee. ;-)

So this is the umpteenth vid I've watched, and I have consistently thought of Chuck as the def Bob Ross of Leather work. His presentation is absolutely motivated, involved, experienced, competent, educational and reliable. I feel no doubt when learning from him and love the way he just rolls with the punches! As per this vid, I found the bottom stitch to be comical and entertaining. Outstanding Chuck! Drive on.

Is it best for me to use a special hammer or mallet to keep the chisels nice or does it not make a difference?

My issue is when I hand sew with white thread, the WHITE comes off leaving the bland looking polyester look of the thread, Weaver use to sell it was item # 50-1554-WH but you guys changed suppliers and the new stuff really isn't the same, I wish you could go back to the other source or at least let me know who you got it from as now my projects look not so bright :-(

Another one, I'm re,- watching!! Imagine that!! Lol. Thanks, Chuck

Amazing how confusing needle selection is. I buy John James needles also. Mine have a different designation. My 004 is my smallest (not 4, 004) For .6 and .8 mm Ritza thread. My workhorse needle is the 002 (not the 2.) I use this for 1mm and 1.2mm Ritza 25 thread. I am not sure why John James also calls needles #16, 17 or 18.

I LOVE YOU CHUCK!!!! Thanks for being so great

Idk why I just realized this, but Chuck is using the 1/8 flat chisel and not a Diamond chisel. This may be my fix for the holes closing up on the backside of the leather once punched.

Thank you for this video. It answered many of my questions about thread size, needles and chisels. Looks like I ordered the incorrect size thread (1.2mm) for my chisel size (5mm). Back to ordering again.

I keep waiting for him to say " But Wait! Call now and we'll double your order! That's right two for the price of one! Just 9 easy payments of $99.99"

I’m going to make me a sample peace of leather stitching the 1.0 and the .8 are my favorite in thread, I have the blue pricking chisel set I bought from you guys and love it but when I did my 1911 holster I put a spacer in the middle and had to prick separately it was way to thick but it worked ok but in the turn part was a little difficult to sew by hand but got it done and looks good 😊

Hi, thank you for these videos. Question: Is there a way to make stitching more watertight for motorcycle saddlebags?

Awesome video. The needle i was using was way bigger in diameter than the #18 and made the stitching look singular and a tad rough. Anyone know what size the stitching chisels would be here in the U.K? thx

I thought those wheelie things were for ppl who hand stitch with an awl... maybe not? 😬 I received something like the wheelie in a paper distressing kit, which, apparently “distressing “ is a more apt application for it...

Is there any way to make the sizing simpler, I still don't get millimetres, How do I know which is bigger or smaller. A lot of times I don't buy things because I am not sure of the sizing.

Just found your channel very cool sir. My 1 question is where and what is the system shrink rap molding bag thing called . I saw it on another channel it's like a vacuum that allows the leather to mold to shape of pistol or knife case shape ? Name to the tool or whatever it's called?

A video on a quick draw 4 inch blade folder a smige bigger than a Buck 110

I just started working with leather. I have a pfaff industrial sewing machine it does work on leather. But does the thread need to be waxed to work with leather. I just need to know if the leather sewing machine runs waxed thread or not. Should I change sewing machine

Great Video Chuck, just wondering how many coffees to get your energy level up 🤗

Something about Ritza Tiger thread Chuck neglects to mention and the reason I use it almost exclusively. The way it is weaved is as a tube, that's why it lays flat, but it almost never tangles. It is pretty nigh on tangle free. When I sew a liner on a belt I use a 60/2= 30 inch minimum piece of thread and it never tangles. Now Weaver is carrying the larger sizes and in 50 meter and 500 spools, they have the best price for Tiger thread I have found.

Round thread vs. flat thread? Help! I can’t find round in .8 or larger!!

Will glue hold without stitching? Which will be the best glue for stitches leather? Thanks!!!

@3:21 is that saying you should use a #18 needle on .6mm thread, a #17 needle on .8mm and 1mm thread, and a #16 needle on 1.2 mm thread?

this video very helpful, this is an example for does who want to buy tools for your leather. keep up old man :)

Is there a way to do a video of common mistakes that beginners make that can possibly be fixed with an idea that we may not know about?

this was a really great video. i actually took notes. thank you for another great informative video.

Awesome stuff, thanks for the info! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

Thanks chuck for the great information i'm enjoying everyone

I keep seeing chisels advertised with whole length and pitch length. Can someone explain to me what the pitch length is?

Heyy Chuck. Are you certain of those mm measurements? A 1/8th inch is equal to 3mm. A 6mm is equal to almost 1/4 inch

If your chisels are not marked, how do you determine what size they are? 5:26

What camera do you use? The colours are vibrant and almost technicolor.

Your closeups could be better. Can’t really see the holes or your stitching.

I use a 8.5 spi chisel and 0.45mm thread, takes forever but looks good on smaller goods

What are bladed leather needles generally used for? The ones made for leather? Is that more for chrome leather?

Thank you very much for making this, as always. Im a professional product photographer that recently picked up leather craft, and this channel is the absolute best there is. Many thanks from Brazil.

Hi for watch band which needle, chisel size and thread can I use? thanks

Good vids but ofc you would use an owl and not a massive hole punch..

Hi Chuck: I've watched many of your videos and, despite the fact that I've been working with leather for close to two decades, I learn something from you every time I watch the Leather Element. Your video on threads, chisels, and needles reminded me to offer a suggestion. I have large hands and prefer better than a one-finger and a thumb to pull needles through multiple layers if leather. Consequently I searched the John James catalog for a longer needle and found one. For those reasons, I use the John James Long Darner #jj165 #17 (2/0) and blunt the points on a diamond sharpening plate. They are the same diameter as the John James Saddlers Harness #17 (1.42mm) but about 3-1/3 inches long. Check it out.

Thank you Chuck and Weaver! Had just started to think about trying some Ritza from you guys and then this came out. Those colors are gorgeous. Going to look over those needles now, too! ("whatever" gave me a good chuckle at the office, btw)

These videos are what got me hooked into leatherwork. Chuck, my man, your videos are top notch. Thank you.

thank you for this comparison and the way you speak is kinda happy

After all the tools and stuff to start making leather projects, the absolute best thing I purchased was the non slip tape that Chuck talked about in one of the videos. It has made all the difference in getting great cuts on the leather.

This guy is too shouty but the info is useful. Best to mute and use captions.

Do you have any veg tan that matches that light blue/gray thread?

Id like to see a thread cross reference chart from metric to commercial. Those metric thread sizes don't mean a thing to me. The only thread sizes I'm familiar with are commercial sizes 69, 92, 138, 207, etc.

Another excellent demo/tutorial. Thank you for the instructions and I'll reciprocate when it comes time to purchase tools/supplies. (I've just started studying it all now.)

How does the John James needle compare to the Osborne needle?

I totally agree with where to start. I was lucky enough to fall on that set up, 6mm diamond chisels and John James needles and got such great results it filled me with confidence to continue.

I have a feeling Chuck sleeps under the counter

Great video, Chuck! I need to invest in a better set of chisels. I think it would take my projects up a level.

What a great video, very beginner friendly, thank you so much for a good video!

Would a 4mm chisel + 0.8mm thread be an okay combination for a bag that carries ~3-4 kilos? I like the look of smaller spacing but still want to have strong stitches.

is there any test I can administer to see if my leather is real??

I this video as for a starting point in leather works

Wow, Thank you for this video. Extremely helpful.

Hello, can I use a 1mm thread on a size 18 needle?

Hi i am Manash from india, west Bengal.I am interesting in leather crafting and following your channel. I have no idea leather crafting.How can i start practise from the beginning? What are the accessories i should buy at first? Please give the detail name of the accessories.

Could you do a video on different stitching styles. Are they used for different types or weights of leather. I went through your videos I didn't see one.

It appears that the number 18 John James needle is a tapestry needle, with a larger eye than the leather needles.is there a reason you prefer the tapestry needle over the leather needle with a smaller eye that is suggested for the .8 mm wax thread? Thank you

I have your flat set of chisels, what do you prefer in various projects, diamond or flat? or is it just preference ? Also, artificial sinew, I seem to only able to get the large eye needle threaded, is that what you experience? one more please. have you gone over buck stitching? I see on one of my groups that they do it and hate it. I have not tried it as yet

Thank you for this video.. I am very new at leather work and was wanting to try sewing but I had no idea where to start. I took a class on making a knife sheath and we sewed it but they provided everything. I want to make a cover for a double bit axe I restored and a regular axe head and I want to try to sew them. But all the tools add up pretty fast. :) Thanks again.

you should check out nitekore's video on the 1.5 mm punch he uses for stitching if i heard correctly you were using as 3/32? well that in mm is 2.38mm which is wayyy too big but a 1.5mm punch or 1mm is absolutely a great sized hole and also looks fantastic when done right. Now that being said im not downing stitching chisels at all i use them as well for certain projects but it just seemed like you were a little bias and also saying that was the smallest punch you should definitely give the 1.5 and 1mm a chance with .8 mm thread (1mm thread for the 1.5 mm holes)

Fantastic video thank you!!!!

As always great videos. Thank you.

Hi Chuck, Weaver has a new Mystery Braid Kit. Would you showcase one on a Leather Element? Thank you in advance.

man i love this guy's videos on leatherwork. He's literally always so chirpy! (I wonder how he is off camera haha)

Best needles 🪡 from J.J. Is the 002 & the 004 ! All you need for a nice handstitch ….

What's the difference between stitching chisels and pricking irons?

this is the best leather video ever

I've been binge watching your videos like they're a series on Netflix....thanks for the simple explanations for beginner Leather workers!

Hi Chuck: I've watched most of your videos and appreciate and thank you for your insightful comments. I work with both veg-tanned and chrome-tanned leather and always saddle stitch. I have large hands and prefer better than a one-finger and thumb grip to pull my needles, so I use John James jj165 long darners size 17 (2/0) and dull the tips on a diamond sharpener. They are the same diameter (1.42mm) as the needles you use but their length is 85mm (about 3-3/8 inches). Again, thank you and your backup crew for all the helpful videos.

Thank you very much!

Ever search online for thread? You can hardly find anything that gives a diameter for a size. How about a video describing what all the different thread numbers translates into an understandable thread size? Perhaps a downloadable .pdf file chart or something similar. For example, what's the size of 120D, or a 40# thread? It almost seams like every manufacturer has their own sizing method and if you don't know how or what they use, you never know what you are looking at. I ordered the color I wanted, but it's hardly suitable for sewing leather although it said it was. It was so fine and weak, I wouldn't of used it on a kid's sewing machine. Thank You Kindly for all that you and Weaver do for us Chuck!

Great video Chuck, as always. I like to do the double stitch with one needle using the punched holes. I wind-up with three stitches on the back and two showing on the front (between holes). This method uses a lot of thread but fills up the punched holes well. Also it sure lines up the punched holes in the leather well. Looks kinda good, I think.

for a project like to see a pattern stencil for left handed cross draw sheath...... please