Leather stitching

[Amoskeag]

I am the most impatient man on the planet. I have to keep telling my self "many light cuts equals one nice one". Go slow with a sharp knife.

These are some of the stitching tools I use. Tandy closed the store in Manchester so I don't know where to get them now, maybe online. Most good craft stores should have them.


The groover works best on unfinished leather, the star wheel I run along a straight edge. I use a wooden mallet to pound things as it doesn't flare the tool heads. I also second the Tandy book. I have it and it has lots of good info. I'm pretty fortunate to have a friend, also kilted (74th Reg O' Foot - Highland) who makes shoes for museums and he's very free with his advice. I'm just a hacker but by the photos here I can see that there are some real craftsmen online and it appears that they are also willing to help out.
Bob

[James MacMillan]

I think I understand that the tool on the far right is used to punch regular slots in leather for lacing.

Is there any advantage to drilling over punching?

[Amoskeag]

Oops. Sorry, that's correct.
My experience has been that the tool is quick and uniform and makes wider holes for the saddle stitch. The drilled holes gives a nice effect with the round hole and in many instances I like it better. It's time consuming but then all good craftsmanship is.
Bob