In this video we break down the art of the saddle stitch. You will be taken through the basic saddle stitch using an awl and a saddlers clam - the way it has been done for generations past, and still today in some of the most prestigious luxury leather goods brands. In this course you will learn: - Preparing the leather for stitching. - Accurate use of the pricking iron, troubleshooting common problems. - Threading a needle the easy way. - Use of the awl during the stitching process. - Standard saddle stitch, going over the basics. - Saddle stitch with a cast, and where you would use this. - Turned edge seam with a lining. - Bound edge seam. - French binding. - Relationships between thread thickness and stitches per inch /mm. The tutorial is aimed at the beginner to advanced leathercrafter who has already practised a basic hand stitch, but wants to learn new techniques to elevate their skill level. This will enable the crafts person to challenge new and more technical projects.
The first in a series of courses entitled 'Details Make Perfection', after DaVinci's famous saying. I highlight small areas of improvement that once accumulated, produce a finer grade of leather goods. In this short course I discuss the technique I use to create neat looking and durable back stitches. You can perform this with any thread, though linen being a denser thread yields the most defined results (cabled poly used in video).
The second instalment of the 'Details make perfection' series, where we focus on one technique that makes a big difference. In this short course I discuss the method I use to execute the perfect corner stitch. In this course you will learn: - How to avoid misaligned stitches. - How to avoid unsightly prick marks. - How to maintain a decorative angle to your stitches into and out of a corner. - Direct comparisons between commonly used methods and the Masterclass method. Beginner/ Intermediate.
The third instalment of the 'Details Make Perfection' series. For most, awl use can be a chore and sometimes only used when you have no other option. This produces less than desirable results due to lack of experience and familiarity with the tool when called upon. This is mainly due in part, to the fact that many leathercrafters aren't using a polished and honed awl blade. They may think it is sharp, until they try THIS system! When done correctly, I guarantee you will be pushing your awl through every piece of scrap leather you can find. You will be looking for projects to use an awl and in doing so, open up a new skill and discover a whole new world of leathercraft opportunities. In this course you will learn: - How to profile (shape) an awl blade - How to create a rounded cutting point - Why a rounded point will improve your stitching consistency - How to obtain a mirror polish to glide through leather like butter - How to test for sharpness - How you can make your own custom wet moulded awl strop so that you will never have to sharpen the blade under normal use again - only polish. Keep your awl sharp!
For some, finishing a set of saddlers clams may be putting scrap leather between the jaws to protect their work. But then there are people like us who understand that taking pride in your work is a way in which we move towards mastering this amazing craft. Show off your skills and personality, whether on social media, events, craft fairs or on your own website. Make a great first impression about you and your craft! This course will teach you the following skills: - Working with wood and leather - Creating a patina on leather with dyes (no airbrush needed!) - What thickness of leather to use - Gold gilded crease lines - Using hidden magnets under leather and which ones to use ..and more. Beginner/ Intermediate.
In this video course, I demystify the process of edge finishing using simple techniques and materials you likely already have. Focusing on more traditional methods for a classic look. In this course you will learn: - Edge creasing vegetable tanned leather. - Edge creasing chrome tanned leather. - Creasing around corners. - Molten wax edge creasing. - Edge preparation. - Shaping an edge. - Additives to create a more durable edge. - Edge dyeing. - Burnishing an edge. - Polishing an edge. - Types of wax. Beginner/Intermediate.
In this course you will learn the fundamental use of leather edge paints for luxury leather goods in order to create a flawless finish. From handbags to wallets, watch straps to cases, quality edge paints provide a durable modern alternative to burnishing and hot wax finishing (discussed in Techniques Of The Edge Pt 1). In this course you will learn: - Tips on buying edge paint. - Tools for effective application. - Laying a good foundation layer. - Creating a rounded edge without bevelling. - How to effectively sand the edge. - Troubleshooting mistakes and accidents. - FOUR different ways to create a final finish. - Side by side comparisons. Beginner/ Intermediate.
-The Techniques of Adhesion- Leathercraft Masterclass 41:50 There are so many adhesives available. Here I give you the inside information so you can get the most from this essential workshop item. This tutorial will save you time and effort when deciding which glue to use for a variety of leathercraft applications. You will learn: - Brush techniques and how to force glue to penetrate for a stronger bond. - Applying glue to larger areas and preventing build-up. - Solvent-based and water-based contact adhesive, why you should own both. - Adhering leather to non-porous materials (metal, plastics and stone etc). - When, why and how to dilute adhesive. - PVA, what type you should use, and tricks on how to get the most from this adhesive. - Gluing leather to interlinings/reinforcements as well as lining materials. - Leather preparation before applying adhesive. - Primary and secondary applications - when and why. Beginner/ Intermediate.
Without all doubt, the ability to set the right edge angle, sharpen, polish, and correctly use bladed tools will change your leatherwork forever. The principles used in sharpening woodworking tools, chefs knives and other disciplines do not always carry over well. A different medium requires a different approach. With this tutorial you will understand that difference. You will learn: - Cutting and skiving skills, from stance to wrist movement. Turn leather into butter with the right knowledge. - Choosing the correct angle for the blade. - Understanding grit size and what to use – diamond, sandpaper and stone. - Differences between sharpening, honing and polishing. - Micro serrations. - BONUS - make your own improved strop/buff stick without leather, saving $$$. Beginner/ Intermediate.
Learn how to make this compact, slim and stylish card slot card wallet. Make with any exotic skin for impact and added luxury appeal (can be made with any skin). Create and offer wallets as part of your business or perhaps as a personal gift to someone special. Card slots can be used on many other leathercraft projects such as bags, clutches, long wallets, billfolds and many more. In this course you will learn; - How to design and correctly measure a pattern for a card slot cardholder with cash pocket. (This provides a slimmer sleeker alternative to the popular T slot). - Understand how to construct multiple pieces together. - How to cut various measured pieces accurately. - Best glueing practices. - Edge finishing and painting techniques. - Pricking and stitching. Beginner/ Intermediate.
Part 1 of 3. This 3 part video series takes you through the making of a luxury watch strap utilising the skills and techniques discussed in the previous videos such as 'The Techniques Of Hand Stitching' and 'The Techniques Of The Edge Pts 1&2'. The course takes you through making a 125/80 (average wrist size) strap for a 22mm lug width watch. Pattern making is discussed to enable you to make any size you wish through easy methods. I use 1.4mm Nubuck Crocodile skin with a 1.4mm Chèvre (french goatskin) lining. But this build along course can be applied to any suitable leather between 1.2 and 1.5mm thickness. Intermediate/ Advanced.
Part 2 of 3. This 3 part video series takes you through the making of a luxury watch strap utilising the skills and techniques discussed in the previous videos such as "The Technique Of Hand Stitching" and "The Techniques Of The Edge Pt 1&2". In the 2nd instalment of the watch strap course, I explain how to mark and stitch the strap side, how to make reinforced and lined keepers, as well as explaining a simple trick to making your primer more effective and therefore edge paint more durable. Intermediate/ Advanced
Part 3 of 3. This 3 part video series takes you through the making of a luxury watch strap utilising the skills and techniques discussed in the previous videos such as "The Technique Of Hand Stitching" and "The Techniques Of The Edge Pt 1&2". In this video I show you the techniques you will need to create binding over stitches, a running keeper and the finishing touches before adding the hardware and attaching the watch. Intermediate/ Advanced.
The Bespoke Leather Apron. The worlds first guide to tailoring a leather apron to your exact specifications using 4 key measurements. Keep yourself protected from oils, dyes, adhesives and paints all whilst looking and feeling like the craftsman you are or wish to be. Much like you, it only improves with time and use.
Learn how to make a luxury belt which is suitable for any occasion and perfect to give as a personal gift or sell as a custom piece to clients. Can be made with any type of leather or skin. In this course you will learn: - How to take specific measurements for yourself or your clients to ensure a perfect fit. - How to correctly cut lengths of exotic skin. - Best glueing practices. - How to perform a skived overlap for crocodile, caiman or alligator skin, which allows you to create long seamless lengths for belts and many other items. - Understand how a Conway (removable belt buckle) works and the benefits of one. - Pricking, stitching and edge finishing techniques unique to belts and long straps. Beginner/ Intermediate.
The bell skiving machine is a time saving investment that allows you to perform accurate skiving and splitting on your leather goods with consistent results. But many people looking to use these machines can find them extremely confusing. This detailed course is a must have if you are considering buying a bell skiving machine or even if you already own one but want to learn more about it's capabilities. In this video course you will learn: - How to set up your skiving machine and fine tune the components - How to perform the step skive - How to perform the bevel skive - How to split leather - How to skive and split exotic skins - How to sharpen the bell knife and test sharpness - How to avoid overheating the blade and softening the steel - How to install the main components of the feed assembly - How to adjust the motor tension - How to choose the right feed roller ..and much more!
Nothing quite completes the look of a fine quality leather product than a well presented makers mark. Think of the most prestigious and luxurious brands and they all have very distinctive monograms and logos. Your logo is the stamp of approval on your product and a sign that you are proud to stand by your craftsmanship. Not only used for your own logo, hot stamp machines are a perfect way to add that extra special, personal touch for your clients such as messages, names and initials which often gives you a competitive edge over other businesses. This course is an in depth guide to the uses, functions and benefits of a hot stamp machine. In this course you will learn; - How to set up your hot foil machine. - How to select foils, type and dies and which ones to use. - How to stamp on various textures, grains and skins. - Understanding optimal dwell time, temperature and pressure. - How to blind stamp. - Troubleshooting hot foil issues such as blurred edges, partial foiling, peeling, flaking and bubbling PLUS many extra tips and tricks. Intermediate.
Pt 1 of 2. Learn how to make a decorative, embellished solid leather box. This luxury box can be used for storing precious items therefore making this box ideal as a gift. This two part course covers multiple techniques which will elevate your leathercraft skills and abilities. In this course you will learn; - How to create a wooden form to securely hold the box during construction and stitching. - How to select the correct leather for this project. - How to measure and make a pattern for the box pieces. - How to cut various measured pieces accurately. - Best glueing practices. - How to line the interior of the box. - Cutting techniques including how to very simply cut accurate 45° angles with tools you likely already have. - Pricking and how to perform the infamous 'Box Stitch' neatly without the need for 'Inverse' irons. - Edge finishing. Intermediate/ Advanced.
Pt 2 of 2. Learn how to make a decorative, embellished solid leather box. This luxury box can be used for storing precious items therefore making this box ideal as a gift. This two part course covers multiple techniques which will elevate your leathercraft skills and abilities. In this course you will learn; - How to measure and make a handle pattern suitable for your requirements. - How to make a lined and raised alligator skin handle (any leather/skin can be used). - How to measure and make a pattern for the lid pieces. - How to cut various measured pieces accurately. - How to skive leather pieces. - Best glueing practices. - Pricking and how to perform the infamous 'Box Stitch' neatly without the need for 'Inverse' irons. - How to create a quilted lambskin lid interior. - How to use the traditional art of gilding. - Gold foiling the edges of the box for stunning decorative finish. Intermediate/ Advanced.
Inspired by the golden era of travel, luggage and luxury, we wanted to resurrect the techniques from our past masters, so you can own them - today. This is part 1 of a 4 part series on the making of the 'Bloomsbury Attache Case'. In this course we focus on handle making. We take a look at leather, pattern making and all the information you need to make one of the most iconic displays of leathercraft craftsmanship. This course will guide you on how to hand craft your very own leather briefcase handle. Until now there have been no online courses on how to make luxury briefcase handles that ooze heirloom quality and style. This course will guide you step-by-step explaining how to construct this beautifully curved handle from beginning to end. Starting with flat leather and finishing with a beautifully sculpted handle that is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable in your hand. Not only can you use these on traditional briefcases, but handbags, laptop cases, trunks, gun cases and many other items for adding a touch of class to your project. Future videos include the construction of the briefcase body. In this course you will learn: -How to select the correct leathers. -What thicknesses to use. -Pattern making including inverted templates. -Skiving for seamless overlaps. -'Stress-free' construction method for improved durability. -Which adhesives to use and when. -Easy methods for shaping the solid leather filler. -Casing and moulding leather around the filler and more.
Inspired by the golden era of travel, luggage and luxury, we wanted to resurrect the techniques from our past masters, so you can own them - today. In part 2 of the 'Bloomsbury Attache Case' 4 part series build, we complete the handle ready to be installed with hardware onto the case frame. In this course you will learn: - Installing your hardware - Marking your stitches accurately and evenly - The correct tools to stitch through thick leather - Edge finishing and more. Part 3 is coming soon where we will be making the actual case itself.
Inspired by the golden era of travel, luggage and luxury, we wanted to resurrect the techniques from our past masters, so you can own them - today. 'The Bloomsbury Attache Case' 4 part video series was created for those who want to learn the traditional craft of case making. Even without any intention of making one, you will still learn the following skills to transfer to other projects: Box stitching. Handle making. Case linings. Installing hardware rivets. Precise measurements. These skills and more will help you understand techniques used in making the following:. Soft sided briefcases. Trunk making. Portfolio cases. Solid leather boxes. Musical instrument cases. and more. This video is the 3rd part in the 4 part series 'The Bloomsbury Attache Case'. (Parts 1&2 cover handle making). Join us in this video where we will be making the lid component of our attache case. In this course you will learn: - The principles of box stitching with obverse and inverse (regular and reverse prong orientation) pricking irons. - Use case board to reinforce and give structure to our case. - Discover how to waterproof the case to protect the contents. - Edge finish the case, both edges and corners. - Perfectly match up the prick marks on the top and side. No 'losing a stitch' needed for a professional finish. ..and all the measurements and dimensions you need to begin constructing your very own bespoke attache briefcase.
In order to look to the future when teaching our craft we must first look to the past. Inspired by the golden era of travel, luggage and luxury, we wanted to resurrect the past techniques from our past masters so you can own them - today. 'The Bloomsbury Attache Case' 4 part video series was created for those who want to learn the traditional craft of case making. Even without any intention of making one, you will still learn the following skills to transfer to other projects: Box stitching. Handle making. Case linings. Installing hardware rivets. Precise measurements. These skills and more will help you understand techniques used in making the following:. Soft sided briefcases. Trunk making. Portfolio cases. Solid leather boxes. Musical instrument cases. and more. In this finale of the 4 part 'The Bloomsbury Attache Case' video course series, we will be completing the beautiful case. In this video course you will learn: - The principles of box stitching obverse and inverse (regular and reverse prong orientation) pricking irons. - How to use case board to reinforce and give structure to the case. - How to waterproof the case to protect the contents. - How to edge finish the case. Both edges and corners. - How to perfectly line up the prick marks on the top and side, no 'losing a stitch' needed for a professional finish. ...and all the measurements and dimensions you need to begin constructing your very own attache briefcase.
'The Art & Craft Of Pattern Making' is a first of its kind video course. Every journey starts with a map and a destination. If your destination is creating a beautiful bag, then your map is your pattern. This first course is the beginning and foundation of the 'De Havilland Travel Bag' bag making series. In this course we are solely focused on creating the pattern. *Please note, although this course is based on the making of the pattern for the De Havilland Travel Bag, this course will also teach you general pattern making skills which can be adapted to make any design.* In this course you will learn: - Selecting your pattern card. - Creating true perpendicular folds. - Using a French curve. - Scoring. - Marking indexing notches. - Finding the centre of a curve. - Zipper allowance and tolerances. - Positioning your internal pockets. - Marking out for your hardware installation. and much more! Intermediate/ Advanced
This is the first time that a luxury leather bag has ever been made on camera. Be the first to see it! Learn how to make your very own luxury travel bag, guided step by step with the Leathercraft Masterclass. It is highly recommended for you to complete courses: - 'The Art & Craft Of Pattern Making' - 'Lancette Rolled Handle Pts 1&2' beforehand to gain the knowledge and practice the processes and techniques. Join me in the first bag making course of the series, where we are preparing our leather, materials and hardware. In this course you will learn: - The correct leathers and thicknesses to use - What material to use for interlining and structure - The hardware we will be needing - Best practice when cutting out from patterns - Skiving measurements - Protecting your handles during construction - Designing, cutting and stitching in handle attachments and more. Join us in part two where we will be tackling the linings, pockets, and internal as well as external zips.
In part two of our bag making course we will be learning how to mark out our leather lining, create leather reinforcement for our pocket, install a zip and stitch in a pocket pouch.
This is the first time that a luxury leather bag has ever been made on camera. Be the first to see it! Learn how to make your very own luxury travel bag, guided step by step with the Leathercraft Masterclass. It is highly recommended for you to complete courses: - 'The Art & Craft Of Pattern Making' - 'The De Havilland Travel Bag Pts 1-2' - 'Lancette Rolled Handle Pts 1&2' beforehand to gain the knowledge and practice the processes and techniques. In part three of The De Havilland Travel bag you will learn how to create and install some of the key features of your bag. You will learn: -Installing the zip gusset lining -Creating leather reinforcement for a zip -Trimming a zip and installing zip stops -Advanced zip information for various setups -Installing a shoulder strap D ring -Making a leather zip puller and much more.
Have you always wanted to work with Stingray but don't know how or where to start? In this course I will be showing you how to make a beautifully finished card wallet using stingray. For a long time, working with Stingray has been one of the most requested subjects. How to cut, stitch and edge finish this unusual skin has been a sticking point for many. With enamel and denteen making up the surface, this material can be tough on tools and even tougher on you! Take your leathercraft to the next level & learn the skills to tame this wild & challenging skin. In this course you will learn: - How to make a simple card wallet pattern. - How to cleanly cut Stingray skin. - How to mark and stitch Stingray skin. - How to avoid the pitfalls of edge painting Stingray skin. - How to create a card wallet mould. - How to create reinforced turned edge pockets.
Create your own fine luxury watch case in this 3 part video series. New skills will be learnt in this course including box stitching in a circular pattern and a brand new way of creating a turned edge corner - designed just for this course! In part 1, we will see the creation of a functional product featuring designs inspired by the English shotgun cartridge case. This case isn’t just perfect for your watches, you can use it as a luxury pen case, jewellery case or even a small toiletry kit for your travels. Also a wonderful gift for your friends, family, or even yourself (you deserve it!).
In part 2 of the box stitched watch case series, we will take a closer look at how to stitch on our strap assembly, add our lining and create our end caps. This course also features a new turned edge corner technique that is both sharper and more durable than traditional turned edge corners seen in bookbinding and box work. In this course you will learn: - Stitching in the strap assembly - Fitting in a lining - Dealing with skiving marks on veg tan leather - Stacking hide and reinforcement - Wrapping end caps with thin leather - Sharp turned edge corners - Cutting tight circles in thick hide and much more!
In part three of this watch case build we will be tackling the main seams that create the case and hold it's shape. In this course you will learn: ✔️ How to mark and prepare the end caps for box stitching. ✔️ Turning the edges and the 'rabbit nose' corner. ✔️ How to 'lose' a stitch when needed or alignment is mismatched. ✔️ Creating a stitched hinge.
In this course we will be continuing our watch case build, but the focus in this video is the watch case cushion where each watch sits inside the case. You will learn: ✔️ Creating a flipped (stitched inside out) cushion. ✔️ Stuffing the inside with memory foam. ✔️ Using a hammer to define turned edge seams. ✔️ A simple method to easily learn how to perform the 'cross stitch' used to close the cushion.
From past and present trunk makers such as Vuitton and Goyard of Paris, to the craftsmen of John Pound and Finnigans of London, trunk making and indeed trunk handles, is a craft steeped in history. Follow along with me in this course as I bring back centuries old traditional skills, so that you too can learn to make a handle like no other. This course includes a downloadable PDF pattern + FREE briefcase handle pattern included. You will learn: ✅ Accurate stitching through thick leather. ✅ Pure wax gloss edges. ✅ Wet molded components. ✅ Traditional skills from over a century of trunk making techniques. All you need to get started is undyed vegetable tanned leather, glue, wax and thread.
Do you struggle to understand the design and techniques of fine wallet making? Have you ever had issues with T slots causing excess bulk in your projects? If so, this video course is for you! Introducing a *NEW* ????????????????-????????-???????????????? video course teaching you how to make the iconic long wallet. Download the PDF pattern, then follow along as I guide you through, showing you how to make this classic piece of craftsmanship.
Part one of this tutorial will be showing you how to use the pattern download to easily cut out all parts of this luxury handbag. The star of the show is the luxurious ostrich skin. However, this pattern has the flexibility to work with ANY vegetable tanned leather -OR- chrome tanned leather. So you can choose what you like best! This means you probably have the right leather already. This handbag design has been created specifically for YOU! It is is not a copy or 'homage' to anything else, but completely unique. And yes members, you may sell this handbag for profit! You will discover: ✅ How you choose the right skins. ✅ How to reinforce your handbag for the correct structure. ✅ How to simply prepare ostrich skin prior to using it. ✅ How to cut out your parts from the INCLUDED pattern download. ✅ How to make the 'pips' or pearls on the surface sparkle like stars to set your work apart (option unique to this course). ✅ How to reinforce your rolled handles to prevent unwanted creasing and create smooth handles with one SIMPLE TRICK. ✅ How you can easily split ostrich skin without any tools. ✅ ...and many more techniques
In part 2 of the course we will focus on stitching in our panels onto the base, edge finishing techniques, and how to correctly prepare our zip for installation. The star of the show is the luxurious ostrich skin. However, this pattern has the flexibility to work with ANY vegetable tanned leather -OR- chrome tanned leather. So you can choose what you like best! This means you probably have the right leather already. This handbag design has been created specifically for YOU! It is is not a copy or 'homage' to anything else, but completely unique. And yes members, you may sell this handbag for profit! You will discover: ✅ How you choose the right skins. ✅ How to reinforce your handbag for the correct structure. ✅ How to simply prepare ostrich skin prior to using it. ✅ How to cut out your parts from the INCLUDED pattern download. ✅ How to make the 'pips' or pearls on the surface sparkle like stars to set your work apart (option unique to this course). ✅ How to reinforce your rolled handles to prevent unwanted creasing and create smooth handles with one SIMPLE TRICK. ✅ How you can easily split ostrich skin without any tools. ✅ ...and many more techniques
In part 3 of the course we will focus on the creation and installation of our rolled handles. The star of the show is the luxurious ostrich skin. However, this pattern has the flexibility to work with ANY vegetable tanned leather -OR- chrome tanned leather. So you can choose what you like best! This means you probably have the right leather already. This handbag design has been created specifically for YOU! It is is not a copy or 'homage' to anything else, but completely unique. And yes members, you may sell this handbag for profit! You will discover: ✅ How you choose the right skins. ✅ How to reinforce your handbag for the correct structure. ✅ How to simply prepare ostrich skin prior to using it. ✅ How to cut out your parts from the INCLUDED pattern download. ✅ How to make the 'pips' or pearls on the surface sparkle like stars to set your work apart (option unique to this course). ✅ How to reinforce your rolled handles to prevent unwanted creasing and create smooth handles with one SIMPLE TRICK. ✅ How you can easily split ostrich skin without any tools. ✅ ...and many more techniques
In The Turenne Luxury Handbag Part 4 (of 5) you will be learning new techniques to use in your leathercraft such as: ✔️ Internal turned edge pockets for a clean look to your interior. ✔️ Edge binding for a pop of contrast and to protect your raw edges. ✔️ Pre-conditioning your lining for a tight crease free finish. ✔️ Critical reinforcements, what to use and how to position them for maximum heirloom durability. And much more..
In the grand finale of the Turenne luxury handbag, you will be discovering how to: ✔️ Install square gussets around a curved base. Defy the laws of physics! (or use your index finger). ✔️ Use a standard pricking iron for both the bag exterior and the gussets. A reverse pricking iron will not be needed (neither will the expense of buying one). ✔️ Install your gussets without having to align the holes at all. Just focus on gluing in your gusset and this one technique will take care of the rest. ✔️ Awl blade free gusset installation! Just two needles and thread for simple stitching. ✔️ A new technique to create uniform stitches in the gusset corners without needing a smaller sized pricking iron - no more ‘bunched up’ stitches for you! ✔️ Finish with a classic stabilised edge. Get a natural burnished look with more durability and flexibility, yet won’t peel or rub off with use. Also easier and quicker than edge paint! (no voodoo I promise). ✔️ Learn how to make a simple yet elegant leather zip puller. I’ll also show you how to make stitching a tiny part much more manageable (so fiddly otherwise..). ✔️ No cast, pulling straight out - yet gorgeous angles on BOTH sides of the stitch? Absolutely, and it seems obvious when you see why! (so many applications for this trick). And much more..