The Leather Thread

[Toby88]

oh, i tot showing that it is hand stitch is better? Since it is custom made? Also, what kind of leather stuff that u made?

I prefer a slightly subtle look for the hand stitching. Again, its personally preference . Its just like how some crafters prefer sinew, some like nylon, some like polyester.

I started out making stuff for myself, then made some for customers (mainly mutual friends). Generally, I have made card holders, wallets, accessories, belts and etc (most except bigger items like laptop covers and bags which require loads of time, dedication and confidence which I have not mustered up yet)

 

[rickysim84]

I prefer a slightly subtle look for the hand stitching. Again, its personally preference . Its just like how some crafters prefer sinew, some like nylon, some like polyester.

I started out making stuff for myself, then made some for customers (mainly mutual friends). Generally, I have made card holders, wallets, accessories, belts and etc (most except bigger items like laptop covers and bags which require loads of time, dedication and confidence which I have not mustered up yet)

nice, i gonna learn from u then, guide me when i am lost or out of idea xD. I bought some pattern books online too, i wanna try out making a bag and biker wallet.

 

[marxace]

New wallet that i just ordered.

Stingray skin with midnight blue calf leather lining. tried burning it for few seconds and it doesnt melt but the burnt area will turn black. However it can be wiped off. So should be real hor?

 

[rickysim84]

New wallet that i just ordered.

Stingray skin with midnight blue calf leather lining. tried burning it for few seconds and it doesnt melt but the burnt area will turn black. However it can be wiped off. So should be real hor?

looks like machine stitch rather than hand stitch. Btw, it is a nice wallet u got there. I wish there is a coin compartment though.

 

[waichit]

yup, they all situated at kallang, aljunied and paya lebar.

Hey bro, care to share where the addresses of the shops where u purchase your leather from in Geylang? Im still new to leathercraft but it's been a very fun (and expensive!) hobby thus far. Just started off with making simple iphone cases and card wallets.. still have much to learn

 

[waichit]

Just thought ill also share about this Youtube channel which has helped me tremendously in terms of understanding what tools to purchase to begin this leatherworking hobby.

I cant post links, but you can search under "Ian Atkinson" on youtube.

I have also found the other videos in his channel helpful, especially what kind of leather types for which projects etc.

Hope this is useful to you guys too

Jacob

 

[ZhuPaJian]

Looking for customized sleeve for my samsung galaxy note 2.

 

[Hacks00]

Hi Guys,

I'm new to leatherworking as well! Please do share any of your local leather suppliers! Also, where do you all source your leather from online? haha, or does everyone get their supplies from Tandy's?

Thanks!

 

[rickysim84]

Just thought ill also share about this Youtube channel which has helped me tremendously in terms of understanding what tools to purchase to begin this leatherworking hobby.

I cant post links, but you can search under "Ian Atkinson" on youtube.

I have also found the other videos in his channel helpful, especially what kind of leather types for which projects etc.

Hope this is useful to you guys too

Jacob

Hey bro, care to share where the addresses of the shops where u purchase your leather from in Geylang? Im still new to leathercraft but it's been a very fun (and expensive!) hobby thus far. Just started off with making simple iphone cases and card wallets.. still have much to learn

Hi Guys,

I'm new to leatherworking as well! Please do share any of your local leather suppliers! Also, where do you all source your leather from online? haha, or does everyone get their supplies from Tandy's?

Thanks!

Hi all,

Here are the 3 warehouse selling it.

1. Grand Leather Enterprise Pte Ltd.
Blk 1014, 06-212, geylang east ave 3, 389729
Tel: 62886036
Person: Mr Ong

2. Main Traders
37 Lor 23 geylang #01-03 Yu li Ind Bldg Singapore 388371
Tel: 67474647
Person: Mr Su

3. Malayan Traders Syndicate Pte Ltd
Pan-i Complex #06-10, 601 Sims Drive, 387382
Tel: 67466141

There's maybe more but all these warehouse is what i know for now. For those who have other locations and a better price, maybe u can share it out here so that we can make this a better place for those who just pickup leather crafting as one of the hobby.


@ And thanx for Waichit. It is a good share of that youtube. I do view some of his video before but not all, but i will view it all this coming week.

@ And for Hacks90. There are tools u can source locally. The above 3 warehouse i mention, they all sell some of the leather working tools. Tools like, glue, edge coat, wax thread, needles, and etc. For the rest if the item, u need to source through ebay. Remember this, u need to know the right tools for the right job else u gonna spend unnecessary money for the wrong tools. Trust me, these tools aren't cheap.

Maybe we can find a date and a time where we can sit down and discuss among us (amateur) in leather crafting.

 

[Kuroba]

I've been doing a bit of leathercrafting for about 2 years now. Do give me a heads up if you all do meet up for a discussion. I'll be more than glad to join and share some of my experiences. Some people have emailed me asking questions before, but I haven't been able to attend to some of them properly as it gets overwhelming after a while, especially when theres other commitments competing for time. This can be a chance to get some of the common queries answered. I am sure I can learn a lot from you guys too. Look at the local leather sources that you guys had dug up! I never knew about them before!

 

[Toby88]

@rickysim84

Wow! That's a whole list of leather suppliers locally. I guess I shall check them out too!

And yes, leather tools can be expensive. Why is it expensive? For me, I personally feel its because of the exclusivity and the rarity of finding it, since its made specifically for leather crafting. Moreover, over the years, machination has brought the art of hand-crafting less of mainstream thing (more niche I would say). Also, tools are kinda hard to find easily in Singapore, thus with shipping and stuff, price tends to go up.

For me, I find that good tools live a life-time (or so to speak), and its makes efficiency better and operations better. Its just like having a good sharp knife to cut things, slicing it would be cleaner and more efficient, no need to use 100% strength (and later will cause fatigue easily, since your hands will be tired after cutting many pieces).

Alternatively, find ways to circumvent the needs to acquires tools that are not really needed. Like for example, do you really need a expensive dauber or paintbrush to paint/dye leather? Yes it does make a difference, but thinking of it long-term...you have to clean it up so that you can use it again. Not that its bad or anything, but personally its a time-waster. So, what i did, its just to use a q-tip (the ones that dig your ears). Disposable and freaking cheap!

So, yeah, its true that its good to rethink and consider tools that are useful and not useful. Unfortunately, at times (like for me), discerning useful ones require time and real world testing out and thus getting the wrong tools sure can happen, but don't worry, we are all here to learn from mistakes and move on! To create better products

 

[Hacks00]

thanks @rickysim84!

Your list of local suppliers is really appreciated! haha i almost bit the bullet and ordered from Tandy's. I think I'll check our your suppliers first before buying any leather online. Have you bought from all three? If so, do you have any opinions on the range of leather, prices & quality, etc..., that you can also share with us?

@Toby88 Thanks for your advice regarding choosing the right tools to buy! Btw goodsjapan.jp apparently has some good tools with free shipping for most items. Might be worth checking out. (Ian Atkinson did a review on his channel)

 

[Toby88]

@Hacks00

I tried both Tandy and goodsjapan. They are reputable leather business companies, hence, so far no problems from them. They deliver promised goods with a high standard of quality. But, imo, goodsjapan seems better, since you cannot really beat Japanese quality...and also German quality ...a little biased here, on a side note

I started out with Tandy as they offer one of the widest range of tools at the time of my knowledge (1 to 2 years back). Now I am looking at getting more from goodsjapan!

Oh, and if you realise from Ian's video, he does talk about West and East difference in terms of tools used, which I fully agree.

 

[rickysim84]

thanks @rickysim84!

Your list of local suppliers is really appreciated! haha i almost bit the bullet and ordered from Tandy's. I think I'll check our your suppliers first before buying any leather online. Have you bought from all three? If so, do you have any opinions on the range of leather, prices & quality, etc..., that you can also share with us?

@Toby88 Thanks for your advice regarding choosing the right tools to buy! Btw goodsjapan.jp apparently has some good tools with free shipping for most items. Might be worth checking out. (Ian Atkinson did a review on his channel)

Yup, i had bought some leathers from all of those 3. Well, the leathers selling in the warehouse are mostly from Pakistan (If my memory serve me right.) Not to say that it is bad or anything, but i do notice that leather produce from diff places have diff smells.

For leather types, there are buffalo, cow, calf, lamb, sheep, nubucks, and other exotics leathers. And do not forget, there are lotsa of thickness of leather to choose too. Depend on what leather stuff that u want to make, then from there, u need to choose the right leather.

Few examples that i can give is that, if u wanna make a leather belt, i suggest buffalo leather. If u wanna make a wallet, most leathers will work, but do take note of the thickness. Calf, lamb and sheep are all consider soft leathers. Lamb and sheep leather are normally very thin, bout 0.8 to 1.0mm.

From all these leathers, there are diff type of tannings method. We got veg tan, chrome tan, and etc. It is best that u can refer here. Leather - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Well, that is just a sum up of the leathers. It is best for u to buy some and experience it urself and know which leather suits ur project.

For the grade, u can actually learn how to determine it through ebay. Defects such as scar and holes will degrade the leather. But some buyer actually prefer such leather as the leather looks like vintage leather.

For the leather tools, u can get it from either tandy or japan goods. I order from these 2 seller. I found out that japan goods offer a better price but if u wanna order more, i think tandy is actually cheaper.

 

[Toby88]

@rickysim84

QFT. Pretty much sums up most of what buyers of leather rolls should know. Personally, I prefer to take mid to lightweight leathers, 5oz or 2mm (should be) and below. They are easy to work with and you can always add on layers, especially when doing lining for wallets and even the different compartments. Well, then again, if you did have a skiving machine or equivalent tool, this interplay of thickness might not be a necessary step to take.

As for Ian's video, he seem to prefer heavyweight leathers, nothing wrong with it, but great respect for him as its not easy to work with huge thick sides!

 

[waichit]

@rickysim84
Thanks for the suppliers man! Appreciate your kindness. Will drop by Geylang soon to take a look this week.

Since we are talking about tools and suppliers, thought ill also share what I have bought, from where, and whether it is worth the money. Hopefully this helps someone out who is first-time purchasing these items:

Saddlery Needles and Thimble from Spotlight: No use for the thimble.
Rubber Mallet from Daiso: cheap and good!
Cutting Board from Artfriend: must-have
V-gouge from goodsjapan: didnt use it much as of now
Linen thread (4 colours) from leathercrafttools[dot]com: this site is quite good in terms of delivery time (arrived in 2 days). Check it out
Beeswax from leathercrafttools[dot]com: small one goes a long way
Punching Chisel (5 tools) from leathercrafttools[dot]com: bought the 3mm ones. Quite alot of holes to stitch! Buy the 5-6mm ones instead
Groover from goodsjapan: uses it quite often
Craft knife and stencil from Artfriend: Realized a normal pen knife/pizza cutter works. No need for a pricey craft knife.
Wood slicker and Edge Tool from leathercrafttools[dot]com: Necessary
Tragacanth Gum and Bond glue 500ml from goodsjapan: necessary

 

[waichit]

@rickysim84

Wow! That's a whole list of leather suppliers locally. I guess I shall check them out too!

And yes, leather tools can be expensive. Why is it expensive? For me, I personally feel its because of the exclusivity and the rarity of finding it, since its made specifically for leather crafting. Moreover, over the years, machination has brought the art of hand-crafting less of mainstream thing (more niche I would say). Also, tools are kinda hard to find easily in Singapore, thus with shipping and stuff, price tends to go up.

For me, I find that good tools live a life-time (or so to speak), and its makes efficiency better and operations better. Its just like having a good sharp knife to cut things, slicing it would be cleaner and more efficient, no need to use 100% strength (and later will cause fatigue easily, since your hands will be tired after cutting many pieces).

Alternatively, find ways to circumvent the needs to acquires tools that are not really needed. Like for example, do you really need a expensive dauber or paintbrush to paint/dye leather? Yes it does make a difference, but thinking of it long-term...you have to clean it up so that you can use it again. Not that its bad or anything, but personally its a time-waster. So, what i did, its just to use a q-tip (the ones that dig your ears). Disposable and freaking cheap!

So, yeah, its true that its good to rethink and consider tools that are useful and not useful. Unfortunately, at times (like for me), discerning useful ones require time and real world testing out and thus getting the wrong tools sure can happen, but don't worry, we are all here to learn from mistakes and move on! To create better products

Hey Ricky, I do agree with what you say about tools being expensive. Unfortunately, a lot of people always say handmade leather products are too expensive. They dont realize the sunk costs/investment put in to just make and stitch a simple product.

I also agree that some costs can be saved (like the pen knife example I posted). Alternatively, try to find friends/people who can make such stuff for you! Im blessed in that sense that my friend's dad is a carpenter and he made me a stitching pony for free

I just gave him the instructions. The link below for anyone of you who may find it useful

thecraftycouple[dot]wordpress[dot]com/how-to/how-to-make-a-leathercraft-stitching-pony/

Jacob

 

[rickysim84]

@rickysim84
Thanks for the suppliers man! Appreciate your kindness. Will drop by Geylang soon to take a look this week.

Since we are talking about tools and suppliers, thought ill also share what I have bought, from where, and whether it is worth the money. Hopefully this helps someone out who is first-time purchasing these items:

Saddlery Needles and Thimble from Spotlight: No use for the thimble.
Rubber Mallet from Daiso: cheap and good!
Cutting Board from Artfriend: must-have
V-gouge from goodsjapan: didnt use it much as of now
Linen thread (4 colours) from leathercrafttools[dot]com: this site is quite good in terms of delivery time (arrived in 2 days). Check it out
Beeswax from leathercrafttools[dot]com: small one goes a long way
Punching Chisel (5 tools) from leathercrafttools[dot]com: bought the 3mm ones. Quite alot of holes to stitch! Buy the 5-6mm ones instead
Groover from goodsjapan: uses it quite often
Craft knife and stencil from Artfriend: Realized a normal pen knife/pizza cutter works. No need for a pricey craft knife.
Wood slicker and Edge Tool from leathercrafttools[dot]com: Necessary
Tragacanth Gum and Bond glue 500ml from goodsjapan: necessary

For the chisel, the gap of the chisel is actually very important. for example, 2mm chisel is normally use for making watch strap, or thin leather project. 3mm is normally for wallets. 4mm and above is for those with very thick leather project. If u are using thick leather with 2mm chisel, the thread will be too tight and cause tear to the leather.

Also, if using too big gap for thin leather, the stitch will get loosen.

Erm, for the knife, i found a cheap craft knife from Ipoh, Malaysia. And since i work in a manufacturing line, i found some industrial blade that can work with my knife. To cut the leather (depend on the thickness), u need to have a sharp knife. It is best to cut it with just one cut instead of few cuts to cut it.

Normal razor blade actually blunt really fast and this can cause uneven cutting.

For the wax thread, it depends on ur preference. There are many types of thread which can be use. It can be linen thread, polyester thread, artificial sinew, and so forth. I experiment with 3 thread, which is linen, polyester and artificial sinew and i found that i prefer polyester more. Artificial sinew is strong and good, but it is hard to match with the leathers that i am working with. Linen seems to give me abit trouble while stitching, it tends to give out small fibers. Also, i just bought a micro fiber polyester, which give me superb result.

 

[Toby88]

Hey Ricky, I do agree with what you say about tools being expensive. Unfortunately, a lot of people always say handmade leather products are too expensive. They dont realize the sunk costs/investment put in to just make and stitch a simple product.

I also agree that some costs can be saved (like the pen knife example I posted). Alternatively, try to find friends/people who can make such stuff for you! Im blessed in that sense that my friend's dad is a carpenter and he made me a stitching pony for free

I just gave him the instructions. The link below for anyone of you who may find it useful

thecraftycouple[dot]wordpress[dot]com/how-to/how-to-make-a-leathercraft-stitching-pony/

Jacob

Yeah. So, its always good to find out unconventional means to get the results expected. Stitching pony's don't come that cheap especially from websites like goodsjapan. Anyway, I am still searching for a larger one, from floor to waist height. My current one (from Tandy) which is fitted primarily for long wallets at most.
Btw, does your friend's dad still accepts orders like custom making a stitching pony?

And one tip for users of the stitching pony. If its not tight enough, you can always get a G or F clamp. Basically, it adds a very secure grip, cause sometimes the project can be quite heavy and the pony's stock clamp does not really does its job (perhaps its due to the piece of protective leather patch on the clamping parts).

 

[Toby88]

For the chisel, the gap of the chisel is actually very important. for example, 2mm chisel is normally use for making watch strap, or thin leather project. 3mm is normally for wallets. 4mm and above is for those with very thick leather project. If u are using thick leather with 2mm chisel, the thread will be too tight and cause tear to the leather.

Also, if using too big gap for thin leather, the stitch will get loosen.

Erm, for the knife, i found a cheap craft knife from Ipoh, Malaysia. And since i work in a manufacturing line, i found some industrial blade that can work with my knife. To cut the leather (depend on the thickness), u need to have a sharp knife. It is best to cut it with just one cut instead of few cuts to cut it.

Normal razor blade actually blunt really fast and this can cause uneven cutting.

For the wax thread, it depends on ur preference. There are many types of thread which can be use. It can be linen thread, polyester thread, artificial sinew, and so forth. I experiment with 3 thread, which is linen, polyester and artificial sinew and i found that i prefer polyester more. Artificial sinew is strong and good, but it is hard to match with the leathers that i am working with. Linen seems to give me abit trouble while stitching, it tends to give out small fibers. Also, i just bought a micro fiber polyester, which give me superb result.

Yeah, I agree too. Different chisel widths are important to different projects. Personally, I still prefer 3mm to 4mm for most of my projects. It gives a tighter and better looking finish with closely sewed stitches. Downside is of course, more stitching to be done = more time consumed.

Sharp blades are super important, ideally by the 2nd pass through (slicing), the leather should be cut. This mean one has to be very sure of what he/she is cutting. This likewise trains one decisiveness and planning (which is a soft skill which is really very important other than your technical knowledge).