The Process

From start to finish, each leather good that comes out of this shop has been proudly made with with a delicate attention to detail. On this page you can familiarize yourself with some leather terminology as well as an in depth look at the making process.

Pattern Making

Before making a new product, it can be beneficial to develop a pattern out of paper or cardstock. While this process feels like a waste of time, it is an important step to take for two reasons. Taking the time to perfect a template can allow the maker to create several identical products with ease. Making a pattern out of paper can also help significantly cut back on leather waste from the making process. 

Cutting

Sharpening blades and tools is a tedious but essential process in the world of leatherwork. Each piece of leather is precisely cut to shape and arranged to create any given product. This step requires the utmost perfection in order to achieve a beautifully symmetrical finished product. 

Stitching

The stitching process begins with a small amount of contact cement that temporarily holds the edges of some leather panels in place. The next step is to mark a stitch line along the edge. There are a handful of tools such as a compass, stitch grover, or creaser that can do this job with ease. Punching holes comes next, this can be done with an awl, one by one, or with a set of pricking irons. Once holes are punched, the product is ready to be stitched up. All wallets, bags, and accessories are hand stitched with two needles using the traditional saddle stitch method. If done correctly, this process is considered one of the strongest and longest lasting stitches in the world. 

Edge Finishing

The tell tale sign of fine leatherwork is a finished edge. Many mass produced or even hand made goods lack proper finished edges. Edge treatment is considered on of the most important steps in the leatherworking process. If done properly, the edges will be sealed from any dirt and debris for the lifetime of the product. First, the edges must be beveled on both the grain and flesh side using an edge beveler. This step rounds out the angular edge of fresh cut leather. Sanding the edge comes next, this helps further round the edge, as well as rough up the leather so it can soak up some burnishing compound. There are many compounds on the market, some makers even mix up their own. The compound, along with a burnishing stick and some elbow grease results in a smooth, glossy, finished edge.