leathercraft

I'm looking for a set of motorcycle saddlebags in the style of vintage horse riding gear.

Example below, but my 'perfect' version is quite a bit darker:

Holds a flashlight and my car key-fob. A cutout makes the flashlight easier to take out.

I recently watched this video by Corter and it was a bit of an aha moment.

Whether it’s repair, changing the thread colour or in my case fixing some mistakes … I love how leather products can be opened up and redone. Not everything of course but the stitch line is fairly simple to revamp, billets are quickly replaced and even edges can be re-burnished.

I love the 2nd bag that I ever made a lot but it was my second bag. I had missed a whole and one corner was therefore off, I attached the buckle upside down (it works but looks off) and a seam was opening up. Burnished edges weren’t good yet.

So I sat down today and fixed it all. It was easier than I thought and it’s a nice upgrade! I wish I had taken before and after pics.

Made a pricking iron from a bit of copper bus bar I had. I ordered a bunch of 250/27LP sewing machine needles.

2.5mm holes drilled and it’s a perfect fit for the needles. Started off nicely but got caught by drilling copper too fast. Just bound up and broke a drill in the hole. Ffs. Dropped the drill press RPM down to 580 and that worked well.

I will now make a single awl using one of these needles, and a double and quad pricking iron.

https://imgur.com/a/uooMjll

Edit at bottom:

I have purchased a larger pot than usual of contact adhesive. My last pot was 1/2 the size and started to thicken after a year (mostly used).

As a hobyiest, I'm wondering if there is a cheap solution to extend the life of the glue or bring it back to life, it's not the cost but trying to reduce waste. Product is a solvent based polychloroprene contact adhesive (EVO-STIK IMPACT ADHESIVE).

To identify if cause was user error - stored in the tin, and I wrapped in plastic as an extra air barrier, it was on a shelf inside.

Would adding solvents work (have Butane and isopropanol alcohol on hand). Happy to experiment but nice to know I'm not creating leather wrapped napalm.

Obviously best plan would be to double my leathercraft output. Any advice on better glue in UK would be welcomed.

Thank you.

EDIT:

A) first findings are ther cross over between chemists and leather workers seems to be low.

B) Isopropyl alcohol seemed to make it set arder

C) Butane had a slightly better response but didn't really help enough - think it had gone to far to be saved.

Decided to get really good at making one thing and learning the general process from veg tan to finished product, the green one is my favorite.

Very new to leather work. First time trying to wet mould. I’m very happy with the result :)

I was gifted a sewing machine for my birthday. I’ve never used one before, but I was told that making a pillow case was the best learner project. Since a pillow case is basically just a big bag, I got the idea from a YouTube channel called Skill Tree to instead make a gathering bag.

The bag itself is held to the case by a saddle stitch. I gave the front of it a sort of shield shape in order to show some of the fabric, making it apart of the aesthetic. The Celtic knot on the front was made with a stamp, but the negative space was darkened with an antique finish. This is the first time I successfully used an antiquing finish without darkening the entire piece.

I know PU leather isn't real leather, but still thought I'd share my results.

This is with an 80W CO2 laser on very low settings. I think it game out pretty good!

I made this catch-all tray for a friend's housewarming but I wasn't happy with the natural vegtan color so I propped it up in a sunny window for three days. My needle holder from the same hide is there to show the contrast of how much the color changed and to remind everyone to wear sunscreen 😎

I got Fashionary’s Bag Design 😱 It’s amazing!!!

I thought my first post here should be the project that got me into the hobby.

I made a small travel sized leather bound book. A flap on the back allows it to hang on a belt.

It has a pocket in the front for a sharpening stone. On the side, it has a ferro rod to start fires. It's for bushcrafting mainly. I know it's a little rough around the edges and my stitches aren't perfect, but it works!

I am having some issues burnishing some chrome tans. I would love to hear what everybody is using to burnish edges please

This is my first project that I'm pleased with, that I think actually turned out pretty well. It's simple but I'm happy with it. It's all handstitched. Unfortunately I didn't take a bunch of good pics before I gave it to my aunt.

I would love to start a (maybe monthly?) WIP showcase. Any interest? I’ll comment on what I am working on below. Feel free to add yours as well

I was having trouble joining but I got in! I'll post some pics as soon as my next project is finished. I'm excited to see all your guys dank stuff!

I would love to discuss designs and esthetics here as well. I got this new closure for a handbag and I am wondering if I need to go with a somewhat round or even just rounded corners?! Any ideas?

I am still fairly new to Leathercraft and just got into making handbags. Here are some pics of my first two handbags made from my own designs. Leather is Hidden Water from Sepici (green) and Blue Tidal from Arif & Sons (Blue)

I hope we can create a community here for Leathercraft. From beginners to experienced pros. Hobbyists, side hustle or professional saddle maker … all are welcome.

hope to see more...