Getting started in leather.....

[ryan9977]

hey guys...maybe a few experts can help me out....i wanna get started in making some sheaths maybe....i have made two before and they came out ok but i had alot of help.....can anyone give some recommendations on what type of needles,thread etc to use.....i wanna keep it simple.....i don't have alot of money for all kindsof stamps etc.....i would probably wanna get just a few general stamps...some needles some thread....one color dye and get to work.....any advice u can share?......ryan

[Mr.LaBella]

no post should go unanswered!

/paging experts

[Soup_Monger]

Here is a tutorial for a simple "Bushcraft" style sheath.

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/index.php...-Tutorial.html

And you could visit Tandy for all your leatherwork needs.

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/Default.asp

It's possible to make a sheath with very limited tools... because that's the way I do it... but... if you want to make a professional looking sheath... then the proper tools are well worth investing in.

The real sheath makers will be along shortly with some better advice.

[leatherman]

I coulda sworn I came back to this one! Honest!

Ryan,
Soup's suggestion of Tandy is a very good one, they have kits that range from the bare basics to a full blown leather shop. Their web site has them all listed, and a ton of good advise as well.

Also keep your eyes open for estate sales, they are a great venue for leather tools. Its not regular, but they happen.

For the leather, stay away from the belly, its tempting because its cheap, but its also the worst cut on the cow. Theres several grades of shoulder leather you can choose from, if you can search the stacks a #2 or even a good #3 can be found. Go for 7/8 or 8/9 ounce, the 8/9 goes on sale quite often at really good prices.

You can avoid the Stohlman brand stuff as its a bit pricey, the standard tandy brand is plenty fine for the hobby.

Ask more questions if you need, its fun to talk leather!

[ryan9977]

thanks...i actually am gonna be getting some free leather.....i have a friend who is running into alot of large scraps of supposedly good quality leather that he can not use.....my basic questions were:

what's the deal with needles?

what type of thread should i use?


i have made a few sheaths in someone's shop before but they had a sewing machine...man would i love one of those....i think i have th ebasic procedure of making one down....i have never hand sewn a sheath though and am worried it's gonna look weird.....any tips on hand sewing would be appreciated.....thanks alot....ryan

p.s.-i can't wait to see this free leather-hope it's nice!

[Stormdrane]

Lots of leather info that may be of help at Leatherworker.net.

[leatherman]

Needles? I use harness needles because they have a stronger eye. Those big eye needles just dont last long at all.

Tejas makes a very strong waxed thread available at Tandy, they have big rolls and small spools available and its reasonable in price. Black, brown, and white, all you really need.