Working with leather requires precision, patience, and basic knowledge. One of the most important skills is hand stitching, which is used to make wallets, belts, covers, and other leather goods. Below, we will consider how to make a strong and neat stitch with your own hands.

Tools and materials

Before you begin, prepare:

• A piece of genuine leather
• A punch or awl
• Waxed thread
• Leather needles (2 pieces)
• A ruler and pencil
• Small clamps or a vice for fixing

Step 1: Marking the seam line

Using a ruler and pencil or a special marking wheel, draw a straight line along which you will sew. This will help keep the seam even.

Step 2: Punching holes

Using a punch or awl, make even holes along the line. The distance between them is usually 3-4 mm. It is important that the holes are straight and of the same depth.

Step 3: Preparing the Thread

Cut a length of waxed thread 3-4 times longer than the length of the future seam. Insert a needle into each end of the thread. Be sure to secure the thread in the needle with a backhook (optional, but convenient).

Step 4: Saddle Stitch

The saddle stitch (or "English") is a classic way of hand stitching leather:

1. Insert one needle into the first hole and pull the thread out an equal distance on both sides.
2. Alternately insert both needles into each subsequent hole from different sides (the needles go towards each other).
3. After each stitch, pull the thread tight so that the seam is tight, but does not deform the leather.

Step 5: Finishing the Seam

When you reach the end, make 1-2 backstitches to secure. Carefully trim off the remaining thread and, if desired, seal the edges with a lighter (carefully!) to secure.

Step 6: Finishing

Run your finger or a seam iron along the seam to make it lie flat. If necessary, you can apply a little wax to the seam and polish it.

Hand stitching gives leather goods uniqueness and durability. Practice and accuracy are your best helpers in this matter!