Material:Leather: Difference between revisions

From CoMakingSpace Wiki

(further reading)
(Sewing; more info on shaping)
Line 14: Line 14:


== Shaping ==
== Shaping ==
Leather can be cut with a [[Laser Cutter|laser cutter]] but you will end up with charred edges. Soaking the piece in warm water immediately afterwards is supposed to improve the look and smell of these burnt areas<sup> [http://www.instructables.com/id/No-sew-Shoes/step5/Cutting-the-shoe-upper/]</sup>.
The classic choice for cutting leather are various kinds of knives, e.g. [[Japanese Leather Knife|Japanese leather knife]], [[Box Cutters|box cutters]] or [[Half Moon Knife|half moon knife]].
 
Leather can also be cut with a [[Laser Cutter|laser cutter]] but you will end up with charred edges. Soaking the piece in warm water immediately afterwards is supposed to improve the look and smell of these burnt areas<sup> [http://www.instructables.com/id/No-sew-Shoes/step5/Cutting-the-shoe-upper/]</sup>.
 
=== Thickness ===
Leather can be "shaved" with [[skivers]] or a sharp knife.
 
If you want a sharp fold, you should cut a V- or U-groove on the inside line.
 
== Sewing ==
Prior to punching or poking holes with a [[Hole Punch|hole punch]] or [[awl]], you should mark the hole distance with a [[Pricking Iron|pricking iron]] or [[Pricking Wheel|pricking wheel]]. You may also want to [[glue]] the pieces together first.
 
You can then simply sew with waxed [[thread]] and a [[Sewing Awl|sewing awl]] or, a little more complicated but resulting in a more durable seam, use two needles for a "saddle stitch".
 
Video tutorials:
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFDo-dtr9mk How to hand stitch leather (EN)]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2_IS7nFe3c ''Die Sattlernaht - Leder von Hand nähen (DE)'']


== Ideas for Scraps ==
== Ideas for Scraps ==

Revision as of 01:33, 14 May 2020

MaterialInfoBox

Leather

Material-default.png
Synonyms: DE: Leder
Suggested Tools: hole punches, punch pliers,
laser cutter

Leather is made out of animal skin. It is available in different colors and as full-grain or smooth leather (DE: Rau- und Glattleder). It can be used for e.g. sewing and for cutting or engraving with a laser cutter.

There are also synthetic "leathers" mimicking this material's properties.

Shaping

The classic choice for cutting leather are various kinds of knives, e.g. Japanese leather knife, box cutters or half moon knife.

Leather can also be cut with a laser cutter but you will end up with charred edges. Soaking the piece in warm water immediately afterwards is supposed to improve the look and smell of these burnt areas [1].

Thickness

Leather can be "shaved" with skivers or a sharp knife.

If you want a sharp fold, you should cut a V- or U-groove on the inside line.

Sewing

Prior to punching or poking holes with a hole punch or awl, you should mark the hole distance with a pricking iron or pricking wheel. You may also want to glue the pieces together first.

You can then simply sew with waxed thread and a sewing awl or, a little more complicated but resulting in a more durable seam, use two needles for a "saddle stitch".

Video tutorials:

Ideas for Scraps

After most leather projects you'll end up with a bunch of small leftover pieces. Don't just throw those away! You could make...

Further Reading