How to saddle stitch leather

Saddle stitching leather is a fundamental technique in leathercraft. It’s a durable and attractive way to join two pieces of leather together. Here are the basic steps for saddle stitching:

1. Prepare Your Materials:

   • Cut your leather pieces to the desired shape.

   • Mark the stitch line using a marking tool.

   • Use a pricking iron or a punch to create evenly spaced holes along the edges where you want to stitch.

2. Thread Your Needles:

   • Cut a length of waxed thread (usually about three times the length of your stitching line).

   • Thread both ends through separate needles.

3. Start Stitching:

   • Insert one needle through the first hole from the inside of the leather.

   • Pull it through until there’s an equal amount of thread on both sides.

   • Insert the second needle through the same hole from the outside of the leather.

   • Cross the needles over each other, creating an “X.”

   • Pull the needles tight to secure the stitch.

4. Continue Stitching:

   • Move to the next hole and repeat the process.

   • Always stitch from the same side (either inside or outside) to maintain consistency.

   • Keep the tension even for a neat appearance.

5. Backstitch at the End:

   • When you reach the end of your stitching line, do a backstitch to lock the thread.

   • Pass one needle through the last hole from the inside.

   • Pass the other needle through the same hole from the outside.

   • Trim the excess thread.

   • Use a lighter flame or a heated iron to melt the thread.

6. Enjoy Your Hand-Stitched Leather Piece!

Remember to practice and take your time to achieve clean and secure stitches.