top of page
Video Course Guide
Watch the previews and read the course information
The Technique Of Hand Stitching
In this video we break down the art of the saddle stitch.
You will be taken through the basic saddle stitch using an awl and a saddlers clam - the way it has been done for generations past, and still today in some of the most prestigious luxury leather goods brands.
In this course you will learn:
- Preparing the leather for stitching.
- Accurate use of the pricking iron, troubleshooting common problems.
- Threading a needle the easy way.
- Use of the awl during the stitching process.
- Standard saddle stitch, going over the basics.
- Saddle stitch with a cast, and where you would use this.
- Turned edge seam with a lining.
- Bound edge seam.
- French binding.
- Relationships between thread thickness and stitches per inch /mm.
The tutorial is aimed at the beginner to advanced leathercrafter who has already practised a basic hand stitch, but wants to learn new techniques to elevate their skill level. This will enable the crafts person to challenge new and more technical projects.
83 mins.
Course supply list and supplier links included.
You will be taken through the basic saddle stitch using an awl and a saddlers clam - the way it has been done for generations past, and still today in some of the most prestigious luxury leather goods brands.
In this course you will learn:
- Preparing the leather for stitching.
- Accurate use of the pricking iron, troubleshooting common problems.
- Threading a needle the easy way.
- Use of the awl during the stitching process.
- Standard saddle stitch, going over the basics.
- Saddle stitch with a cast, and where you would use this.
- Turned edge seam with a lining.
- Bound edge seam.
- French binding.
- Relationships between thread thickness and stitches per inch /mm.
The tutorial is aimed at the beginner to advanced leathercrafter who has already practised a basic hand stitch, but wants to learn new techniques to elevate their skill level. This will enable the crafts person to challenge new and more technical projects.
83 mins.
Course supply list and supplier links included.
Techniques Of Hand Stitching: Advanced Skills
Take your hand stitching skills to the next level by thinking outside the saddle stitch! In this course you will discover FOUR alternatives to the standard saddle stitch, each with a unique look and added benefits.
1. 'Le point Anglais', or the 'back stitch', as it's confusingly called in English. This presents an unusual look on the rear side (shown) and is traditionally used to stitch delicate linings and thin skins to tougher leathers and hides. On the front it looks like a regular saddle stitch with even higher angles than normal (should your pricking iron allow).
2. The Blind centre stitch is a modified version of the shoemakers 'closed channel seam', but much easier and tougher. It is completely invisible from all sides and provides the option of no visible stitching on your project where/if desired. This creates one of the toughest seams there is due to zero friction on the threads (I have to try this on a knife sheath!).
3. The alternating stitch is a fun option that allows you to play around with more colours in your designs to create something quite unique (see my blog in bio for a colour matching cheat guide!).
4. Lastly there's the wrapped stitch. This provides a unique look whilst reducing tare-out on thin skins and high stress parts by reinforcing the leather beneath it. It also looks like a candy cane with bright colours! Cut a groove before stitching and you're still guaranteed to get angles on your seam too.
41 mins
Intermediate
1. 'Le point Anglais', or the 'back stitch', as it's confusingly called in English. This presents an unusual look on the rear side (shown) and is traditionally used to stitch delicate linings and thin skins to tougher leathers and hides. On the front it looks like a regular saddle stitch with even higher angles than normal (should your pricking iron allow).
2. The Blind centre stitch is a modified version of the shoemakers 'closed channel seam', but much easier and tougher. It is completely invisible from all sides and provides the option of no visible stitching on your project where/if desired. This creates one of the toughest seams there is due to zero friction on the threads (I have to try this on a knife sheath!).
3. The alternating stitch is a fun option that allows you to play around with more colours in your designs to create something quite unique (see my blog in bio for a colour matching cheat guide!).
4. Lastly there's the wrapped stitch. This provides a unique look whilst reducing tare-out on thin skins and high stress parts by reinforcing the leather beneath it. It also looks like a candy cane with bright colours! Cut a groove before stitching and you're still guaranteed to get angles on your seam too.
41 mins
Intermediate
Details Make Perfection: Back Stitching
*FREE COURSE*
The first in a series of courses under 15 minutes entitled 'Details Make Perfection' after DaVinci's famous quote.
I highlight small areas of improvement that once accumulated, produce a finer grade of leather goods.
In this micro course I discuss the technique I use to create neat looking and durable back stitches.
You can perform this with any thread, though linen being a denser thread yields the most defined results (cabled poly used in video).
Please enjoy this complimentary course.
10 mins.
Beginner/ Intermediate.
The first in a series of courses under 15 minutes entitled 'Details Make Perfection' after DaVinci's famous quote.
I highlight small areas of improvement that once accumulated, produce a finer grade of leather goods.
In this micro course I discuss the technique I use to create neat looking and durable back stitches.
You can perform this with any thread, though linen being a denser thread yields the most defined results (cabled poly used in video).
Please enjoy this complimentary course.
10 mins.
Beginner/ Intermediate.
Details Make Perfection: Corner Stitching
The second instalment of the 'Details make perfection' series, where we focus on one technique that makes a big difference.
In this short course I discuss the method I use to execute the perfect corner stitch.
In this course you will learn:
- How to avoid misaligned stitches.
- How to avoid unsightly prick marks.
- How to maintain a decorative angle to your stitches into and out of a corner.
- Direct comparisons between commonly used methods and the Masterclass method.
13 mins.
Beginner/ Intermediate.
In this short course I discuss the method I use to execute the perfect corner stitch.
In this course you will learn:
- How to avoid misaligned stitches.
- How to avoid unsightly prick marks.
- How to maintain a decorative angle to your stitches into and out of a corner.
- Direct comparisons between commonly used methods and the Masterclass method.
13 mins.
Beginner/ Intermediate.
The Techniques Of Adhesion
There are so many adhesives available.
Here I give you the inside information so you can get the most from this essential workshop item.
This tutorial will save you time and effort when deciding which glue to use for a variety of leathercraft applications.
You will learn:
- Brush techniques, and how to force glue to penetrate for a stronger bond.
- Applying glue to larger areas and preventing build-up.
- Solvent-based and water-based contact adhesive, why you should own both.
- Adhering leather to non-porous materials (metal, plastics and stone etc).
- When, why and how to dilute adhesive.
- PVA, what type you should use, and tricks on how to get the most from this adhesive.
- Gluing leather to interlinings/reinforcements as well as lining materials.
- Leather preparation before applying adhesive.
- Primary and secondary applications - when and why.
41 mins.
Beginner/ Intermediate.
Course supply list and links included.
Here I give you the inside information so you can get the most from this essential workshop item.
This tutorial will save you time and effort when deciding which glue to use for a variety of leathercraft applications.
You will learn:
- Brush techniques, and how to force glue to penetrate for a stronger bond.
- Applying glue to larger areas and preventing build-up.
- Solvent-based and water-based contact adhesive, why you should own both.
- Adhering leather to non-porous materials (metal, plastics and stone etc).
- When, why and how to dilute adhesive.
- PVA, what type you should use, and tricks on how to get the most from this adhesive.
- Gluing leather to interlinings/reinforcements as well as lining materials.
- Leather preparation before applying adhesive.
- Primary and secondary applications - when and why.
41 mins.
Beginner/ Intermediate.
Course supply list and links included.
Techniques Of The Blade
Without all doubt, the ability to set the right edge angle, sharpen, polish, and correctly use bladed tools will change your leatherwork forever.
The principles used in sharpening woodworking tools, chefs knives and other disciplines do not always carry over well. A different medium requires a different approach.
With this tutorial you will understand that difference.
You will learn:
- Cutting and skiving skills, from stance to wrist movement. Turn leather into butter with the right knowledge.
- Choosing the correct angle for the blade.
- Understanding grit size and what to use – diamond, sandpaper and stone.
- Differences between sharpening, honing and polishing.
- Micro serrations.
- BONUS - make your own improved strop/buff stick without leather, saving $$$.
58 mins.
Beginner/ Intermediate.
Course supply list and supplier links included.
The principles used in sharpening woodworking tools, chefs knives and other disciplines do not always carry over well. A different medium requires a different approach.
With this tutorial you will understand that difference.
You will learn:
- Cutting and skiving skills, from stance to wrist movement. Turn leather into butter with the right knowledge.
- Choosing the correct angle for the blade.
- Understanding grit size and what to use – diamond, sandpaper and stone.
- Differences between sharpening, honing and polishing.
- Micro serrations.
- BONUS - make your own improved strop/buff stick without leather, saving $$$.
58 mins.
Beginner/ Intermediate.
Course supply list and supplier links included.
Techniques Of The Blade 2: Advanced Sharpening
Sharpening is one of the most basic foundation skills in leathercraft. It precedes many actions we look at as essential such as skiving, splitting, cutting out, using an awl, creating grooves, bevelling edges and punching holes to name just a few.
Yet many crafters rely on a decent factory ‘sharp right out of the box’ edge, then try and hold that edge as long as possible through stropping.
This reliance on someone else doing the job for you creates a handicap in your work and crafting abilities. Many only give sharpening a go when they damage their edge, or stropping no longer works.
This ends today as I show you how simple sharpening can be. With a little practice there is no reason why you can’t get an edge matching or exceeding what you see in this video. Not to mention, less force cutting leather results in less accidents!
My goal is to open your eyes to how much easier and enjoyable leathercraft can be with a super sharp blade.
✔️56 mins
✔️All Skill Levels
✔️FREE PDF jig (rigid platform for sharpening your knife)
pattern download
✔️Course supply list and supplier links included
Yet many crafters rely on a decent factory ‘sharp right out of the box’ edge, then try and hold that edge as long as possible through stropping.
This reliance on someone else doing the job for you creates a handicap in your work and crafting abilities. Many only give sharpening a go when they damage their edge, or stropping no longer works.
This ends today as I show you how simple sharpening can be. With a little practice there is no reason why you can’t get an edge matching or exceeding what you see in this video. Not to mention, less force cutting leather results in less accidents!
My goal is to open your eyes to how much easier and enjoyable leathercraft can be with a super sharp blade.
✔️56 mins
✔️All Skill Levels
✔️FREE PDF jig (rigid platform for sharpening your knife)
pattern download
✔️Course supply list and supplier links included
Techniques Of The Edge Pt 1
In this video course, I demystify the process of edge finishing using simple techniques and materials you likely already have.
Focusing on more traditional methods for a classic look.
In this course you will learn:
- Edge creasing vegetable tanned leather.
- Edge creasing chrome tanned leather.
- Creasing around corners.
- Molten wax edge creasing.
- Edge preparation.
- Shaping an edge.
- Additives to create a more durable edge.
- Edge dyeing.
- Burnishing an edge.
- Polishing an edge.
- Types of wax.
52 mins.
Beginner/Intermediate.
Course supply list and supplier links included.
Focusing on more traditional methods for a classic look.
In this course you will learn:
- Edge creasing vegetable tanned leather.
- Edge creasing chrome tanned leather.
- Creasing around corners.
- Molten wax edge creasing.
- Edge preparation.
- Shaping an edge.
- Additives to create a more durable edge.
- Edge dyeing.
- Burnishing an edge.
- Polishing an edge.
- Types of wax.
52 mins.
Beginner/Intermediate.
Course supply list and supplier links included.
Techniques Of The Edge Pt 2: Edge Paint
In this course you will learn the fundamental use of leather edge paints for luxury leather goods in order to create a flawless finish.
From handbags to wallets, watch straps to cases, quality edge paints provide a durable modern alternative to burnishing and hot wax finishing (discussed in Techniques Of The Edge Pt1).
In this course you will learn:
- Tips on buying edge paint.
- Tools for effective application.
- Laying a good foundation layer.
- Creating a rounded edge without beveling.
- How to effectively sand the edge.
- Troubleshooting mistakes and accidents.
- FOUR different ways to create a final finish.
- Side by side comparisons.
55 mins.
Beginner/ Intermediate.
Course supply list and supplier links included.
From handbags to wallets, watch straps to cases, quality edge paints provide a durable modern alternative to burnishing and hot wax finishing (discussed in Techniques Of The Edge Pt1).
In this course you will learn:
- Tips on buying edge paint.
- Tools for effective application.
- Laying a good foundation layer.
- Creating a rounded edge without beveling.
- How to effectively sand the edge.
- Troubleshooting mistakes and accidents.
- FOUR different ways to create a final finish.
- Side by side comparisons.
55 mins.
Beginner/ Intermediate.
Course supply list and supplier links included.
