Making a Padfolio
Hi all,
I got a request for some Padfolios.
They should be made in soft calf leather.
to get the front and back it needs som stiffening material, would you use cardboard or something else?
/Vagn
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Cigar Case Stitching
I came across this cigar case today and noticed it had a raised seam on the inside part of the case. A case with out the raised seam would seem to be more eligant. Is that a purely astetic choice? Or is it too hard to do a butt stitch like in the cigar case video corse in a large scale production setting?
https://kirbyallison.com/products/bosquet-grained-black-leather-cigar-case-2-cigars
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Leathercraft Masterclass
Dec 16, 2025
Hi John. This is a traditional way of making a cigar case. A butt stitch could be used, but that would prevent makers from machine stitching the outside seams. Butt stitching would require a more skilled workforce, and more time, both increasing expenses.
I believe the style you linked is pre-stitched, then put onto a mould for final shaping.
If you are hand stitching cigar cases, you have the luxury of doing what you want!
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Thread color....
Hello all,
I was just wondering, what colors of thread was mostly used traditionally?
I and a lot of other leathermakers use a big variaty of color in our threads, but was was used traditionally for brown, tan and black leather?
What say you, Phil, you have read a lot of litterature and old book about leathercraft. What does the books say about thread and leather colors?
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vagnmagni
Aug 05, 2025
I found this box with, what they call "Classic colors": https://sajou.fr/en/n40-waxed-linen-thread-fil-au-chinois-capsules/681-waxed-linen-thread-capsules-12-classic-tones-3665546001569.html
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Hi Vagn.
Much like in wallet making, I'm not a big believer in having the product stiff without contents, because very few people walk around with nothing in it.
People will use a padfolio with a notepad, pens, cards, notes, possibly a tablet already in it, and this creates most of its structure.
However, if by soft calf you are referring to something you could use in upholstery or a leather jacket, that indeed will require some stiffening.
PVA soaked canvas
Cellulose fiberboard (Texon)
Oil resistant gasket paper (Flexoid)
Thin firm veg-tan leather
Bonded leatherboard (Salpa etc)
Most on the above list will stiffen, but will remain flexible if a corner is bent too far unlike cardboard. Cardboard can be used, though it can degrade if moisture gets in and it can also delaminate when exposed to opposing forces or continued flex.
If you want something quick and easy to get, Flexoid is underrated for reinforcement purposes. And I kind of like the smell. Try a sample first in the 0.5 - 0.8mm range.