How to Hand Stitch Leather: Get Better, Fast!

[@rubricsuxi]

I've struggled with stitching for the longest time and improved after watching the video! It's not perfect yet especially the back stitches, but definitely much better! Thank you for your very clear explanations!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

That's so good to hear! Thanks for watching and for the feedback! Very cool to hear that it was helpful!

[@rubricsuxi]

@@ClaridgeLeather I can't seem to cross my needles properly. Do you think it's ok? I keep hearing about how important it is, but I'm having problems getting a good grip of the needles and crossing and holding them correctly. It's a lot faster for me not to cross the needles.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

@@rubricsuxi I don't think it matters! Just as long as the threads are crossing in the same way... I think it's just a way for some people to keep things from getting tangled up! Happy stitching!

[@draghynmystress]

Thank you very much!!

[@oskarviafara9719]

You are a very good instructor !!!!!

[@JonneytheKidd]

I am amazed by how completely thorough this guy is with his instruction. Incredible job my friend. Thank you for taking the time.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you so much, Mike! That means a ton! I am so glad you’re here!

[@mcalioglu]

yes, hard to find.

[@anna-lenameijer9942]

Mike, I couldn't have said it better myself.

[@peterg2636]

@@ClaridgeLeather seriously though its like your sitting next to me .... thanks :)

[@donb3557]

I never tire of watching a master craftsman using their skills to instruct others👍

[@Cristopher.C]

of course his name is Tanner

[@AntonioFernandes-fx8uh]

Desculpe me pelos erros de português certo.

[@jonnytorres664]

Of course he's from Montana

[@ellismidkiff6117]

Yup. I had a principal in elementary school who last name was teachey.

[@josebravo5125]

I had a doctor named Dr. Doctor. I'm serious. He's in Bakersfield CA

[@Cristopher.C]

@@josebravo5125 kzbin.info/www/bejne/omPYqJ2Ea9tsacU

[@taylormack]

You have created the clearest explanation on KZbin of the difference between saddle and machine stitching! The close-up photography is so clear with great lighting and so much better than other videos. The one stitch is still driving me crazy! Thank you for showing that!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks so much, Taylor! I appreciate the feedback and I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@sharonandrews4910]

Here’s a threading tip shown to me when I was a high school sophomore by a teacher who’d been a combat medic in Vietnam, where speed and accuracy mattered. Hold the thread between thumb and middle finger (give yourself more free end than what I’m seeing in your video), and thread the eye. When the length has passed through the eye, grasp it between thumb and forefinger, and pull. It may not sound like it would make a difference, but it really does; I have far fewer failed starts and it’s faster. It took me almost no time to get used to this method and I’ve been doing it for 50 years!

[@samuelcooley9102]

Dude you are killing it here. Such complete yet concise instructions. You allow your opinion to be shown as well as where others differ. You clearly have a great grasp on the leather maker community at large and as one myself it’s good to be in the company of a maker like yourself.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Samuel! I really appreciate your feedback, and I absolutely love being here in community with makers like yourself. Keep in touch! -Tanner

[@Kobe29261]

Its simply delightful watching him work. I'm here cos I ride motorcyles and want to learn how to sew leather patches into worn sections of my riding jeans but I also would sit in his class just to marvel!

[@jeffreycutler7364]

This was by far the clearest, best produced video I've seen on saddle stitching. Thank you! I look forward to watching more of your videos!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

That means the world! Thank you, Jeffrey!

[@marsoworkshop]

Man, you’re genius! Both as a craftsman and as a teacher! In sixteen minutes of your video I learned and mastered what I couldn’t do properly for 3 years. Thanks a lot from Russia!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Wow, thanks! That is so great to hear!!

[@EgaoKage]

For those who might be wondering, your method of securing the thread to the needle, by piercing the thread, is often referred to as a "half-brummel" by rope/cable splicers. And if you look up instructions on a brummel splice, it becomes pretty clear why that might be. Like most splices, it is many times stronger than a knot; not to mention being more streamlined. Most splices retain upwards of 99% of the cordage's rated strength. Whereas, even the best-tied knots will typically only-ever retain about 50% of the cordage's rated strength. Great video! Your explanation was clear, and your well-chosen camera angles complimented your explanations perfectly. This earned my sub & bell! :)

[@ClaridgeLeather]

I love this kind of info! Thank you so much for taking the time to share it!

[@Frenetic321]

👍❤️

[@lisajackson6950]

Does it matter what size or type of needlenis used? Do they need to be the same type and size on each end?

[@EgaoKage]

@@lisajackson6950 I use sailmaker's needles. They are MUCH higher quality than the junk you'll find at a chain fabric store. They are either of forged carbon steel or forged stainless steel; not cast-metal garbage. I'm also usually pushing the needles through thick, very dense sections of spliced rope. So that strength is essential. Still, you can't go wrong with sailmaker's needles. They cost a lot more than fabric store junk, but they're worth every penny! As to their size: use the smallest needles you can safely get away with. Not too small, because you don't want them to break on you (that's a good way to impale a finger). But the smaller a needle is, the lower the resistance you'll fight against as you push it through. So, it's a balance. Hows that for a non-answer! Sorry.. >.

[@Motostitchkruyer]

Nice technique and excellent explanation on stitching. I love the diagram and then followed by the acrylic model. It’s easy to follow and great for visual learners. You are a great teacher. 👏

[@anthonylogan8475]

The paracord and plexiglass demo 🤯 A+! It was the clearest and best way I’ve seen it explained. Thank you! 🙏

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Anthony! Cheers!!

[@billchapman9169]

hi,Im just learning leather work. Not gonna get into it to much, I have TIA's which are mini strokes that have taken my memory everytime they happen,had one last week on friday the 13th. Soo, Im disabled, have 5 hobbies, leather being 1, I just started it last yr, just got alot of tools to get started with and family is helping me learn how to do my hobbies slowly cause I get easily confused and frustrated. Anyway, loved the video, answered my questions, thanks a million!! keep up the great work! Bill Chapman

[@Andrew-mx6jy]

I think it is a real gift to be able to teach very introductory techniques without failing prey to condescension and while being able to keep the wandering novice attention. I'm just picking up leather working again after about 15 since my initial attempts... Folks like you and the advent of KZbin are making it much easier this go around. Thank you!!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, Andrew- that means so much! I really hope you enjoy your return to leather. So glad you’re here! 🙏🏼 -Tanner

[@krazmokramer]

WOW! An actual, true "tutorial" on KZbin!! Very informative. Clearly presented and slow enough that you can hand stitch your leather as you watch. Very well done. THANK YOU!!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks for watching!! Cheers!

[@Sherry-jx9hs]

I have always use a small spike punch and stitched straight. I didn't know that there were so many different types of punches for this. Main thing I learned pretty much by myself is to always make sure you go under the same way so your stitch is straight. The way I usually stitch is to always put the first needle through from the same side then you can control if the other needle goes over or under the first needle. It helps me keep the stitching looking straight. Nice to learn something different. Thanks for the video :)

[@suzanneparry8105]

I’ve watched quite a few tutorials on this stitching but this is the best one by far. Tells you just what you need, not too much talking and really good , clear filming with great instructions. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 thank you!

[@LTMS]

This method of stitching is my favorite one, I just started leather working because I was always fascinated by this art. Thank's for your accurate explanations

[@sparkyold]

Hey Tanner, that was the clearest most simple stitching video I have ever watched. Im 62 and have stitched over the years but since I dont do it often. I will watch an instruction. thanks, great video

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching- cheers!!

[@stevejennings899]

Your teaching style is spot on for anyone to learn these skills from a video. I am a teacher (other practical craft subjects) and I am so impressed when I see someone like yourself teaching a practical skill remotely from the student and nailing it. Nice work and thank you.

[@Mypianoanme]

I watched a lot of videos, but this one is thr only one I could really understand how to saddle sitch correctly. ❤❤❤

[@scottymink6900]

Out of all the videos I’ve watched about saddle stitching, you’re the first one to point out putting the angle from the pricking irons going up away from you. Very detailed, thanks

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SpringbokCraftCo]

Love all your white board drawings, makes everything so clear.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

So glad you like that! I like to keep it old school... Thanks for watching!

[@sylvaindompierre6780]

I just wanted to tell you that you are the perfect teacher the way you explain is perfect thank you very much !!!!

[@vickiboyles3355]

Such a thorough and patient explanation for us visual learners. Thanks for a great tutorial - look forward to learning more from you!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, Vicki! I appreciate your kind words and I’m glad you “connected” with this! Thanks for watching!

[@Massa__]

Best tutorial of all KZbin leather topic based channel! Great job!

[@jwolfe1209]

The trick of locking the thread in on the needle has been such a helpful trick for my regular hand sewing. I've been working on a lot of tiny, fine pieces, and was having such trouble with the needle literally falling off the end of the thread when I was doing a single instead of a double thread. Thanks for doing such a clear video!

[@madcat1007]

Best instruction I have ever seen for saddle stitching and I have watched millions. I now get beautiful angled stitches (on both sides). Thankyou so much for posting. Liked and subbed!!

[@marqueguilbeault]

Hey Tanner, thanks so much for this video. When I started out, I struggled with a nice stitch. Then I discovered Tony See From Diesel Punk leather, and he brought be to a new level, but I still wasn't there. Then I saw this video, and bam! My stitching has become beautiful. Awesome, thank-you!!!!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Wow, that’s SO cool to hear! I love it when the skills and confidence build like that. Thank you for watching and letting me know how it has helped!

[@williampavlack9339]

this is the first time I have ever been able to see how this is properly done. Best tutorial on youtube by far.

[@meganrakisits2572]

This was an excellently explained tutorial! Love the time you took to explain the why and how in detail!

[@alasdairross8294]

This is the clearest explanation I've seen. Thank you, now I understand how to keep each stitch nicely oriented.

[@ryloseven]

Best saddle stitch explanation I’ve seen. Well done. I always look forward to your videos.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

That’s very kind of you, Ryan. So glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!

[@juliosantos6996]

thanks for your video. the miracle of the Internet, 3 years later still teaching how to sew with your video. you are amazing!

[@jayneswan3824]

As a newbie starting out this has been very clear and informative. Great video thanks

[@jharres]

Wow. Thank you for making this video! I've really been struggling with consistentcy in my stitching. I've watched several videos and yours is, by far, the mosts helpful. As usual, it comes down to the little things, like needle placement and the slight angle of the arms when pulling the thread.

[@Heisenbrick]

i've never done any leather work but your video makes me want to learn. You are such a great teacher. going at the perfect pace and making it easy to understand!

[@damonk666]

Thank you for making such a clear and easy to follow stitching tutorial. This is has got to be best tutorial video I think I've seen on KZbin. I shall be sure to subscribe and check out your other videos! Thanks again!

[@janegrigsby1192]

Der me! I couldn't figure out how to start the stitch and you are the only video I've watched that said ONE THREAD - TWO NEEDLES! Thank you for keeping me from stitching my brain to my nose.

[@oxin1099]

thank you, I've been struggling with the finish. my teacher taught me this but I keep forgetting how to do the end (I go to a farming school and one of the subjects is about making/taking care of leather tack)

[@procinct4257]

Tanner - Thank you so much for sharing your craft with us. You're an excellent teacher too.

[@betsystyles3245]

Thank you for this!!! I never got my angled stitches to look nice on both sides until your directions 🙌

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Awesome!! That is so cool to hear! Thanks so much for watching- glad it was helpful! 🙌

[@mnapier2210]

Omgoodness.... fantastic. This instruction is thorough, perfect tempo and detailed. Not too much talking but just enough. LOVED IT.

[@orazioragonesi4393]

Short, simple and clear. Absolutely perfect! Thank you.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, Orazio! I appreciate that so much! 🙏🏼

[@bobicool]

I've been watching a ton of stitching videos this past week, and yours is the clearest I found. Thanks for the great tutorial!

[@seancha4478]

idk how youtube knew but I actually needed this

[@ClaridgeLeather]

That’s awesome! KZbin is a little too smart... 😅 Thanks for watching! 🙏🏼 -Tanner

[@LegitLC]

Same! I was complaining about not finding a channel covering all of the topics for a purse I’m repairing and wouldn’t you know it...this came up. Our phones are so creepy and attentive...mostly creepy. Thanks for your wonderful channel. It saved me.

[@jstep100]

Hands down the best explanation of stitching that I’ve seen yet and I’ve watched a LOT. THANKS MUCH SIR!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Wow! Thank you! That means so much! I hope it is helpful to you in your craft! Thank you for watching and for your very kind words. 🙏🏼 -Tanner

[@NialBenjamin]

Amazing! So well explained 👏👏👏 left me with zero doubts. Very very very well taught. I’m saving this video, liking it, and subscribing. The best 16:12 minutes of my life on KZbin. Thanks a lot Tanner!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Wow, Nial! That’s yet nicest compliment of my life on KZbin! 😄🙏🏼 Thank you so much! Hope to hear from you again as we progress in our journeys! Cheers, Friend!! -Tanner

[@REDARO11]

Man, you are the only person so far that explained perfectly the technique…. Thank you!!!!!!

[@wonkylommiter6364]

Many thanks for putting exactly what I wanted to know into one, easy to understand well explained video! all the best to you, from a new subscriber!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Wow, so cool to hear that! Thank you!! I appreciate you watching! Keep in touch! -Tanner

[@MrGibbs03]

This is the best demonstration of stitching that I've seen in the 2 years I've been doing this on the side

[@purpleyams8738]

I’ve been going down the rabbit hole of leather stitching for the last couple of days just learning and absorbing for the little project I had in mind. Your video is so well organized with amazing detail fine that I think most pros forget that newbies may and most likely definitely need for a satisfying finished product. I totally appreciate your teaching style, speech cadence, how well your video description is so well segmented and organized, the fact that your OCD about that one stitch and how to fix it is exactly the kind information I devour. Thank you for sharing. New subscriber now

[@orcsong]

I think getting your stitching down is one of the first and most important (and frustrating) skills to develop. This was really well paced and descriptive for all us noobs. Thanks for taking the time! Great vid!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Agreed! It's amazing how much a nice stitch can improve the overall look and quality of a piece, whether it's our third project or our 300th! Definitely worth learning to do it well! Thanks so much for watching!

[@СебастьянПарейра-н3ъ]

Спасибо, все просто и понятно!!!

[@DocBizzle]

This video is SUPERB for explanation and instruction! Thank you so much for taking the time to be thorough and show examples and give the tips the way you have for beginners!

[@JanDrake]

I just started working in leather and I'm doing all kinds of research. I just watched you video and like everyone else has said, your instructions were easy to follow. I especially liked turning one needle sideways and using it to pull the other needle through. But then just spin it 90 and use the same technique to push the other needle through. Locking the thread, my mom taught me this many many years ago when she was doing Cross stitching, and I forgot all about it till now. I look forward to your other videos. Thank you for taking the time to show me your tips and tricks. :)

[@anthonyramos3741]

Your delivery makes processing this instructional video easy. Tone and inflection was chill. Thank you.

[@faburrows]

I really appreciate your vocal delivery in your instruction. This is the first instruction I have viewed on KZbin where the instructor slows down the delivery while making sure to cover the details. Additionally, this instruction is more deductive (overview first) than inductive (details lead to finish product; almost like a mystery novel). Excellent instruction!

[@julieconlon4287]

Thank you so much for showing how to stitch close up so we can actually see!! Very nice work!❤

[@Rstifleable]

I would appreciate it if you would let me know what size needles and waxed thread you used in this video. I’m very impressed with your work, “well done”!!!

[@bradenhosking9342]

This is probably the best tutorial video I have ever seen. On any subject.....ever! Well done!

[@thomasbrown9585]

Wow!! Excellent video! Don’t stop teaching. Best Tutorial on stitching I’ve seen Thank You Tom

[@OldSkoolSP]

Clear and concise with a great visual aid. Best saddle stitch vid I've seen so far.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

So glad to hear that! Thank you so much!

[@mawi1172]

If I ever feel like sewing leather, you're the man! ❤️🥰❤️🥰

[@Ray.J]

I've been saddle stitching for many years now and in that time I've seen many instructional videos but to me this is the easiest to follow along with. You make it crystal clear where to put the needles, in what order and how to tension, etc. In some videos the subtle details are glossed over or aren't explained at all. For those struggling to get the backside of their work to resemble the front this video should be a Godsend. Well done sir!

[@wasimdanawala]

You are too Awesome. The way of describing step by step and your high end lens. Each and every aspect was covered beautifully

[@Omaralkarouri]

Most clear demonstration of saddle stitching tutorial from really a master teacher and craftsman. Thank you from Sudan. Keep the good work

[@Alchemista110]

What an intelligent and considerate way to teach such a what could be intimidating.

[@ZKOliveira]

I'm from Brazil and I was impressed with the quality of your technique for teaching leather stitching. Best video on the internet. I wanted to learn this art. Congratulations and thanks so much for sharing.

[@andrewmeek5689]

Hands down, the clearest video I have found. Thank you!

[@marilyncochran4306]

Beautiful demonstration watched some videos could not see their needle or HOLE or thread .....YOU were perfect ....!!!!! thanks

[@robertgauld8804]

Best tutorial I've seen so far. Loved the diagram and plastic models start.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, Robert! I am so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching! -Tanner

[@Doctor_Al]

Good video. When I first started out, I couldn't figure out why I was having so much trouble with the burn/melt part. After setting my thread on fire a couple of times ... Well, cotton thread wasn't really going to melt ... 😂

[@davidrizzardi2277]

Your videos are absolutely the best I have ever seen. Your teaching tech is perfect. You leave nothing out. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

That means so much, David- thank you! Can’t wait for what’s ahead- lots more videos in my head that I am looking forward to making! Please keep in touch- I LOVE to hear about the videos you’d like to see!

[@sandimericka8738]

Thank you so much for these clear and very helpful instructions. I have struggled with repairing my saddles and horse blankets, which are very expensive, so I try to get as much use out of them as I possibly can. This helped so much!

[@Azarathification]

Best tutorial I've seen by far, just stitched my first ever project (a simple case for one of my handmade pens), and it came out beautifully. Thankyou!

[@jamescline8055]

Best video on saddle stitching on KZbin. Very thorough.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, James! That means so much!!! 🙏🏼

[@zaraqkhan8481]

Honesty at its peak. 🔥 The best teacher ever explained every detail in best way love you bro

[@caleblandry1780]

Amazing teaching and love how you used the clear plastic or plexiglass to demonstrate really helped show it

[@curley6531]

thanks tanner! great closeup of stitching

[@ramosfurtado5313]

I like your attention to detail and clarity of instruction. Great instructor. I am an artist and love working in all mediums. All the best from Melbourne Australia.

[@notever8932]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this! I’ve recently decided to take up leather crafting and kept seeing videos that show hand stitching as part of the process and just assume people know how to do it. Your explanation is brilliant, and it’s especially helpful that you showed the difference between a machine stitch and a saddle stitch. 👍🏻

[@joanroco70]

Wow!!!! You are an incredibly good teacher. I now feel inspired. I am so thankful for this amazing video

[@VIEW5551]

Dude this is seriously the best instructional video I've seen for anything thank you!

[@calebaltheide1895]

I am just starting with leather working and have been watching a lot of videos for technique, yours has been by far the best so far. Thank you for the help!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Man, Caleb- I can’t tell you how much that means! Thank you! Lots more to come- see you on the next one!

[@ind_9631]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I like that you show in the video slowly, calmly, without stress, how to sew the leather better. Everything perfectly understandable! :)

[@lisrenee]

THE BEST HAND STITCH tutorial by far! Thank you so much!!!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Wow, thank you so much!! I appreciate you watching it! Hope to see you on the next one!

[@senatorjosephmccarthy2720]

The oversized display of showing the three different stitches is an effective manor of explaining them. I've long wondered how a sewing machine works the thread, and guessed mostly right. Thanx!

[@jsadecki1]

You are such a good teacher by the way, thanks for your help & wisdom. Keep up the great work. You went up and over with this one. Even when I already understood because your very clear and understandable, you STILL showed other examples. Perfect :)

[@crogers3783]

Thank you for the sewing help!

[@roxaskobold5101]

Wow, MAD props for showing how machine stitching works, it's one thing to know the theory but a whole different thing doing it by hand!

[@QuietTom]

Tanner, you are a fabulous teacher. I really appreciate you making these videos.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you so much, Tom. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch! Thanks for your support!

[@apistogramma4521]

Really! The best tutorial on the saddle stitch I have seen yet. I watched a few and was never sure I do it right, but your explanation was so detailed and the view and everything just made it click. Thank you!

[@Jeremiah-ki6fd]

Thank you very much. Two years later this is still helping people like me. I really appreciate it 🙏.

[@juliarodriguesvianna4290]

As a brazilian, I'm struggling to find brazilian leather workers on youtube, but your way to teach and speak made my english understanding works so easily. Thank you a lot!!!!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

That is so cool to hear! Thanks for letting me know, Julia! Thank you for watching!

[@jefft6560]

This is the best vid I have seen for saddle stiching. You give lengths (some others don't) and slow and easy to follow instructions. I found it simple to follow and the pre poking the first side with the ROUNDED needle just made it soooo much easier. Then the great tip on how to get the first thread out of the way was fantastic. Thank you, for taking your time, to help others!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Jeff! I appreciate you watching, and I’m glad you found a couple useful nuggets in the video!

[@alvaroecheverria5630]

Excellent, the best educational video I've seen on the subject. Thank you very much for sharing your valuable knowledge.

[@RobertFletcherOBE]

The effort you've gone to, to make this clear is very appreciated. The visual aids really made this simple to understand. Thank you so much

[@nathanstewart2018]

Great video! Stitching was the part I've been worried about just getting into leather working but this video does a fantastic job of explaining it. Thank you!

[@vanshpatel7605]

Teachers in university need to learn from you how to teach! Amazing sir!