How to Hand Stitch Leather - Saddle Stitch - Modern Style - Tutorial Part 1

[@Smajtastic]

Three hours worth of stitching discussion and advice and clarification? Your service to the craft is second to none.

[@burdekinfitzroy1658]

As I was taught to stitch 6 years years ago by yourself, it has been my bedrock of every make that I do. These 3 videos both expand and confirm just how well your stitching method works. Having had to stich items forwards, backwards and upside-down, the Armitage Leather methodology can't be faulted. These videos expand on the method with fantastic snippets of information. My recommendation to all leatherworkers, watch all 3 videos, more than once, give it a try and you wont stitch any other way. Highly recommended.

[@meissner14]

Nigel Armitage is the "Pro's Pro!" I gained more insight and knowledge from this video than from the hundreds I've viewed from other sources. Thank you!!!

[@bardster]

Clearest and most comprehensive guide to stitching leather out there. Proud to say I learnt from the best. Thank you Nigel.

[@samg8822]

Thank you! It’s having comments like these, right at the forefront that help to validate the content in the video for leatherworkers and crafters that have not yet stumbled across Nigel. 😊

[@MrHondoMan]

Nigel, you know I've been watching your videos for a donkey's age now. They've always been spot on. This is wiithout doubts the best and most detailed. Absolutely brilliant! Cheers!

[@raybhamilton]

I am new to leather work and relying on the internet for learning. I have watched your three videos on saddle stitching twice, learning more about stitching, tools, and techniques for the craft than any other site. I enjoyed your presentation of my new hobby. Thank you for these video and I hope many more.

[@reedleatherware]

Here we go! Thanks Nigel! I remember learning to saddle stitch from you back in 2016. So nice to have a refreshed guide from you. In this day and age its so hard to get advice from someone who actually knows. These guides you make are priceless. Thank you! 💪😎

[@shawnholton5182]

Wow! Been following you since I started 10 years ago and my first thought was ’another long video…’ Thought how can you have come up with a new technique? Was I ever wrong! Perfect lenght! Perfect amount of waffle! Wonderful video!!! Thank you Mr. Armitage.

[@HouseholdDog]

Totally worth the time. He is absolutely right. There is no way you are going to get all the information from a 20 minute video.

[@MartinSaint-r9g]

3 lessons of absolute gold, so comprehensive and extensive, couldn't ask for more.

[@penworkstudios]

I cannot tell you how much I am thankful for you getting online and updating your videos and clarifying all the misinformation online. You shared some info here that can only be learned in the classroom and clarifying the why's.

[@Searqq]

Perfect timing, I had just done some research and experimentation with modern saddle stitching so I am definitely interested in hearing about it from an expert

[@justinbukoski1]

Amazing as always Nigel. Cheers.

[@ElroyBeezley]

I have been following you for probably ten years. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@onemanhisdub1969]

Hi. Funnily enough, I've just watched the old version and I'm looking forward to this one... Thanks David.

[@Moyeen82]

Thank you so much for the video, sir. It was really great to learn in such detail from you. I am a newbie in leather crafting and I am from Bangladesh, a little green country in South Asia. I really appreciate your lessons, and I believe they will help me improve my crafting skills. Thanks again!

[@scunjee]

Thank you. A great teacher and communicator is a rare and precious skill👍

[@utkf16]

I followed the sessions and also got your pouches, wallets and belt packs which Im using to learn the craft. I've started on the pouches number one ended up looking like a dogs dinner but the second with the gusset shows a much improved technique. So thanks for your time putting these together they are a great resource.

[@samg8822]

Ooh. Do share the results of the packs that you make. Use #armitageleather and we will be able to find any posts you put up!

[@NoItsNotMe]

I truly appreciate the time, dedication, and effort you've invested in this. I found it necessary to split it into sections, not to diminish its value, but to fully absorb the wealth of information you've provided.

[@broken1965]

What a great series just when i got back into leather craft

[@wendy2507]

What a fantastically detailed video. Such a wealth of great information.

[@StrummerDesign]

This is such an excellent tutorial by a great teacher. I watched all three parts. I'm totally a "jam in the sandwich" guy now. I do think there is opportunity for a tool that ensures your stitching iron/chisel is at a perfect 90 degrees. Free-handing the stitching iron/chisel always seems risky - especially with a thick work piece.

[@wescurran221]

I am so grateful for this lesson!! Thank you !!!!

[@user-wh7bq8eh6u]

Thanks Mate, I was doing it all wrong... Learned a lot and improved my stitching. Thanks again!

[@harindergill7221]

Thank you for sharing your Knowledge and experience, very grateful. Stay blessed

[@tracytaylor6083]

Bravo! This is such valuable content and an amazing lesson!

[@jimwatchyyc]

Awesome video...I couldn't find the Crimson stitch markers on their website though. I did find the tools, listed as creasing irons though.

[@flatdog-]

Thank you! Very informative & helpful.

[@VonDutch68]

Nige based on your past reviews, I bought a set 2/5/9 5mm Crimson Hide French pricking irons plus the pipe awl. I cannot praise these irons enough and the pipe awl is superb.

[@cannedwolf]

This is incredibly useful. Thank you!

[@jamesrichardson5162]

This is so helpful these videos 1,2,3 Lurning so much . late this year going to book one to one corse with Nigle

[@andrewcarter5930]

Very detailed tutorial.... will certainly help my stitiching!!

[@BenyaminMentchale]

Thanks. A very Methodological and Educational Lesson. ☘️☘️☘️

[@ianknight2053]

Regarding the Crimson Hides marker, if the marker isn’t held at the same angle you will still get inconsistency. I’ve often wondered why markers, such as these, don’t have one prong slightly longer than the other so you can use them at 90° (perpendicular to the leather) and not at a slight angle!

[@samg8822]

They are marketed as creasing irons by Crimson Hydes. Nigel has started to use them as stitch line markers and talks about this in his review of them. He also touches on how if the tools are used this way they can be modified to left or right hand use, one of the benefits being more accuracy.

[@ianknight2053]

@@samg8822 Even as creasing irons, wouldn’t it be easier to use them if one prong (the one that goes against the side of the leather) was slightly longer so that it could be used perpendicular? After seeing Nigel use the iron as a stitch line marker, I found an old two prong 4mm diamond stitching iron and filed it down for a stitching line marker, with one prong shorter than the other. The prongs have to be filed round and smooth but it works much better than callipers and is now my go-to tool for marking and making a crease line.

[@samg8822]

@@ianknight2053

[@earlelzy9975]

I love the way you describe your method of madness.😊

[@paullambert4445]

I will cast from now on. I have made my stitches in front of the last. I didn’t want to puncture the twine. I have been using braided cord. Thanks for the video. 🎸🔪

[@sintobillo8570]

i had to put the video in x1.5 velocity hahah. nice video, you explain so good.

[@goodknight37]

What a fantastic video 👏

[@jorge66518]

Glad to see you Sir.!

[@akittredge]

Great video and update to the older vids, thanks!

[@jgdevoe]

Great but simple info on the quality of the leather as I thought it was all done the same being new to this art. But, no one ever tells you where or what brand that is the good stuff. Tandy really isn't I've found. I've heard of Herman Oak being golden but haven't used it yet and I know it is expensive.

[@Dirty_Ron]

I went with a 4Z set with tooth profile common to KS-Blade with easily replaceable + reversible (if you want to spend that abount of time repunching the back in the same angle, matching holes, etc.... or buy two pair and make one inverse, not my style regardles). I'm blown away w/ their performance

[@sheilbwright7649]

Thank you. Entirely unrelated to leathercraft I had a particular skill set whilst being given too much information could be annoying it was the information I wasn't given that caused the problems. Most people can grasp a skill where everything goes as it's supposed to but reality tends to insert one or more problems into the mix and that's where experience comes to the fore.

[@samg8822]

Exactly! Knowing why is the only way to know not only how to do something right, but also to understand why it goes wrong and correct it.

[@jlr3636]

I’ve moved beyond these tools, I now laser impregnate all my prick holes, they are absolutely perfect, never misaligned, perfect depth and diameter. It’s the perfect technique and method.

[@JamieM-n3q]

@ArmitageLeather Hi nigel just a quick question i am sure you mentioned something about water blisters on one of your recent videos but i cant seem to find it now .i had a few water blisters on a pouch made from sedjwicks 1900s collection leather not near the stitching what would the best way to treat the leather before a project .Thanks

[@jgdevoe]

I'm at the 43" mark and you go into R vs L handed. Now, having watch a bit of part 2 and 3 I know there is a "face" to the leather. I am wondering should you make your holes from the face, should the slant of the hole be away from you (as another youtube suggests while you stitch towards you). These parts of the set up will make a difference from comments you've made elsewhere. So, getting the leather set up with hole and face could be better mentioned unless I'm to new to know crap. I've already learned much from your videos and am taking notes along the way but I have to develop a thorough process to make this work. Update: ok after watching a bit more you explained exactly what I wanted with face of leather and casting.

[@jolIyjoeker]

Do you have to use pricking irons before punching with the other irons?

[@jgdevoe]

I’m new to leather work and as such been trying to scale a big learning curve. I have what I feel are a very nice set of French irons but would like to obtain a set of Japanese irons/chisels. Can you recommend a set or two of Japanese irons.

[@samg8822]

Nigel has done reviews on many styles and makes of iron but does not recommend any one set, as it comes down to personal choice to pick the style and size that suit you and the work you want to produce. The reviews do however show how they perform in his hands and he gives an honest review of the results he achieves with them.

[@larrycumba2741]

I’m a bit confused. Nigel says an iron with 7spi will give a different pattern than an iron with 9spi. I understand the concept. I have a set of 3.38mm irons. One iron has ten teeth and the other one has five teeth. The distance between the holes are the same. What is he talking about on the subject of spi’s being different if the irons are3.38?

[@frankbruce6889]

Could you clarify "ride and slip". Love your video. Already covered so many errors that I have been making.

[@samg8822]

When the thread rides/slips it is moving within the hole and is detrimental to the thread and or the leather of the hole. Either way it creates a failure point in the seam.

[@JohnTBlock]

The irons I started on here in the US were all Tandy brand, I've gotten better tools from Springfield Leather out of Missouri...not sure what their source is, but as a company they have refined the business I feel, on this side of the Pond. Just my two pence!

[@ianknight2053]

I bought Wuta irons but within a few uses one of the prongs snapped off. I contacted them about the problem which they weren’t sympathetic about, although I’ve read other people having the same issue. According to Wuta their pricking irons are consumables’!

[@crafterlula1328]

At last, I have found the "Workshop Companion" of leatherworking!

[@chiefkikyerass7188]

Is their a guide on Thread size v leather thickness v hole size v Spi ????

[@davidbnsmessex.5953]

No ,you pick your thread size suitable for the work in hand and find a needle and awl to fit . ( Saddler and Harness maker ) .

[@TheShredder316]

please review the Buckle Guy and Corter collaboration stitching irons. both French and diamond.

[@ArmitageLeather]

If they send me the irons, I will be happy to.

[@ahmadbachir1317]

Thank you sir!

[@MiniShowProductions]

I’ve watched so many leather stitching videos on KZbin and they all seemed off so i have searched and searched until i found the correct one that as you say not only shows how to do it but teachers all the process and explains in a lesson style thank you so much now i can finally try and practise and hopefully get better

[@ryanwebber6547]

Man those drawers and tool chest !

[@newapologist]

How do you polish irons?

[@ffotograffydd]

Thank you!

[@jimbob5848]

Excellent.

[@MeltingHeatLeathergoods]

Thanks a lot

[@Andy-pu2iv]

Was that an hour? So engrossing. This video explains so much of stitching that I hadn't realised.

[@Alex-ib6tm]

What is the spelling for the quality chisel keoshenelly?

[@sebastianf.3079]

Kyoshin-elle Japan

[@nightshade7240]

How do you determine what the best leather is to practice on as a beginner? Is there a resource somewhere that explains what you should buy? I bought one of those kit things off Amazon and from what you are saying here it seems like that's not the best idea and might've been a waste of money. Also while leatherwork is not a cheap hobby are there ways to cheaply learn and perfect your skills before spending money on the kind of leather you might make products out of? I've watched the videos through to get an understanding but where does someone cutting their teeth go for throw away leather on which to practice? If the leather is thinner and more supple how do you secure it? You've mentioned leather with a fluffy back being badly cut but are there ways to still use it for practice or application? I'm really wanting to get into leatherwork and I've purchased some things but there is so much to starting that is difficult to navigate. Is a stitching pony or clamp essential when starting out? Having already probably wasted money, what is the best way to find out what I should be buying as a complete new hobbyist? Absolutely adore the tutorials, how painstakingly you repeat the demonstration. Thank you for such an amazing lesson and for free.

[@chiefkikyerass7188]

Im hand stitching a cartridge belt of 9-10 oz.veg tan.....with a liner of 4-5 oz...suede...What size and type iron do i need??....What size threading needles and thread size/type ?..And how many SPI ?.....Answers would be greatly appreciated..Thank you

[@diamondminer99]

YEEEEES

[@davidtaylor7137]

Please place a piece of leather on top of a whiteboard so I can see what you are talking about, and add some proper lighting.

[@JohnTBlock]

I NEVER want be an "expert", Nigel... an "ex" is a has-been, and a "spurt" is just a drip, under pressure! 😂

[@davidbnsmessex.5953]

Typical of amateurs knowing a little about a trade , they have to then try and impress others with their knowledge and complicate matters .

[@zee-lv4jh]

Long way around the barn. It's a simple stitch you overcomplicate

[@Fuerwahrhalunke]

What do you hate about the fact that someone shares his wisdom he achieved through years of experience and all the background information attached to it? If you want a simple explanation, I'm sure there are short how-to's somewhere on this website. I for one enjoy having background information to what I'm doing as to have a foundation to build upon.

[@naktaal]

I've watched many simpler tutorials. These videos don't just teach the "how" they teach the "why". There is so much more useful information in these videos than in the simple videos.

[@Motostitchkruyer]

Why do the English use twice as many words as necessary?

[@MiniShowProductions]

Because we teach properly and that’s why we are the best at everything lol

[@СергейКарбон-к8ъ]

the topic is not fully disclosed, it is not said about the knot inside the stitch... and how the product will look with a knot on the left side once. and the right side. but otherwise super.