How to: Hand stitching leather with traditional saddle stitch

[@velomitrovich313]

I swear, I've looked at a zillion videos on how to hand stitch and yours is the ONLY one that shows how to set up the thread in the needle. Thank you so much.

[@CHARTERMADE]

So glad the video was helpful for you, regards Terrick

[@slogan8652]

This is the best tutorial on saddle stitching on KZbin. Thank you

[@pedromartinez1165]

I'm a 53 year old veteran that has been trying to learn this trade for quite some time now, but it has been very difficult to learn from some type of schooling, your video has brought a new light into my learning, I feel that I can learn and work for my own while caring for my family - thank you I truly appreciate your valuable teaching. Semper Fi

[@CHARTERMADE]

Thats Great. I did leave you with my with my email address in your other comment. 😉

[@pedromartinez1165]

@@CHARTERMADE Thank you very much. I'll get in touch with you asap. Have a great day Pedro

[@inalim7831]

thank you for teaching how to sew leather bags at home using your hands properly. I really want to learn how to sew leather. I am very happy that you are teaching

[@deankay4434]

I will have watch more, much I understand yet not clear on thread type and needles. When you waxed the stitching thread, it appeared the needle was split. Growing up on a farm, I rode a paint but fixed the saddle, I had to. The smell of leather, fresh cut wood are something you never forget. You did an awesome job of showing certain techniques, for that I thank you. I will have to watch more as I subscribed. I was the oldest and grew 6 inches at age 11. It was brutal. At 7, I helped other farmers to earn money. No allowance on the family My eye caught gas powered lawnmowers & they gladly gave them to me, even a ride home with a bicycle I fix for free. Soon, $1 per yard was faster as I got one mower working. Later, $15 got a step-thru motorcycle running. It was metric and bought same, but cheap. Those metric tools had me fixing Opel’s, my friends own mother had me fix her Datsun PU. Sanding spokes off model “T” and varnishing then for $8 each. The smell of cut hay, from 10 miles away mad me sick. Spent 40+ years in dealerships and as worn joints & fusions (3 at different times/5 total joints/and still burns) I have some of the tools and two hole punch forks. I need a good scyving knife. My problem is elbows, they slow me down bad. I have buckets from a newer truck I have cut, welded and modified. They are going into my 44 year old truck, I’ve fixed over 7 years. Inside; Using a leather that 1.3 mm thick, I am torn between stitching or machine. Companies sell leather seat covers with lace & machine stitching. Bolsters stand up longer with lace in cross-hatch pattern. I will be watching videos on your channel to see subjects to overcome, learn and do! Automotive ASE Certified Master Tech since 1978 - Retired Thank you & Blessing to all! I truly admire folks who are good at their craftsmanship and enjoy it. It shows!

[@ahthisisgood]

Thank you. Very helpful as I'm learning the basics of leather working. The fact that the first bag was for you wife in a special occasion means you put your heart into it. Quality comes caring. It shows in your work.

[@CHARTERMADE]

Enjoy the fun of learning leather work and thanks for your message.

[@ahthisisgood]

@@CHARTERMADE If I may ask, for beginners like me, what is you opinion of those acrylic pattern templates available online? I'm starting small to get the basics down and was wondering if those templates are good to practice with. Thank you.

[@CHARTERMADE]

@@ahthisisgood I would not be able to give an honest answer as I have never used them.

[@OsmLps]

Thanks to your help I was able to turn some scrap leather into a pretty cool (but sloppy) fathers day gift for my old man. Thank you for the help.

[@CHARTERMADE]

Leather gifts are the best and Im so glad the video was helpful. Regards Terrick

[@marcuseviltree6304]

I learned more from you in the very first vid than 20 or more vids from other peps. They are all good craftsmen but you explain in detail. Thanks for the lesson.

[@shahmarjafarov8904]

I learned leatherer by watching your videos. I already have a few handicrafts. Thank you for that.

[@keshosingh5645]

you are the master of leather craftmanship

[@jjm5714]

Old world craftsmanship and an excellent tutorial. Thank you

[@lindafoxwood9091]

I had to watch your instructions again. I am mostly a hobby leather worker. I make lots of stuff for myself. 100 knife sheaths, 12 holsters, 4 wallets, 2 pairs of moccasins, 2 belts. My stuff is looking better now. Thanks again.

[@albpoolshark]

You're the first video I've found on saddle stitching to actually take me through it step-by-step. So many others consist of "just look and follow what I do" without explaining why. Thanks a ton for sharing your experience with an amateur!

[@CHARTERMADE]

So glad you found it helpful, thank you for letting us know.

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Awesome Craftsmanship and tips thankyou ! Around 12 years ago i purchased a Walking Foot Sewing Machine and self taught myself how to sew mainly for making new Boat Cushions and repairing Canvas and Sunbrella on my boats although my machine isn’t reccomended for Leather work by the Manufacturer I’m confident it will stitch through some leathers if i take my time with it i do like the entire concept of doing it all handmade like you do as it makes anything done that way a little special IMO I was a Woodworker for over 20 years and every now and again i would make a project for someone without using any power tools your stitches do look fantastic

[@rebekaeve]

Thank you, thank you! It took me a while to cruise through the video-garbage of people with dollar-store sewing kits, etc., to find your exceptional instructions. You made my night of hand-stitching fulfilling and easy. Cheers!

[@CHARTERMADE]

Thank you for the motivating comment Rebecca, we so glad it was helpful for you.

[@secksualloogie]

I am a fairly amateur leather worker and I have to say this video is the best instruction I have ever seen. Answered so many questions I've had that have never been answered. Thanks!

[@CHARTERMADE]

Thanks so much for the comment. I'm so happy that the information is beneficial

[@thewizdad]

Something to note for beginners. He is using a pricking iron on a granite slab. Because these tools do NOT go through the leather (the saddlers awl is what pierces the leather except on thin leather) he runs no risk of damaging his pricking iron. If you use a stitching chisel, NEVER use it on granite. Always have a poly board and a thick piece of scrap tooling leather under the project so you never blunt the chisel accidentally.

[@thebeardedbalrog]

As a person looking to get into doing leather working, I have to say this is probably hands down the best and clearest stitching tutorial I've seen yet. Thanks and keep it coming, awesome content!

[@CHARTERMADE]

Really happy that the video was helpful to you. Enjoy getting started in leather work

[@CHARTERMADE]

Thanks Christopher, that is really motivating for us to hear.

[@georgehirsch9152]

Best demonstration video of the technique I have ever seen! Thank You!!

[@jimilee8979]

Amazing how some people as so talented............................... I 'm sure they work very hard to achieve their status........GREAT WORK..........

[@FatihTurkerFatih]

Absolute perfect saddle stitch teaching

[@MegaSuperCritic]

0:45 god damn, there’s more emotion in these few seconds than most movies could ever hope for

[@CHARTERMADE]

they were some really special items to make.

[@ericmac564]

I thought I was the only one that felt that. You could see the memories in his eyes and the emotion in his face. Great video.

[@chadh3441]

That was my thought immediately as well. You could almost see the memories and feel the exact emotions at that time in just those few fleeting seconds with the person reacting suddenly with no care or awareness of what is going on around them. A moment when time stands still. Priceless moments for sure that can only be duplicated by those that have experienced the same or similar special moments. I can say for myself, I never tire from watching these events unfold right before my eyes. It is one of the very few things that give me a little hope for humanity.

[@hydmonger2816]

Dang beat me to it. I felt that emotion bro.

[@mahmoudbayoumy75]

I actually love the hand craft and always watch multi thing about it in KZbin , but your way is awesome to learn it by your details we never notice it with our instructions ,, thank you for your help

[@Jer0867]

0:51 You can see this bag really means something to him. Lovely to see something like that.

[@LovingAtlanta]

Jer 1967 - 👍Exactly what I said and felt too. I had to reply it. It was beautiful to see.💞

[@merindymorgenson3184]

I too was struck with the emotion of that moment.

[@LovingAtlanta]

👍😍🤗Beautiful moment. Beautiful bag. That bag should be named The Noah Bag. It’ll be a family heirloom. Hopefully, his son Noah will cherish it when he grows up and will pass it on to his own first born child and so on as a family tradition. 💝

[@yvonneschimmel453]

Love the clamps your using to hold the leather while you sew it!

[@معاويةهزي-ح3ج]

You are a wonderful teacher, Mr. Master, one of the most wonderful educational videos that I watched despite the language barrier ... Thank you

[@معاويةهزي-ح3ج]

Can I contact you if I need to ask you about something .. Do you have a number and an account .. I would like to learn from you .. Excuse me for translation, it may be bad .. I am an Arab and I work in the United Arab Emirates

[@MrHondoMan]

I've been at leather work for quite some time. This video is probably one of the best and clearly made videos explaining the saddler's stitch. Well done!

[@CHARTERMADE]

thank you so much for the positive comment, it really goes a long way in keeping us motivated to make more videos.

[@nikearth]

@@CHARTERMADE Yes, please more of that. I'm new to leather work and this is invaluable information and well presented. I like the focus on one particular topic. Thanks for going out your way and sharing it with us. 🌈

[@CHARTERMADE]

@@nikearth Thank you

[@aperson1719]

Id love for you to break down how to create patterns! I always see bags id like to improve, or have ideas in my head from scatch... But knowing how to create it is a weakness. What oz leather to use, how to calculate the amount of give (allowence) to leave, making a 3d object into a flat pattern... So many questions! I hope someday soon, you will help us all demystify this process. Great work, and thanks for everything :)

[@deborahekweozoh3137]

hello MrHondoMan, I see you have experience with leather working and was wondering if we could work together on a project. please let me know! thanks

[@LudoVanSteen]

very good explenation. Best I have seen till now. Keep on the good work.

[@coastwatch203]

You are a very good teacher of your craft. Thank you. Very valuable information.

[@DougAgee]

Thanks for sharing your tips and for giving so much to the maker community.

[@Cardinalspuj]

One ,if not the best educational videos on hand stitching! You are truly a master craftsman! Kudos!

[@Andy-pu2iv]

Thanks Terrick. I've just started leather working, about four months ago. The stitching is really the area that I want to improve in my work. It seems to me to be so important to get it neat, tidy and even. I'll try your methods on the next piece I make. Also, I loved the intro with you talking about those deeply personal memories and emotions you put into your early works.

[@tonyhinson]

Absolutely awesome job crafting and teaching you are doing an amazing job please don't stop

[@rcb1717]

I gotta say I never really comment but gotta give credit where it’s due.. After about 45 seconds in I clicked “subscribe”.. I can tell by the energy or something that you take pride in your work and don’t mind helping others without ego and I respect that. God bless and appreciate the info that I’m sure came from a lot of trial and error! Which is where I’m at haha

[@CHARTERMADE]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and encouraging words. That video was also one of the first ones we did. We are still learning, but we really enjoy making them. Thank you for subscribing :)

[@stephenmaniloff8493]

Beautiful work....using the pricking irons and the awl should take the worry and the hassle of peeking on the back side.....stitching heavier leather and only using a Space Marker and Awl...makes good stitches on the backside more difficult...

[@patticampbellhardy4059]

What a great video! Up close so one can see the position of the needle and thread. Very educational for a beginner like me! Thanks so much!

[@Fat2Fit5k]

You can tell the bag you made when she went into labor for Noah meant alot to you as well and brought back memories

[@udod6372]

……thank you Sir- you are a Master. Ilearned so much in this video-……Grand Chapeau !

[@CHARTERMADE]

Thank you

[@mikeyg4223]

I've been watching a lot of leather-working channels since getting interested in it recently, this is the first episode of yours I have watched and I can say I have learned more in four minutes on your channel then any of the other ones. Thanks.

[@secksualloogie]

you are the first person i've seen explaining how to not catch a thread. thank you SO much!

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Finally found a video that explains this well. Thanks for taking the time and as someone who also happens to be married to my camerawoman (when she can and I am not self-filming out of necessity), I thought your wife's camera work was just fine. Beautiful stitching clam, also.

[@CHARTERMADE]

Thanks for your message. This was one of Charlenes 1st few videos so Im still really proud of how well she did with it.

[@deborahekweozoh3137]

hello The Gray Bearded Green Beret, I see you have experience with leather working and was wondering if we could work together on a project. please let me know! thanks

[@95unded]

This video is a great help in understanding some of the different kinds of stitches in leather making. I recently invested I a standard sewing machine and after making a couple of purses I'd like to do a couple out of leather. Only thing is that the wife made it clear we are NOT getting a machine for leather anytime soon. So hand stitching it is

[@wetwriterrr]

Nice instruction for me, an armchair beginner hoping to get the courage to become an engaged beginner with leather laid out on my work table.

[@brianlong8852]

Excellent video on stitching. I have never done any stitching. But your instructions give me the confidence to do some stitching. Thank you.

[@CHARTERMADE]

Give it a go, it really is a beautiful art form even when you have to struggle through when starting. Thanks for your message

[@m.l.gleatheritems2598]

Hi, I always love watching this on your show, cheers, Michael.

[@barbarasmith2252]

You make it look easy..Sign of a craftsman to do so.

[@jdr1469]

Its obvious you are an accomplished craftsman. Thank you for your contribution.

[@ianthomas7329]

I made a Keychain out of some scrap leather a week or so ago, and now I'm hooked. I cant get enough. Great video with helpful tips.

[@robertwhitham5109]

Agree . Exceptional instructional insights and demonstration.. I knew I was close to having a decent stitch, but inconsistencies were making me pull my hair out. This video gave me insights that I was over looking and ignoring. Now my stitching has improved 200%. Fantastic video Chartermade. Thanks.

[@CHARTERMADE]

Thanks for the comment and letting us know that you found the video helpful. We are so pleased that the video has been able to assist you in your learning.

[@magicdaveable]

Nice work. All of my leather pieces were done with saddle stitching. I got started about 45 years ago.

[@puzzlering1]

Thank you for a very well presented and informative video, especially the saddle stitching, I was over looping my thread on the return left hand side, after watching your video I saw where I was going wrong and I will definitely try using the awl and the hand positioning you have recommended. Thank you again Take care Sam

[@CHARTERMADE]

Glad you found the video helpful Sam, kind regards Terrick

[@ehsansiadati8315]

one of the best and most useful instructions on leather stitching I've seen. Excellent work and style. Thanks

[@jonfarrell9053]

Finally someone who explains step by freaking step for beginners to really not only follow along but to understand why your doing something a certain way and what to look out for. One video of yours and I’m subscribed. Trying to learn to make a traditional book binding and thought leather stitching would be a nice border. Your tutorial is the method I will use. Thank you

[@CHARTERMADE]

Thanks for your message and glad you found the video helpful. kind regards Terrick

[@digitaIgorilla]

So good to see someone else pause when looking at their past work, remembering the love and care and part of themselves they put into that piece. It's not just me

[@Jer0867]

I was just think that exact thing myself! Beautiful.

[@mariuszchmura8406]

There is only one word - MASTERPIECE

[@daviddaw999]

This is a superb, instructive video. I love your craftsmanship and pride in your work. By the way, your accent is very easy on the ear and I could listen to you all day.

[@CHARTERMADE]

Glad the video was helpful and you enjoyed it. This was one of the first videos my wife and I made together so we still had lots to learn behind the camera.

[@cliffordquenelle9132]

The way you looked at that bag you gave to your wife before she gave birth to your son, I felt that. This was a fantastic video and very useful thank you!

[@onorasa9691]

The best video I have been looking for. I wanna make my own bag

[@beckycification]

Haven't used this stitch in years but you taught me alot in this video. Thank you very much. Rob Leal

[@CHARTERMADE]

Thanks Clayton, we appreciate your comment.

[@deborahekweozoh3137]

hello Clayton, I see you have experience with leather working and was wondering if we could work together on a project. please let me know! thanks

[@sietetechnologies7744]

so impressed with the fine stitching

[@psidhu1979]

Haha finally understood it! No one else explains it clearly like you have. Cheers and I am still saving for that skiving knife! one day!!

[@petercasey175]

who makes this gorgeous skiving knife? It's beautiful, I see why you'd like to own one.

[@psidhu1979]

Peter Casey he makes it! But it’s not cheap. Especially with the Aussie dollar at rock bottom!

[@RJohannNewton1]

Awesome video. Craftsmen rule! And Craftswomen too.

[@ofhumblecourage5188]

This is the first video i watched to learn saddle stitching and it was great.

[@paulocruz8585]

Thanks for sharing! Excellent job. A hug for South Africa

[@sweetcrochet1824]

very hard work-first time i see leather stitching-great job

[@cybertree]

Thank you CharterMade, after buying a blunt awl during my first couple of months leatherworking I gave up on it until I found this video. Now stitching is as enjoyable as it looks and I don't have to wrestle with slippery needles killing my fingers anymore!

[@CHARTERMADE]

Thats good news, glad your stitching is working for you.

[@charlestaylor7763]

Great Video. As a novice learning how to stitch the leather was very easy to follow. Excellent

[@CHARTERMADE]

Thank you Charles, we are so glad it was helpful to you.

[@tac0156]

You're very talented very beautiful work thanks for the video

[@tareksobh1977]

wonderful craftsmanship, salutations fron Egypt 🇪🇬

[@philc2604]

Hi Terrick.. only recently discovered your videos and enjoying them immensely. New to leatherwork and trying to teach myself how to stitch with an awl. This video was excellent for me, I'm sitting here with two scraps glued together and stitching away and since I tried your technique I haven't pierced my thread once which had been something driving me mad.. getting nice angled lines too so thanks a million. Phil in Dublin

[@CHARTERMADE]

Hey Phil, so glad the video has been helpful, kind regards Terrick

[@cherrybrandy269]

This is a terrific video by a master craftsman. Thank you for taking the time to make it.

[@StevePhillips]

This is first time I ever saw leather work done. Fabulous job well done. I think I might get confused as I never saw stitching being done from both sides of the leather before. I need to sew up a classic car leather seat. It was a good tip how to turn corners. I'm not sure why there are some thumbs down on this video; maybe them trolls were having their usual bad day. They don't sleep at night unless they upset enough people during the day. Thank you, thumbs up.

[@dave131]

Just completed my first attempt at saddle stitching. Made some mistakes, but this video was so valuable. Saved me from making 5x more mistakes and the result was very rewarding. Thanks again for doing these

[@CHARTERMADE]

Thanks for your message and so glad the video was helpful for you.

[@jimgallagher5785]

Thanks for talking us through the various steps of your project. I hate those guys that just fast forward through there project with no details or suggestions, nice job.

[@2lab54]

You are a true craftsmen Sir thank you

[@raultorres1281]

Favorite stitching video, i did some handstitch this weekend and was horrible. However, your video showed me what i was doing wrong! Thanks!!

[@capedoryus]

Great video . Can't recall a KZbin video with a commitment to the viewer really understanding the process. Having made videos and taught myself sewing the surprise is always the confusion created by a novice not understanding all the factors. . You sir are a true gentleman. Hours of filming and editing are appreciated . Focus? Who cares? Close camera angles and multiviews and this a winner. This is a beautiful creation. Thank your crew from this viewer

[@nicolasharmony4537]

The way you stopped and felt your wifes hospital bag, Looked at, Touched it. You can tell you have an amazing soul Sir. Thank you for leaving that in.

[@CHARTERMADE]

Thanks for this message Nicolas, I appreciate it.

[@maxartusy6378]

This is real skill, a talented craftsman. Remarkable.

[@rogerbetten650]

Very clear detailed, understandable instructions. Thank you

[@craigballantyne3054]

Thank you so much for that very informative instruction video. I know it will progress my development in a giant leap.

[@barrynovak9458]

Truely a master of the craft! Thanks for sharing.

[@kyle25rs]

your stitches are so clean! That video was a very good how to for us inexperienced folks. Thanks for sharing!

[@LomoPlateAldo]

I follow a few Leatherworkers at the moment. And you, sir, are the first of all I see wearing a leather apron. Only for that reason will I follow you too. excellent video. Thank you.

[@Chiter706]

Thank you so much, you are the best teacher

[@johnnyjohnson2894]

Thanks for demonstrating this so succinctly.

[@IrisMcnab]

I agree...this is very emotional to watch! I have bought hand stitched items before, but I just never thought how they were made. You are a very Talented man indeed. I know a lot of Saddle Makers, but I have only looked at their leather carving, it did not occur to me that most of their leather crafts are hand stitched! Thank You very much for this video, you did an awesome job!

[@xolarwind]

Great video, great teacher, great craftsman!

[@victortsykunov]

Very tidy stitch man thanks for sharing your knowledge 👍

[@Jjernsberger]

I really like you, man. I appreciate your videos, and your willingness to put all of the effort into making them, including sharing your knowledge of leather crafting and knife making. Thank you.

[@CHARTERMADE]

Thanks for your comment man, I really appreciate it. Makes me realize again that all the effort is worth it

[@CHARTERMADE]

Thanks for sharing your appreciation Joshua.

[@nattojelly8349]

The vest video I have seen so far in stitching! Amazing work!!

[@IanHolmgren]

Thank you so much! Your description of casting the stitch was very clear and helped me to finally understand how to do it correctly.

[@JoseFlores-ck7hg]

Thank You Sir for these awsome videos, clean and very informative, very very nice craftsmanship,

[@mgansworth78]

This was so interesting. I have been working with leather for a few years now just making moccasins and smaller work but this is so interesting. I've become so appreciative of anything made with leather now that I realize how much craftsmanship truly goes into every part of the project. Beautiful work !!

[@deborahekweozoh3137]

hello Melissa, I see you have experience with leather working and was wondering if we could work together on a project. please let me know! thanks

[@mohamedbouayad3370]

Well done u are an artist keep it up my dear great job.

[@BosisofSweden]

You sound like an Australian that moved to South Africa. Love the video! Very easy to understand!

[@cybertree]

It's a New Zealand accent actually :). It is a cool accent just like the Swedish one!

[@BosisofSweden]

@@cybertree Really! Oh, embarrassing for me then :)

[@coolsongs64]

Thank you for the demonstration of how to saddle stitch! I’m just beginning to work with leather and you made your saddle stitch technique very clear and it really helped me.

[@notjustanything]

Just subscribed. Its Awesome to see that GREAT artisans still exist, and are making EXCELLENT quality items!!!! Your attention to detail is refreshing and amazing! ! ! The world needs more people like YOU ; people who actually care about the quality of their work.

[@AtilioEscobar]

Excellent video. You explain the process so precisely.

[@grahamsteele7821]

by far the best video I have ever seen on explaining the saddle stitch thank you

[@CHARTERMADE]

thanks Graham, I appreciate the comment.