How to Make a Leather Checkbook Cover

When I first started my shop, one of the most popular items that we sold was a leather checkbook cover. I quickly learned that this item required very little leather to make and went together quickly. Even in today's high tech world of Apple Pay and Debit cards, most people still write checks. And of those that still write checks, many of those people like to have a really nice custom checkbook cover. This allows them to whip it out and show off a bit when making purchases that require a handwritten check.
This video is a complete project video that shows you how I make a leather checkbook cover as well as some tips to make the process easier for you. We also created a Companion Pattern Pack, as we do with all of our project videos. In this pattern pack you will find the simple cut patterns with suggestions on leather weights to use. We also created 12 new and different tooling patterns that you can use to create unique checkbook covers to offer your customers. This is a digital pattern pack like all the rest of ours.
If you would like to purchase the pattern pack, click here and you can download and print the complete pack out on your own printer:
dgsaddlery.com...
While you are on our website, check out many more videos and blog articles as well as many more digital pattern packs.
For a good source for Herman Oak Leather, visit our friends at Maker's Leather Supply:
makersleathers...
If you are interested in investing in a new sewing machine, visit my friends at Leather Machine Co and check out their Cobra sewing machines:
leathermachine...

[@megarouge61]

I watch your "making things" videos solely to see your tooling techniques! Doesn't matter what you are making. I have seen many toolers on Y tube and you are the master. I have learned so much! Thank you

[@dannymarkgraf34]

i love how smooth and effortlessly your pencil moves across the leather. like a musician playing his instrument. great video.

[@stanmcconnell9474]

Mr. Gonzales, You, Sir, are a true National Treasure. I have done leather work for many years and still constantly learn from your videos. Thank you and have some safe and pleasant Holidays. Stan

[@richardkatzman1215]

Beautiful work!

[@benjismith593]

Brother your stuff is amazing! Thank you for these videos! I'm 39, and getting started in leathercraft. You're such an inspiration. So much to learn.

[@jgdevoe]

Fair video. Messed up finish as you didn't clearly explain, just referenced a finishing video i couldn't find. Applying dye to only part of this project is quite tricky not getting it to run into unwanted area's. This a good project but for a newbie like me incomplete as it lacks full detail on many aspects of doing this and what to expect.

[@screamingeorge1]

I love this!!! Thank u❤

[@kreator-ys1yz]

I haven't worked on a leather project for some time but still very much enjoy your videos and work. Thanks Don.

[@zacharycallahan7980]

Don you have the best videos by far on leather work. Thank you for what you do. We have to learn from someone.

[@tinoyb9294]

Don, the knowledge you provide is phenomenal. No need to ever apologize! Idea for the podcast... horse hair hitcher.

[@wesdresen9994]

You do some beautiful work. I have learned so much from you. Thanks Don

[@lukesteverything627]

Great project. Shame we very rarely use cheques in the UK. Thanks Don

[@tomkilcullen5421]

Wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New YEAR. Love for your family and lots of pets for that new puppy. Believe me I've got a working healer and they're a full time dog. They become very possessive with children. Again blessings on ya Don. Glad you enjoyed the poem.

[@chrismagyar2139]

I tried taping the back with tape and leather for tooling I found once you try to take it off it rips the fibers on the back of the leather what I do is what the leather a little bit put some weight on it and the leather will straighten back out

[@mariuspanaitescu7352]

Oh wow... amazing skills.. it was great watching you work.

[@asd6214]

Another great project. Thank you for sharing with us :-)

[@justmeva]

Got it - thank you. It's probably very easy to you but, I tend to complicate things...🤔😂😂

[@michaelbranham5854]

Noticed the masonic emblem in the background. That is pretty sweet looking from what I can see of it.

[@Rashidansari-en7sx]

great video sir thank you

[@shawnlewis389]

Great video Don. I just discovered your page last night. I am 57 years old and new to the leather craft (4 months now). I am still sorting out which tools are right for me. Any tips you have for a newbie would be appreciated. Also, where do you get the square blades for the craft knife?

[@nermen1114]

Bravo bravo so beautiful

[@TexHoss1]

Excellent video.

[@bpcribb]

Thank you for sharing! Love your videos!

[@erik5354]

That's so cool.

[@curley6531]

thank you don for great video! always learning from you :)

[@chrisnixon2179]

Sweet video, next can we make a case for 8 track tapes lol

[@dougsobel2571]

Don, Another Great tutorial. I use duplex checks. How would you put plastic piece to prevent writing from going though to the check copy below. Many people use duplex checks. Also, do you use any type of finish on the interior leather. Thanks!

[@kennethaustin3196]

Nice and quick project, did you use a top coat on inside liner? Thank you for the videos

[@amybland9679]

Question: I can’t find the blades you are using in the craft knife to trim back the liners. Can you please send me a blade number or link. I love the pattern pack as always. Was hoping for the pattern with the key ❤️. Thank you for all you do to support the leather community.

[@harrison87ss]

What is the purpose of the liner? Is this just for looks or is it for functionality?

[@Vince006]

Question for you your standing up the whole time your tooling and dying ? What size height bench would you recommend

[@bigmendoza4784]

Hey Don nice work hey quick question do you have does templates like in a craft aid mold?

[@kayshish143]

What brands do you recommend for patterning, in particular for the basket weave pattern?

[@jgdevoe]

Do you dye the stitching groove or just leave it as is?

[@jimathey6153]

OLD LEATHER SMITH here, GREAT job Don, SUGGESTION, I put a couple of drops of liquid dish soap in All my water bottles, folds easier and stays that way when Dry, GOD'S BLESSINGS ✝️⚾🙃

[@saltysoldierleatherworking6815]

If you have a large tooling job a couple drops of dish soap in your wetting tub/spray bottle prevents molding as well.

[@Thea_MojaveOutliersWhipmakers]

...if you're using veg tan kangaroo to line your checkbook cover, I'd still recommend getting the fold damp, because otherwise it'll still wrinkle up and resist folding.

[@thomasfranckowiak5930]

What kind of knife are you using to cut the leather and where could I buy one?

[@Davethe12th]

What knife is that you use to cut from the hide? I've been after one like that for a while but I can't find a decent one.

[@stevenwalker2361]

where can i find that knife your using in the beginning , long curved one?

[@benwalker8358]

Do you sell the pattern

[@yvetterodriguez3338]

Are you using Barry king stamps??

[@BrunoKMori10]

how to make this black folder ?? 🇧🇷

[@megarouge61]

Question, What type of pencil are you using? Mine do not write well on leather.

[@JayJay-sf2wn]

Charcoal artist type pencils that you get at Hobby Lobby! They typically come in a pack numbered 5B, 8B, 9B etc. They erase easily as well. One more thing, if you go to Hobby Lobbys website they always have a 40% coupon for 1 item. Not that the pencils are expensive or anything but if your anything like me your cart will fill up quickly when shopping there. Heavy sigh. My husband has grounded me from that store. 😬

[@megarouge61]

@@JayJay-sf2wn Thank you, I thought I was doing it wrong

[@JayJay-sf2wn]

@@megarouge61 Anytime!

[@daytonpyro]

what is a checkbook

[@dreamwarriors979]

For a wallet handstitch 1000 times bester ! My stitches not open hole life from the wallet! You bring so lot work on your project why not handstitch???

[@kabily8972]

x2 and skip

[@JayJay-sf2wn]

Ok. This is sad. Really sad. But did you know that kids (teenagers) do NOT have a clue how to write a check, balance a checkbook, or address an envelope? I'm serious. Grab a teenager and ask them to do any of the above. What's worse, ask them to say the pledge of allegiance. No. Don't do that. It's too depressing. My point is, we don't use checkbooks much anymore. We should. We need to watch where that money goes a little closer.