How to Punch Stitching Holes in Leather the RIGHT Way! - Beginner Leather Working Tutorials

[@cr-eugene]

Another technique to help keep your stitching iron vertical is punch away/towards you rather than side to side. It is easier to sight down the line and insure your iron is upright. Something I learned that made a huge difference. You will see some folks online do it side to side and have it work out fine, but they've done it 10K times and can stitch a straight line in their sleep.

[@arinuit]

I never comment on stuff, but I'm just getting into leatherworking and have watched nearly all of your videos. You've been a huge help, and I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the time you've put into these extremely clear and informative videos!

[@Ruyagozlemi]

I think the stitches looking good are nearly the most important part, its super visible. I don't get a complete straight line with a pinch sometimes, so this will be very helpful 😁

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

I'm glad to hear it! Let me know how it goes!

[@hyenova4550]

Thank you, it’s cool having video to go over the basics more in depth!

[@hethuszar01]

Wonderful advice. I had to go a different route. i use a press machine for the stiches. It is not only always 90 degrees, but is also quiet. And that was the most important part for me, as I live in a building complex, and simply cannot hammer anything. But this does have a more "craftsmanlike" feeling :-)

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Oh that's a brilliant idea if you can't make noise! I'm fortunate enough to have a basement I can hide in and hammer away but if I was in an apartment or condo, your way for sure would be the way to go! That could make a good video in itself - how to leather work when you need to be quiet. Thanks for watching!

[@irapelletier5506]

Haha yes! When I was working out of an apartment I had to use a stitching awl to keep the noise down!

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Haha now that's perseverance! Did it take all day to get all your holes punched? I guess the plus side is you can do whatever spacing you want between holes!

[@irapelletier5506]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods haha no way! I do a traditional saddle stitch where I punch the holes with an awl as I go. It goes along pretty quick once you get the hang of it. I mark the holes with a marking wheel before I start.

[@irapelletier5506]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods I’ll do a video on it one day!

[@irapelletier5506]

Awesome video dude! Getting a nice stitch line is so important in making your work look really good! The back is just as important as the front!

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thanks, brother! 100%! You can have the best stitching in the world but if you punch unevenly, it'll still look like crap!

[@marlenosman7098]

Thank you very much for your simple informative and clear explanation! You mentioned to keep the tool sharp. How would I sharpen such a tool?

[@doolallychappy]

Always a pleasure to watch your content, very helpful stuff

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thank you! Very kind of you to say. Thanks for watching!

[@dave8709]

Thanks for spreading love brother your the only one teaching us the real tricks and not pointing us the wrong way of leather work

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thanks, brother! Doing my best!

[@railwaymaniac]

Great video! - thanks for this ...

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@allinsonsherratt418]

Nicely explained - thanks

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@dpexile]

Just FYI, if the arch in the rubber mat bothers you like it did for me, you can take a heat gun to it while using a lot of elbow grease to bend it back and it should flatten out some.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

I'm going to try that! Thanks!

[@jenette16]

Hmmm, just did an ax sheath. Came out wonderful. I used a small no bounce hammer i had. Plywood for a backer, oops, all i had.scribed the line with a compass i had. Holes came out great. Guess i was lucky? Dunno. It worked just peachy

[@rogerjoesbury9410]

Thank you for the video ,very good.info for me.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thanks for watching! Glad you liked it!

[@sergiocarrillomolina9977]

Great video! Very good quality of image and audio!! Keep it up 🔥

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Dude that means a lot! I've been working hard on trying to improve the lighting and audio. You made my day!

[@sergiocarrillomolina9977]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods I can tell since i have seen some videos in a raw because im starting leathercraft and im just devouring every single channel that i find hahaha. Its been a huge improvement for real. What are the keys that have you tweeked? Any items that you bought or things that you recommend? I love how people keep talking about apparently the same theme but they add really small details that makes the difference. Like you did with the mallet/the round one (sorry my english is not perfect haha) or the number of hits

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thanks man! It's honestly mostly just practice. New tools definitely help, but learning the skills is more important. Probably the biggest upgrade I've made to make it easier is buying Sinabroks Stitching Punches. I don't think they improve the quality of my work, but they let me work way faster.

[@cjaydustie1867]

Made sure to like even though I don’t want you in my recommended lol. Was a good and informative video though, I don’t know how you don’t have more of a following.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Hahaha as a KZbin fan I totally understand this and it's much appreciated. The following is coming slowly. Always increasing!

[@cjaydustie1867]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods best of luck my friend! I know where to come if I need any more leather work info 🙂

[@southsidekarl]

Very informative

[@StefanMakes]

this was such a helpfull video

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it!

[@smug8567]

I'll have to try this on my wheelbarrow tire.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Haha let me know how it goes!

[@smug8567]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods It saved me from doing all that yard work the wife wanted done.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

@@smug8567 saved you from it or just delayed it? Haha

[@smug8567]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods Prolly delayed

[@lenklauck8268]

Great vid bro!

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thanks, Len! I appreciate it!

[@user-ms1ps6ff3v]

Howdy guys! I realize this was posted awhile ago and hope this comment still gets read. I'm just starting out ...Can I use my grommet board for hole punching or will it ruin it for grommet use? Should I get a completely different board specifically for this task?

[@marymunn3424]

Question..do you recommend punching through single layers of leather that are to be stitched together or double at the same time? I like your video and will be watching more as I get further into leather work.

[@pirrurrashon]

It took me a while to realize that I was punching my holes incorrectly. I would get frustrated and had to cut my edges too much to get the leather aligned properly. Sometimes I the stitching on one side would be too close to the edge because I tried to correct my leather being misaligned.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

I think that's part of the learning process. Same thing used to happen to me

[@usernamemykel]

QUESTION: I'll be attempting to restore a dried out, stiff leather briefcase which has most of the machine- made double-stitches dry rotted. The outside surface of the briefcase has some leather particles flaked off. I have saddle soaped the leather, and so far have applied Bick 4 conditioner 3 times to make the leather supple enough to work with - that is, without the edges too brittle to take the stitching. Because of the flaking and the overall condition of the leather, I won't be using a divider to score any lines. I'll make my line using a ruler, and to see the line I'll have to make the line on the inside (fleshy/rough) leather, where I'd be able to see the line. So basically, I'd be making the line(s) and punching the leather from the fleshy rough inside to the outside. So, the question is: Is there any problem which might occur from punching from the rough side to the finished side? Thank you!

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Whoa that sounds like a hell of a restoration. The only issue that could arise punching from the back side is that you're more likely to have an inconsistent straight line. Just really make sure your stitching punch is straight up and down.

[@usernamemykel]

Black Flag Leather Goods Thanks for your advice. The briefcase, about 45 years old, was made by my dad when he was working with his brother and my grandfather in their orthopedic shoe manufacturing business. When dad died in 1974, my sister acquired the briefcase, but very apparently didn’t take care of it, perhaps just left it in an attic/basement/garage as it’s natural oils evaporated. So, I’ve a labor of love, a family “heirloom”, which has now received four applications of Bick 4. At this point, it probably wouldn’t take dye, because of the conditioner, but restitching the seams has priority. I decided that instead of a line in the rough side, to run a length of masking tape along the edges to be sewn together, and draw a line on the tape, which I’d remove as I progress. A simpler solution. 👍

[@edcubberly8907]

Do you have a video on punching holes in multi ply leather at the same time ? Glue first, then punch all the layers ?

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

I don't really have a video on how to do it but I do it in several videos. Here's a short I did of me punching through 2 layers of thick leather kzbin.infolUfKVJHDt64

[@indigocml]

Thank you for the great video. I heard some guys say they double-punch now to get the lines looking great... How does one do that? from both sides? Cheers!

[@fyrfyter1035]

So why is there not or is there like a 3 piece jig / tool where the thinner middle plate would be adjustable to how far from the edge you want to punch holes , could just rest the punch straight down against the top piece of the jig and punch down the edge of it without having to scribe a line on the finished side to follow ?

[@pacanis]

I was hoping to see how you transferred the holes to the back side, or second piece of leather.

[@what76485]

Poke inverse lil bit with awl

[@candyfloss362]

A complete beginner here. I was gifted an amazon basic leather craft kit. Does the rubber mat and the hammers make a difference to the punching of holes. Thank you

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Absolutely. The rubber mat stops your punches from going dull. A mallet or maul with a poly head protects the part of the punches that you actually strike.

[@markdaniels388]

Can you tell me where you bought that backstitch punch that multiple one I’m looking right maybe I’ll look in the right place

[@TheCrepusculum]

how do you get the diamond thorns out of the leather if you use three layers? the leather is 4 mm inside and 2 mm on both outsides.... these are 0.15 inches and 2x 0.078 inches.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Try placing a small block of wood alongside the chisel to hold the leather flat and pull them out.

[@julianad2563]

Hi, thank you for the great video! I do have a question thought, maybe you can hel. When I punch holes in two layers of leather, first layer is punched through fine, but on the back side of the second one there are usually no holes, just slight markings of something that i supposed to be a hole. Why so?

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Hmmm how thick is the leather and what are you using to punch holes? If you're using old school pricking irons, that's what is supposed to happen. Then you would use your stitching awl as you do your saddle stitch to open up the back side.

[@edcubberly8907]

Can I use the Sinbroks punch in a drill press to punch 4 or 5 layers at once ? Aside from gluing first, how can I keep all the layers in alligmnent while punching ?

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

I suppose you could use a drill press but 4-5 layers is a lot no matter what you use. If you are gluing, the layers should stay aligned.

[@joserocha1424]

I enjoyed the vid, I just have a question. I have heard of a stitching groove. Do you know the best way to create one? I do not have that steady of a hand when it comes to hammering, and was wondering if that would help me out.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Hey, Jose thanks for watching! You can make a groove using a stitching groover: amzn.to/2Q5KEhA You will still have to punch holes but the groove should make it easier. Another option is you can get an arbor press and mount a drill chuck on it. Then you can punch holes with your press.

[@thewiredmonk]

Can you use a little hand press for this?

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

I'm sure you could!

[@ImTheOnlyV]

Can you please send me the direct links to purchase the tools that you’re using in this video? 😬

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Hey thanks for watching! Check the video description. Links for everything I use are there. I think the maul I use is sold out currently. It goes in and out of stock as it's pretty popular.

[@madcat1007]

Howz about punching curved stitch lines?

[@nickybeingnicky]

I dont have a cutting board. But i have a glat earther book i got for a dollar. We will see how it goes.

[@something8886]

I have a problem where the tool is really hard to pull out of the leather can you tell me why?

[@sylents8487]

Another great vid! What is the max number of layers you punch through?

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thank you!! I generally only punch through two layers at a time. Sometimes three but I try to keep it at two. I'd recommend sticking with two if you don't have sharp pricking irons or stitching punches. Thanks for watching!

[@sylents8487]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods Thx. I'm working with no-name punches from Amazon that are actually pretty decent but struggle with anything more than two layers. How would you line up stitch lines if you have four layers and need to punch them two layers at a time?

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

@@sylents8487 Good question! I'm going to do a video on my solution to that actually! Basically what I do is make the 2 pieces of two-ish layers. Let's say it's a wallet. So you have one side which is your pockets, etc and the exterior piece. I mark my holes on the pockets alone like I normally would. Then I place the interior where it should sit on the exterior and poke my awl through the first hole all the way though the exterior piece. This makes my starting point for punching those holes. Then I just mark and punch holes along the outside piece the same as I did inside. After that's done I just line them up and glue them together and stitch. It's important to just make sure you punch the same number of holes on each, obviously. They should line up perfectly in theory, but it does give you a bit of wiggle room if they don't. It's a bit tedious but it really helped me get nice straight lines using cheaper tools.

[@sylents8487]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods Appreciate that. Thanks, dude!

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Anytime man!

[@randalhunter4177]

How do you keep your stitching irons from getting stuck in thick (10-11 oz) leather? I'm using diamond shaped chisels similar to those that you have listed (unpainted). I love your videos btw and am thankful to have discovered your channel.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

That's thick leather and it'll be a little bit tough no matter what you use. I would make sure you strop the chisels just to make sure they're nice and sharp. Also a bit of wax on them should help it slip out. And if you have a small block of wood, butt it up beside the chisel to push down on the leather then pull it out. Those should help! And thank you for the kind words!

[@randalhunter4177]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods Thank you so much for the advice! I'm excited to give it a shot.

[@Joseposada702]

nice tutorial. what size are your stitching hole punch?

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thank you! They are 1.2mm punches. 5mm spacing.

[@Joseposada702]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods thank you

[@V3leathercraft]

Casting in round holes required?

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

I wouldn't say it's required. If you want a slightly angled stitch you can do it though.

[@scottd8555]

Do you wet the leather or stitch punch dry leather?

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

No need to wet it for punching stitching holes. Thanks for watching!

[@V3leathercraft]

I am using Wuta 4mm & Citian 6mm. Both round hole. I tried & tired of bad look onnthe back side 😥😥. Holes not coming perfect on the back side. And stitching looks worse 😥😥😥

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

I had a similar issue before switching to the Sinabroks. I was using the Kemovancraft round hole punches which are really similar to the Wutas and Citians. One of the major issues I found with those was that the prongs on them were really dull. Kemovancraft does make a sharpener that you can put in your drill and sharpen the prongs with: www.etsy.com/ca/listing/793583275/sharpening-tool-for-leather-chisels The sharpener helps, but it still isn't perfect. What really worked for me was punching my stitching holes on both sides separately and then putting them together to stitch them up. This way your back side of each piece will be sandwiched in the middle. I still use this technique if I have a lot of layers of leather to go through. Another option if you want to stick with round holes could be to switch to round dent chisels. I've never tried them, but they seem like they'd be easier to keep sharp. Thanks for watching! I hope that makes sense and helps!

[@randomscandinavian6094]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods I think I want to try punching from both sides like you say but I’m uncertain about how to go about it. My chisels, which I believe are really lacing chisels, don’t easily go through a thin wallet. So how to know where to go in from the reverse side when there is no mark there? Accurately starting from each corner and simply counting could do it perhaps. I saw a Russian guy who punched holes from each layer separately and then aligned the layers when gluing them together using needles through several of the holes. I think that might be worth exploring.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

@@randomscandinavian6094 How i do it is hard to explain... Maybe I'll do a video on it in the future since there seems to be some interest in it. One way of doing it is taking precise measurements of both sides and marking where the holes should be. It's time consuming but it works. How I do it is this: let's say you're working on a bifold wallet and just have the interior piece and the exterior piece where the bills go left to put together. I punch the holes on my interior piece first. Next I mark my stitching line on the grain side of the exterior piece, using my wing dividers. Now just put the interior and exterior pieces together where they are supposed to go without gluing or anything. Now push your scratch awl through the first and last holes. If you push it all the way through, it will mark your starting and end points on the exterior piece. Sometimes I mark the holes in the corner too. If your holes are a bit off the stitch line, it's probably just how you used your awl. You can move them onto the stitch line when you punch and it should still line up. Now finally mark and punch all your holes. Add glue and line them up with needles like you mentioned seeing before. I hope that makes sense! Thanks for watching!

[@randomscandinavian6094]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods thanks for taking the time to read all of that and answer! Yes, I think I understand your explanation. I’m thinking that I should maybe punch through with the awl before marking the final stitching line on the outside so that adjustment is possible. What I did on my first wallet wallet (this one is no. 2) was to work with segments that are 4mm oversized all around and then cutting off the excess material after glueup. If I start with finished holes all around the inside piece, then punch the corners through to the outside, align the holes, then cut off the excess material on both pieces sandwitched, then separate them and adding the stitch line to the outside… punching the final holes from the outside, gluing and aligning with needles before stitching from the outside… I think it should be perfect? I will to think on this with a fresh brain tomorrow I think. Thanks again!

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Yes! You're on the right track! I always cut everything a bit bigger too so I can trim it flush later. Let me know how it goes!

[@luceafarul579]

I’m trying to copy what you do but when I hit the chisel with the mallet the holes will not penetrate, I’ve hit it as hard as I can. What am I doing wrong?

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

That's weird! What kind of chisel are you using?

[@luceafarul579]

@@BlackFlagLeatherGoods the amazon kind listed under your description. Even after I’ve hit it hard it did penetrate but I still have to use an awl to make the hole bigger because there is no way a chisel made hole will be large enough to push both needles through with the thread on the bottom bent like that. And if I have to constantly use a lot of force to push the thread through the impact is gonna be very damaging to my joints in the long run. The holes are just not big enough for me.

[@driftinso]

Put a white background under a dark leather. It was difficult to see your technique as leather blended right in with work top.

[@BlackFlagLeatherGoods]

Thanks for watching! Yeah that video was five months ago. I was very new to making videos. It's slowly getting better.

[@WOMPITUS]

My biggest problem is stitching holsters and sheaths with welts. I prick my holes fine and sew fine but getting the holes to line up through 3 layers of thick leather when I glue it is hell. Any tips?