Quick Tip: Neatening up Your Saddle Stitch

► Buy my patterns and leather goods here: leodisleather....
► For more information see: ianatkinson.net...
I did a video about stitching recently which I hope was helpful but some people having been saying to me that they can only make the stitch neat on one side. In this quick video I show an updated method which also includes a cast over type of movement which may help to neaten up the back side.

[@lexboegen]

Thank you Ian. I just ordered the basic sewing kit (awl, needles, thread, overstitch wheel and stitch groover) from Springfield Leather Co. along with five pounds of veg tan remnants so that I can teach myself how to saddlestitch. Because of the high quality of yours and Nigel's video instruction, I am confident that I can do it.

[@paulhagood6507]

Ian, Thanks so much for all your videos. Not only are you a craftsman, you are also a very good teacher. Thanks again

[@itsmeme6438]

The great thing about running a youtube channel, is the fact that its yours and you can upload a video whenever you want! Your work is great, videos are awesome, and the information you provide is priceless! Thank you so much for your time and effort Ian, I hope things go smoother for you at work!

[@FinnJenkins]

Thanks Ian, This is exactly what I have been struggling with. Perfect timing for me . You're a great teacher and an excellent inspiration.

[@briancohen2555]

Best video I've ever seen on stitching. By the way, I'm in Virginia, U.S., and I can understand your dialogue perfectly (kind of nice on the ears, actually).

[@macglitter26]

I am replying because I said the exact same thing!! So well explained and I dont have to wonder how he does it at all!

[@UmBungo]

Michael Wolff Britcoms 🤣 Never heard that one before. I’m Scottish and would recommend Still Game. I would also suggest you try out Father Ted (a hilarious Irish show about Catholic priests living in an island community) if you haven’t already. I’m still laughing at it over 20 years later 😂 Let’s see how well you do with accents in those shows 😂😂

[@Leodis.Leather]

I am a massive still game fan 😆

[@UmBungo]

Ian Atkinson it’s absolutely great. Just finished it again during the quarantine. I’m also a huge Ian Atkinson fan. I’ve watched so many leather craft videos these last two weeks. Do you do requests? 🤣 You couldn’t do a wee video on the process of buying leather or hides etc? It’s rather confusing for a guy like me who is starting out. The pricing is confusing and some places don’t even show prices or how to gauge how much hides might cost

[@johntheoldmod]

This is a great video, I have watched several others and this one explains it so clearly I am going to try it myself, whenever I have handstitched anything like this I have done a running stitch from one end to the other and then run back to the beginning filling in the spaces which looks OK, but I can now see that this method actualy ties the pieces together on every stitch like a knot where the running stitch is just loose, Thank you i'm subbed.

[@cybertree]

You're the man Ian, I swear other people making these videos are doing it in riddles, almost like they're trying to keep it a secrete. Thanks so much for showing me the proper way.

[@mynameisben123]

I’ve noticed the same thing, there are so many tutorial videos but they obscure the details and gloss over very important stuff.

[@davidluckey1425]

This is the clearest demonstration I've seen yet. And I've watched every saddle stitch video on youtube. You made the loop over on the back side perfectly clear, thank you!

[@kellywilliams529]

Deep breaths, Ian. You're doing great. I love listening to your voice - even when the stress is clearly getting to you. You rock!

[@hughregidor159]

This is the best tutorial on stitching I've seen. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule and helping us out.

[@ajorlara-neveaux2627]

This video improved my stitching immensely, thank you!

[@guntherseibert9806]

I need to thank you so much for this tutorial. It breaks my barrier on saddle stitching, never got it slanted on both sides and your teaching is clear and concise. I did it!!! Thanks so much! Greetings from Brazil.

[@deltajohnny]

Incredibly well explained... I think this is the clearest vídeo that I have ever seen about saddle stitching, and I am sure that it will improve a lot my stitches. Thank you very much for your time and effort. We really appreciate it! :-)

[@chrisapattee]

You explain things better than anyone i have ever heard. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@Robert-xp4ii]

I've watched dozens of these videos from different people, just to see if I pick up any new tips. I've seen a few really good tutorials but yours is the easiest to follow because of you taking the time repeating it slowly and showing from both sides. Well done! Btw, I hope work eased up for you.

[@TheStudioFreq]

Thank you for being so generous with your time and expertise! I'm from Utah in the U.S.! and I love your videos!

[@lowspeak]

My stitching just improved 100x better after watching this video. Now the front and back sides are uniform. 😍😍 Thanks Ian.

[@TheGDkev]

Finallyyyyyyyy got it! The direction of the pull to create tension really helps in making the stitch more diagonal Thanks a lot for this video

[@BdaB164]

My front stitch line looks impeccable, but the back stitch is literally a perfectly straight line. I was getting frustrated but it's good to hear others experience the same issue. Excited to try this method later today. Will update.

[@loscosmiqueros3148]

Ian, I sincerely hope the stressful day job situation has calmed down, so you can spend more time on your leatherwork. I thoroughly enjoyed this very helpful video, gracias 🙏🏼

[@nathaliapolischuk4080]

Thanks Ian! This solved my issue with sloppy looking stitches on the back! You're the best and I so appreciate your videos- they've been extremely helpful to me as a novice leatherworker and you are my go to guy!

[@hpbushcraft4928]

Thank you for this excellent video! I've started to make my own leather stuff, but was not happy with my stitching. This will help a lot to make it look better! Thanks!

[@poopmonkey1471]

I always learn something new each time I watch one of your videos. Thank you so much for taking the time to do these.

[@danielleao7251]

I'm from Brazil btw, have some hard time trying to understand this british accent but you've made it so clear, tnx

[@patriciaindiani3064]

Thanks, Ian!! Now I got the right steps to saddle stitch.Now I must practice, Ian!!! Maynard Conde. Brazil.

[@glacialimpala]

Ha! I could have guessed for hours but any sort of loop wouldn't cross my mind. Thank you for solving this for me!

[@DeclanGreen]

Thanks, this video has been a great help and explained why my first project didn't turn out as expected. It was the loop at the back I wasn't getting right. Front to back and through the loop. I'll remember that.

[@ArtilleryOwl]

Great video, thanks! This is the first time I've got a good look at casting in a saddle stitch

[@ryankim3612]

Thank you for taking the time to make another helpful video Ian.

[@louisemissouri4410]

Thank you Thank you Ian, it really will help me get the front and back looking like they are supposed to. The back of my stitching was looking straight instead of looking slanted like I like it to be. Off to stitch!!

[@ElPasoJoe1]

Thank you Ian. Good video and good to put another stitch style in the inventory. I will practice it and figure out if I will use it. Have several I use now and mostly as long as the front looks good and has a nice set to it I can live with a straight back side stitch...

[@Mr68chevelle396]

Great video. Can't say "thank you" enough. I've learned so many tips and tricks from your videos.

[@terriegarcia8179]

Thank you for teaching us the craft. I am just learning and I feel like you really show me in way I can understand. thanks again

[@waikwanchiu9106]

YES!!!!Finally, i got a hints to figure out my stitching problem. Previously, i never care about the stitching step. That why my stitching always got a different direction at the same line. Thank you for your video. Hopefully, you can shoot more tutorial of basic hints. Can you share your experience about select the Wax line(150D ,200D,300D etc)

[@MrEntouch]

this technique really works great, it neatened up my stitches and now looks professional. Thanks Ian!!!!!

[@dominicdelprincipe2583]

Great tips Ian. Gotta say, your vids have helped me tremendously with constructing small leather accessories. Cheers from NYC!!

[@sopatisserie1282]

Waouh I have been looking for this video, this is the only one where all details are well explained. Thank you so much!

[@Leodis.Leather]

if you look at the newest stitching video I did it goes into much more detail than this

[@andyp5706]

Very Nice young man. I do take a lot of interest, of late, in your very informative clips. I hope to make my own friction sheath in the summer for a very old Normark Supersweed lock knife that I have had since the 80's. The original Whitby knives sheath is failing in the belt loop so I need to replace it. I will use your clips for help & pointers where I need to. The stitching is certainly one for anyone to have a look at. Keep it up & Many Thanks

[@rachelchan2215]

Best video showing how to do the stitching, very useful for beginner!👍👍👍

[@HylasFlooring]

Now, I know how to do the saddle stitch properly, thanks for making this video.

[@keith90102]

Good to see you again. Love your work and thank you for the videos. Much appreciated.

[@Equilion]

Hey Ian, much better than the other video on stitching, you made. Now I can clearly see what you are doing. Thanks for that! Btw.. meanwhile I ordered the "Art of Hand Sewing Leather" book. But it's still on its way to me. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones.

[@Inth]

Whenever we are watching your awesome videos my finance says you are soo cuuute xD Yea, and btw thank you so much for doing these videos, I am definitely going to donate as I haven't seen a better teacher out there.

[@nahoj86]

thank you so much! i have had trouble with untidy stitches. i will try this once i get the chance to.

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

As always excellent video. Of course I would expect that from an Englishman lol. You do a rather wonderful job at explaining in detail how to do these things. In a couple of your videos you seem to be worried about the amount of time you’re using in that video. You shouldn’t worry about it mate. Those of us who watch your videos would rather you spend 2 hours or more lol than for you to leave something out or feel hurried. We all love your videos. I have to say if not for you I wouldn’t be attempting to do a bit of leatherwork myself. So hats off to you and cheers

[@mattbrown1277]

Thank you for the videos. You are obviously talented. When my finances improve I will donate, and possibly purchase some of your products. This Yank appreciates the tutorial videos. God bless.

[@Fraususemil]

Great tutorial, thank you very much! I can understand you quite well which I can't always say about US people who tend to speak as if they were eating their socks at the same time. You speak quite accentuated, hence with a northern (?) accent which is pleasant to listen to.

[@duvalian]

Great tutorials Ian ! I'm just beginning so it's all a massive learning curve at the moment. Keep em coming , Regards, Andy (a fellow Leeds man)

[@CMRLeatherworks]

Cool. I've been doing it the way Nigel shows in his video. I will have to try this way too. Thanks for the info!

[@me_jt]

Thank you! I was having this very issue, and was looking for a video just like this. Great explanation -very helpful. Much appreciated.

[@arnesandness7554]

Good explanation. You make it look easy. Thanks.

[@dk2photo]

Thank you for taking the time to do this...

[@dormindont1]

Отличное видео, все очень понятно, наглядно, доступно для повторения. Спасибо за проделанную работу.

[@beheadoth]

Excellent vidéo Ian thanks for your help and the time you take to do it.

[@mattjohnson2848]

Another clear and concise video. Thank you.

[@nobracobra]

such an informative vid... another incorporation bit to enhance my crafting technique... tysmfs :)

[@Equus004]

Thank you Ian! You’re an amazing teacher! Thank you for this video, it helped me tremendously! Cheers!

[@leobertini8346]

A very useful tutorial, keeping doing what you've doing .

[@donniefiechtner5437]

Thank you Ian, great job as always.

[@ronjomes3455]

Great illustration

[@JollyPeeps]

Love you videos. Eagerly looking forward to your next pattern and work along video.

[@karlalbiston429]

This video really help me out. Thank you. Greetings from Malaysia.

[@PtrJns]

I was wondering if you found it necessary to coat your pricking iron or needles with anything, like beeswax etc, to make it easier to get the iron out or pull needles through the holes? Or am I doing something wrong? Thanks! Peter

[@packersfan117]

Thanks for the tips, I didn't know this was supposed to be a locking stitch.

[@dannobee1]

Thank you for taking the time to show us

[@MCantrell417]

Excellent stitching, and excellent video and explanation. Thanks.

[@goindown71]

Thank you, that was a big help! Keep up the great work you're doing.

[@nosferatu135]

Thaks, man. Your videos are huge inspiration!

[@redinkmournings]

Done beautifully 😍 you’re amazing.

[@rammalammadingdong1]

Ah, I wasn't crossing the needle !!! Thank you friend

[@jlnriddick]

Thanks so much! This was really helpful!

[@davemills3734]

So going through the loop pulls the thread down into the lower part of the diamond stitching hole? Thanks

[@hybridhuman69]

Thanks Ian, always useful info!

[@ondrejurban2959]

Thanks for this video. Ondrej Czech Republic

[@adamethancrow]

Excellent. Thank you

Thanks a lot for this, it made a huge difference. It looks really good on the back, but maybe a bit less zig-zag-y on the front.

[@Theknotman1964]

Thanks Ian well demonstrated & helpful

[@HussainMansoor]

Excellent video

[@turbohead971]

what a beautiful secure stitching

[@MrSacok]

thanks for doing this , I now know what am doing wrong , regarding my backstitch, thanks a lot much apprecaited

[@NinjaHempKnight]

Looking forward to some new vids when you get the time.

[@michaelmacdonald5792]

Excellent, thanks for that, it was very helpful.

[@john-charlesthompsoniii9276]

Great demo. Very well done! Thanks!

[@craigjohnson9760]

excellent video ! In a saddle stitch do you need to tie off the ends before cutting the thread or does it lock it self after flatting with the hammer ? I have always tied the ends just to give it a little extra insurance .

[@Hyiaashin]

i really like your videos! can you make a video about how to properly ending the stitching?

[@Leodis.Leather]

+William Shin this is covered in the long stitching video.

[@kellywilliams529]

Can you please give a link to that specific video? I tried to find it and couldn't. That is the answer I've been looking for and KZbin suggested this video.

[@elnur.hicaz80]

Thank you very much for tutorial ! Good luck !

[@agungrakhmanda]

thank you Ian,very useful for me. may I know the size of thread and space of each holes?

[@paulwall8765]

Good vid Ian, got a link to the hole-pokey-thinghy? I can't make the name out in the video. Thanks

[@jitsustew1871]

Thank you for the great video! I have seen many others but yours was plain and simple to follow. What kind of thread are you using? I am making a quiver for my nephew that lives in Florida and I am worried that the wax thread will melt on him when he is shooting during the Summer months.

[@lez7767]

Hiya Ian... I think everything's worked out for you ??? Looked at this as Im attempting to make a notebook cover...you'll probably get the order for it soon. ? The last notebook cover you made for me has never been out my pocket, goes everywhere with me. Your things are the bestest... Yerraguddun... Thought you hadnt posted for some time. Hope your ok. Best wishes. LeZc @@

[@disco324]

Hi, thank you for your great video again. Can I ask what was that Green measuring device? Please don't say it was just a rule.

[@blackbeard68]

awesome video... I'll have to try your technique. thanks!

[@TheParasone]

Hello Ian, i want to start tooling with Leather, could you give me a brief overview of which tools i'm gonna need? I would like to have a whole Set if you know what i mean, so i don't have to buy every tool on its own. It needn't be professional worktools but a bunch of different onces i can actually work good with. Maybe you know something smart :) THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@stephenl4266]

How do you backstitch? Do you go left hand first and right hand needle on top, then loop it through the left hand side again?

[@islaywombats]

Ian, wonderful video, as always. This really helped. One question I had is about reverse stitching. There are times when I need to stitch the opposite direction (1st needle coming through the "front" instead of the "back."). However, when I do that, it ends up straight again on one side. Any idea how to neaten it up in that case?

[@EchelonDnB]

"Are you dead?" Loooool! Ace vids mate

[@NikitaFinsky]

You're doing a great job with this video. Keep it going :)

[@panzerfausst]

Hi and thanks for the video. question here: Im using Japanese pricking irons, the black ones, and I notice that when sewing after the holes, the thread in one side of the leather looks like a zig zag and in the other side the stitches are in a straight line. Sometimes is the opposite, I have noticed that this change depending in in which side of the leather I put the needle first. If I put the needle first on the under side of the leather then the other needle through the visible side of the leather, I get the zig zag in the visible part and the straight line stitch kind of in the under side of the leather. Personally I like it more when the stitches looks like a straight line in the visible side of the leather and under the leather the zig zag... is there anything I can do to control this? Big thanks

[@tariqkamil7853]

Thank you

[@megmarioify]

very nice! I have had some problems whith only one nice side of stitching, but no longer :-) what kind of thread are you using? almoast looks like flat lace.