The Art of Saddle Stitching Tutorial: How to professionally hand stitch leather goods Peter Nitz

[@michaelfarias9987]

Honestly Sir, I have been leather working for about 4 years now and have literally watched dozens of videos on saddle stitching from all of the pros. I was initially skeptical that I would see anything different here. Well, I am officially and pleasantly surprised! I appreciate your attention to detail and your careful explanations with regard to avoiding common mistakes. You have my gratitude and my subscription.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

thanks you! glad to hear it was helpful.

[@stevenfranklin7023]

Would you recommend waxed dental floss as a thread you could use ?

[@absolutelymichelle]

Could not have said it any better!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

@@stevenfranklin7023 I wouldn't use dental floss, no.

[@anofithassan8205]

Waooo. Really learn a lot from this video.. Thank you Peternitz for this .

[@CasaDePolly]

Best spent 23 minutes of my life. You think you know how to saddle stitch properly, until you see this video and pick up the best tips ever. Thank you Peter Nitz! Gussets tutorial, here I come.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

so nice to hear! thank you 🙂

[@ronniekotler9265]

It’s already been said, but sir you have the best video on saddle stitching on KZbin. Thank you for helping to understand the stitch.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thanks Ronnie! Its still always nice to hear 🙂

[@Ray.J]

I also am a leatherworker and I also have seen many videos which attempt to teach the saddle stitch. This one is among the best. In particular you do a great job of showing exactly how the needles and thread behave within the holes. In many, the "instructor" simply says to for a cross with the needles and then insert the second needle back into the hole but they neglect to explain exactly where that second needle goes, and how to help prevent piercing the thread in doing so. Kudos on a very nice, detailed tutorial. A beginner could use just this one video and achieve presentable stitches almost immediately. So long as they follow your method, that is!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thanks Ray! I really appreciate your nice feedback!

[@gergemall]

Wonderful, thank you.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

you are welcome!

[@amandatwospirits8028]

This is the best tutorial I have seen to date. I am so fortunate to have seen this early in my hobby so I don't develop bad habits.

[@dmack1827]

This is far and away the most practical saddle stitch video I have seen. Well done.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

thanks! Glad it was helpful. Make sure to check out the other tutorials on my website!

[@lythnookwemin]

Saddle sticking is like stringing a shoe lace. Thanks for the video. I appreciate the detailed explanations.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

glad you enjoyed it!

[@brianwhitley1053]

I'm a bit late to this party but this is, without a doubt, the best video I've found on saddle stitching. You showed from multiple views with close-ups that provided a clear example of the right - and wrong - way to stitch . . . both the actions and the end result. And, you did an explanation of the way to prep the thread and needles explaining the finer points of securing the thread to the needle and waxing the thread. Some of the videos I've watched recently now make a whole lot more sense. Beyond that, you didn't even bother to edit out the blooper. Gotta love a presenter who can laugh at himself and throw in a bit of self-deprecating humor. 😀

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

thanks for the great feedback! I appreciate it 🙂

[@donchiffon95]

Out of 8 videos, this was it! Great teacher man. Thank you!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Glad it was helpful! 🤓

[@manwenyang4454]

Thank you for sharingus an thorough step-by-step lesson with excellent angle shots.

[@andrefachetti]

The most deep and clear video that I never had seen... SO instructive! thanks!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

you are welcome!

[@curtliles8158]

This video is the single-most informative video that helped me saddle stitch reliably with correct, repeatable stitches. Thank you!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Amazing! Thanks for the feedback

[@chriskennedy9872]

Very helpful video. The different camera angles, the explanation, showing pitfalls, and I swear, the emphasis on the elbows up helped me.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

great!

[@graphguy]

I have been looking for the holy grail on how to actual break down the efficient way to saddle stitch. Having consumed hours upon hours of KZbin videos, books galore, and hundreds of my own hours saddle stitching I never figured out, seen, read or heard such great advice as yours is here. - Humbly I thank you.

[@steveed9461]

I’m a bespoke tailor and when waxing thread to make button holes and sewing buttons on I use beeswax only. After applying the wax I take some linen cloth and strip up and down the thread applying pressure as you do but with great speed. The speed generates friction which melts the beeswax and makes the thread super smooth. Some tailors run the thread under the iron which achieves the same result. Watching you stitch and talk about getting the tension reminds me of hand button hole makers, it took me nearly a year working every day to get a perfect buttonhole every time. There’s no substitute for repetitive muscle memory skills!

[@usernamemykel]

Muscles have no memory. Only the brain has memory.

[@pequodexpress]

Something that may seem obvious but when mentioned (which is not very often) is not emphasized enough is to use the correct needle size to match the thread and pricking iron size. My frustration with errant stitches ended when I realized that a John James 002 needle (1.0mm diameter) was too large for 0.45mm linen thread and a 3.0 pricking iron. A 004 needle (0.84mm/0.86mm diameter) solved the problem. A needle that is too thick will interfere with how the thread lies in the slot, causing stitches every now and then not to slant properly.

[@castilho-art]

Very helpfull!

[@michaelroeder9987]

As a beginner I have not seen anyone that explained the saddle stitch as well as you have done it. Also preparing the thread with the two waxes I have not seen before. Thank you for showing it so clearly.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thank you 🤓

[@matthewmarcarian7106]

Best saddle stitch video on the internet, thank you! Crystal clear instruction, camera work, and cadence, no nonsense, no self promo. Liked and subbed, great work Sir!

[@kaifaith87]

I have watched so many conflicting videos on hand stitching and this is by far the best. Most videos just give a rushed tutorial with no actual teaching and I come away with no confidence. Watching yours identified the issues I've had immediately. This video compared to others is definitely an example of the "give the man a fish, teach a man to fish" scenario. Thank you sir.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thanks for the nice feedback. I really glad it helped you ☺️

[@gall_blader_works]

This is quite possibly the best saddle stitching guide I have seen in a long time. Getting that slant on both sides has been pretty hit or miss as there are so many factors to consider. But your advice is best: "get as much stitching under your belt as possible, and you'll figure it out."

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

thanks! :-)

[@hcwl3162]

Best saddle stiching tutorial on earth (and over the internet). Dot. Thanks for sharing it, you got my subscription.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thank you!! Welcome aboard :-)

[@br31woodlands69]

By far the best video. Thank you much.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Glad you liked it!

[@glenpaul3606]

As a newbie to leatherworking the stitching was awkward. I watched several tutorials but didn't seem to get it. Yours is the first tutorial I watched that explained the reason to cross the thread over the needle to get angled stitches on both sides versus angled one side and straight on the other side. I had been wondering all this time what the purpose of crossing over the thread was and it was confusing. Thank you for your excellent tutorial, it is the best one I've watched by far.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Glad to hear it helped you Glen!

[@blackbear9326]

You sir are a lifesaver. I have watched many stitching tutorials since I started this new hobby, one month ago. After watching them?.. I didn't know wether to wind my watch or scratch my bum...Thankfully I came across your channel by accident. Result? .. stitching problem solved. So my friend you have one new subscriber. Cheers. 🇬🇧

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

So glad it helped you out! Enjoy your new journey in leather craft 🙂

[@greeneyedcatwink]

BEST tutorial on stitching! I searched this out due to thread twisting and making the process slow and occassionally having to undo knots. Your explanation is so clear and helpful! And I can see proper technique and waxing will make it a faster and smoother experience!

[@paulsimonetti1608]

I can't even count how many dozens of saddle stitching tutorials I have watched, many of them repeatedly. Still I have never been happy with my stitching. So I decided to start from scratch and relearn it all. Finally happened on your video. Hands down the very best one out there. I'm only on my first project since following your instructions but I have seen remarkable improvement. Still not perfect but nicer than a lot of what I see out there. So now I know what perfection looks like and how to get there.

[@Aikidobear129]

How can you not like a guy that sports a bicycle handlebar Stache - I had one years ago as well. Good video Mr. Nitz.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

;-) thanks!

[@mbastos71]

Stitching master class. Bravo!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

🙌🏼

[@TomCelar]

What shame there are other saddle stitching videos that took my time before I found yours, great job, this was the final nudge I needed to be able to go and start spending money on your courses 🔥😍 now I know they will be wonderful.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Dear Tomas, Thank you for the nice comment. I'm really glad you found it helpful and I am also positive you will enjoy my other tutorials. P

[@pigasys_usa6088]

I discovered your work after reading Bringing Home the Birkin about 10-years ago. I became obsessed with maroquinerie! I invested thousands of dollars on tools, threads, hides and skins. Needless to say, I fumbled with the craft. I would quit projects in frustration and didn’t touch the tools for months at a time. I needed training. KZbin has myriad amateur crafters posting tutorials, but masters? Not a single one. Until now. I’m beyond pleased that you’ve opened the world of this craft to all (that are willing to pay). All the best.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Yes, it can be really frustrating not knowing the correct techniques and getting wrong info. Thats why I wanted to share with everyone the proper way to saddlestitch! hope to see you in my online school.

[@ahmedlotfy8972]

Didn't know that stitching can be that good

[@jigarp999]

Awesome, comprehensive, and useful!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thank you!

[@patriciaingraldi4719]

Amazingly clear, concise and beautiful stitching tutorial. Hand stitching well is an art in and of itself. Thank you so much

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

thank you!

[@ramloganfracic5761]

Thank you for sharing this very informative video. I am learning from you. May God continue to bless you and your channel..

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thanks !

[@PrimatePrime]

Masterful demonstration with excellent photography. I’m a beginner who has watched several videos in an effort to understand clearly what I need to do. Only yours clarifies, in detail, how I can obtain the best results. Thank you for this!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thanks Dan! I appreciate your positive feedback 🙂

[@garybrown1530]

Thank you very much for your thorough instruction! I am about to restore a baseball glove that I own and have used for 45 years. I am learning so much about leather repair and stitching. Thanks again!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Great! Good luck with the glove

[@RavenRaven-se6lr]

Thanks that’s my project for retirement 👍🇦🇺

[@nerdleathercraft181]

Awesome tutorial! By far the one with the most attention to detail! Thanks for the info

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

thanks!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

What a fantastic video- you (obviously) know it inside and out and have a perfectly measured delivery of all the essential information. Love that you keep the language simple while demonstrating this professional technique. Thanks for your excellent teaching!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful :-)

[@batiagabrielleeven154]

Extraordinary. I started a leather business but always used other people to create my samples. Getting ready to learn to do it on my own. What a video. Love the waxing detail. Beautiful

[@billa6825]

Thank you for your clear & concise presentation. Subscribed.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

thank you!

[@Bowmechanic65]

Awesome video for us newbies, thank you so much!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

you're welcome!

[@pareshambaram1234]

Brilliant tutorial. I have seen many many videos on saddle stitching but nobody ever pointed out angle stich V straight stich as you have. Thanks

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Glad you liked it!

[@Revlon10]

Thank you. You amazing 😻

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thanks!

[@susanparker3699]

Thank you. Clear instruction on this technique. Off to sew the vamps to the midsoles on my shoes.

[@shawnmulberry774]

you deserve more likes

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

thanks!

[@chrisjames_official]

This video is a very thorough explanation of the technique of saddle stitching. Wonderful examples and step by step walk through. My stitching noticeably improved after going through the motions along in real time with the video. It's the subtle nuances that make a world of difference. Your truly a Master of the Craft. Thank you so much!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thanks for the nice feedback Chris. I'm really glad it helped you!

[@thomasdsmith7678]

Just learning g leather and watched other vids and just couldn't get it. This is a great, detailed and step by step explanation.

[@EnergyDoesNotLie]

Excellent tut! You have explained something that is so key about “angles”....thank you KINDLY!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

You're welcome!

[@NotSoWittyNow]

Fantastic tutorial. Thanks

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thank you!

[@DeadbeatChild]

I'm so tired of hearing people say a 'this is how I do it but there's no right way or wrong way so long as it works for you'. Leatherwork is a craft! Of course there is! Thank you for actually demonstrating proper technique instead of encouraging me to waste my time futzing about like a lost child.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

yes, you are 100% right! there is a correct way to saddlestich. Glad this video helped.

[@dominicmcfarlandvlogs]

Just absolutely an amazing tutorial! I am new to leather work and have watched a lot of saddle sticking tutorials, they all either don’t show enough or go way to fast. It’s really nice how you find the median… my leather stitching has gone up tremendously! Thank you

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

amazing! glad to hear it!

[@jorgequiros7114]

Superb video, best one on the subject that I"ve found.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

thank you :-)

[@tokolosh11]

Awesome tutorial mate. Your explanation is on point and to the point. Thank you for sharing it has helped me tremendously.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

great to hear! thanks

[@GinaGB1965]

WOW! I have viewed many many tutorials, yours is the best thus far! So instructive, calm, and easy to understand. thank you

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thanks Camilla! glad it helped

[@bobsmith3790]

Thank you for a great video. I’m just learning.

[@cubinsky]

Amazing video, thanks a lot for taking your time to explain everything in details. This helped me understand why my stitching on the back side was straight, which doesn't look optimal for me. I also think that I've learned something new from every segment of the video. Great job!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thanks for the feedback. Really glad it helped you out.

[@enata]

This tutorial is absolutely beautiful

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thank you! 😊

[@kristi94]

Thank you so much for this! Now I know why my stitches got wonky at places!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

You are so welcome!

[@williammrdeza9445]

As others have said, excellent tutorial on such a foundational skill for leatherworking. I am new to leatherwork and have been experimenting with various techniques for getting good looking saddle stitching. This tutorial reinforces the basic technique I am currently using and has some great additional tips that I can incorporate to make my saddle stitches even better and more consistent. Saddle stitching is my favorite part of any project and with this explanation I will appreciate the process even more. Thank you, sir, for such an informative and clearly presented instructional video!

[@victoriamcelwaine7303]

Thank you so much for your response about the ultrasuede. Your videos are so inspiring. Thank you for them as well.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

You’re welcome! Glad you enjoy them

[@renearellano3907]

Excellent tutorial! Subscribed !!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

🙌🏼

[@chriscraig3886]

I sort of do a reverse of your style - I push the needle through from the front to open up the hole and then push the left needle through the hole opened. Then I catch the thread and on both sides of the leather , pulled up tight, and pass the other needle through underneath. I then pull the stitch tight with the front side hand down and the rear side up at an angle of about 30 degrees.

[@aurelienlaruicci6830]

Merci Peter pour se cours de couture à la main, je viens de me rendre compte que je sécurisais le point de couture à l’en vers depuis 2 ans. C’est ça aussi d’être autodidacte. Grâce à cette vidéo je vais grandement améliorer ma technique. Encore merci. Je suis toujours aussi fan de votre travail. Bonne fêtes de fin d’année à vous.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

You’re welcome!

[@paulocruz8585]

thanks for sharing! Excellent job, it’s the best explanation I’ve ever seen of how to do it. Thanks Peter!!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thanks Paulo!!

[@suzannehoggarth2476]

Best stitching video I have ever seen. Very professional and most helpful.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thanks Suzanne!

[@absolutelymichelle]

This is SUCH A GREAT video. It’s clear, jam packed with information and well paced. Definitely sets the bar very high for instructional videos. Thank you so much. Definitely subscribing!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

thank you so much. I'm really glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidlong6173]

Watching your video very well explained nice video thank you.

[@ДенисЕвменов-я2г]

Dear Peter, thank you for this amazing tutorial! You inspire us to make handmade bags. The quality of your work is amazing! Please tell me how many layers of paint you usually apply on the ends of the parts?

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

thank you :-) I usually do about 3 coats, always sanding after each coat.

[@epsomsalts592]

#1 Thank you for taking the time to do this video. #2 Majestic moustache! Bees wax? #3 From the fact your thread broke and you used adhesive to seal your back stich, I’m assuming you’re using linen thread rather than polyester? If so, nice! While I understand that polys can be stronger, I like the idea of sewing a natural product like leather with a natural thread. I love Fil Au Chinois. I apricate you have a business to run, and food to put on the table, so this is just a polite ask. Would you please consider expanding on this video in a couple of ways? What’s your advice when it comes to thread breaking on a real project, how would you deal with that? Let’s say you want to make a wallet with some reasonably thick leather and you want both sides to have nice stitching. I’ve seen videos where a chisel is used to pierce each piece of leather separately. Would you recommend this if you were using French pricking irons? Thanks again for the great video! 🤩

[@chriscraig3886]

Bravo the use of wax to ease the passage of cutting tools! I use bees wax to lubricate my wad punches and pricking forks all the time - in fact, every time! Maybe paraffin would be better., but I have bee's wax and that works well.

[@gabrielantoniovelazquezmar5150]

I thought I knew how to stitch, but this video made me realize I really don't haha, thanks a lot for the video. Hello from México 🇲🇽

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

😅😉

[@Dbt7be]

Fantastic video! Thank you!

[@twk4223]

You are a very good tutor and a skilled leather craft expert. I truly appreciate and understand what you try to tell. Thank you!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thank you very much!

[@ceaserpattersoniii4027]

I learn stitches this day thank

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Happy to hear that!

[@depodarcom]

I understand why my stiches at back side is not as good as front side.. I was using T shape for needles but without rotating thread ..Thanks for your detailed presentation

[@DavidBattistella]

Just incredibly detailed and excellent teaching. Thank you!

[@MrDkgio]

This is the clearest and most thorough explanation of saddle stitching that I have seen, I have taken notes ready for my first attempt (I am awaiting tools and some materials) I particularly appreciate your rundown of common mistakes, this alone will probably me hrs on the learning curve. Thank you.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Glad it was helpful!

[@maryannmcleodevans2012]

Excellent video!

[@EdwinDekker71]

Excellent video, thank you.

[@gravydogg1]

Excellent tutorial ! You have the best looking shop/showroom , amazing ..

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thanks :-)

[@Trapezius8oblique]

Love this thanks

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

thanks!

[@inkironmojo775]

Oh wow so glad I found Peter’s channel... awesome

[@ElizabethPerez-xc5zh]

Actually this is her husband Joaquin Perez who is the beginner of leather craft. I have never work on leather before in my life and when i purchased my first Harley-Davidson leather belt, i was so impressed of the leather works that went into making it. I got interested about leather work..., I started purchasing all of the leather tools and supplies on line and now I have quite a bit to start with. I have been watching your tube on leather saddle stitching and I have a learned a bit by practicing daily for hours. I watch yours and i like your techniques and styles. I am still practicing daily and I have learned a lot from you... by watching your you tube video. Thank you. I would like a copy of your video on hand stitching and videos that I can learn from. Joaquin Perez

[@usernamemykel]

Liked & subbed. Outstanding presentation in all respects.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thank you!

[@pauls7276]

Newbie here. Great video! I just now wrapped my head around holes angled upward from left to right (away from you ) and stitches angled the opposite way, upward from right to left (toward you ). I thought I might have to stand on my head to get this to work, it's a relief be sitting down again.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

great!

[@nestisi]

This is so well explained! Thanks a lot. I use a sewing machine, but I have always been curious to handstiching. I will join your program, cause there is still so much to learn. I'm happy that finally you can learn it online and this video shows the quality of the information you share.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thanks Sandra. Glad you found it helpful. This was actually the very first tutorial I ever made so you will see the newer ones are much better made ;-)

[@nestisi]

@@PeterNitzAtelier I heard you saying this in a podcast that the first tutorial wasn't so good, but I find this excellent. 🤩👏

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

@@nestisi the info is good but the filming and my performance has greatly improved since this one!

[@Delboy001647363]

Ahh... My main problem was uneven tension! Great tip! Once I concentrated on that, the quality of my work really increased! Great video man. Thanks.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Great!!

[@francineplamondon1073]

Merci beaucoup pour ce cours gratuit. Le petit truc pour assurer une couture parfaitement inclinée des deux côtés , je ne le connaissais pas. J'ai bien compris et je vais maintenant travailler de cette façon.

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

fantastique! bonne chance!

[@isacgeorge4887]

Lovely video, i would love to see how you stitch on corners , i think not many people cover that 😉👍🏻

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

I cover that topic in my online courses www.peternitz.com/tutorials

[@MuseLeathercraft]

Thanks Peter! Excellent

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

you're welcome!

[@phila1714]

Thanks for the vid been starting to make knife sheaths but want to learn more this def helps

[@sardarvayghannezhad9673]

9:40 got my upvote!

[@V3leathercraft]

Thanks for this, solving the main issue i"bad looking stitch" 🙏

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Glad it helped!

[@V3leathercraft]

@@PeterNitzAtelier I do craft on veg tanned leather... Can u make a detailed video like this, with thread thickness,which needles to use, hole space(French style & round style ) etc on veg tanned leather.?

[@guillermogimono3108]

Thanks to this video I now understand where I can improve my practice THANKS A LOT !

[@kylestephenson3004]

Well played and explained looking forward to watching more of your tutorials keep up the great work

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Thanks Kyle! I appreciate it.

[@LKS-1976]

This helps alot. Cheers!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

Great!

[@loishunt5117]

Best instructions ever!!! So good!

[@PeterNitzAtelier]

thanks!

[@alfredventer]

Neat crafting. Love it.