The Leather Element: Thread, Needles & Chisels

[@Danscraigslist65]

I can't believe I get to watch this guy for free, Thank you Weaver and thank you Chuck!

[@ThaDopist]

he gets right to it too. no unnecessary information.

[@adannavarro1041]

Does anyone else feel like Chuck is the Bob Ross of leather work lol

[@ArcticArsenal]

I'm just going to drop in a happy little stitch line.

[@CantrellLeatherGoods]

Arctic Arsenal awesome! 😂 nicely done!

[@tryinganddoin2105]

“ we are going to jump over to....” this guy jumps more than a kangaroo hops 😂. He’s fantastically talented, just needs to have a cup of decalf in the morning instead of the espresso

[@Icanhasautomaticcheeseburger]

He's like Bob's hyper little brother.

[@timcwalker]

Bob Ross would be more accepting of the "bad" stitch. Which I thought looked pretty decent.

[@robbytanga9854]

I’ve met Chuck a few times in person, he’s legit one of the kindest, most helpful people I’ve ever talked to!

[@bryannicholson843]

I’m new at leather working and the way you explain things makes it very easy to understand and you “dumb it down” for us in the novice category. Thanks for all you do!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Bryan - so glad the videos have been helpful!

[@SquishyIsBack]

I think you've finally revealed to me why I hate stitching: I use a 4mm diamond chisel with 1mm waxed thread, and do that with almost all my projects... Thank you Chuck, I'm going to get some bigger chisels and smaller thread!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

So glad the video was helpful!

[@donpayne562]

SquishyIsBack if you get 5 mm you won’t need smaller thread

[@kenlong3044]

Yes, Chuck is an incredible presenter. He's engaging and never condescending. I agree with some other comments that he's very good and simplifying things in a short space of time.

[@KodakYarr]

I love that you're slowly moving on to metric. :)

[@ralphalvarez1197]

thank you for this comparison and the way you speak is kinda happy

[@XorsonX]

These videos are what got me hooked into leatherwork. Chuck, my man, your videos are top notch. Thank you.

[@stephengladieux7380]

I'm pretty sure the intent of the marking wheel is to mark where to pierce the leather with an awl...not a hole punch. Hole punches are for hardware and lacing. I really appreciated the way he laid out threads and stitch spacing side by side for comparison. That is useful.

[@notafan1275]

Notice how awls are never even mentioned? They probably figure that their customers are not willing to learn how to use one...

[@Skund79]

Awls in an inexpensive beginner kits are awful, you can barely push the awl through the leather. Since people beginners don't know how a good tool feels like, they can't really asses what the problem is. consistent

[@valkyrieguy]

I think his point with the hole punch had to do with kits... Most that I've seen have oversized holes for the intended thread or lace, and that's why they look awful.

[@artiedavidson8785]

I've been binge watching your videos like they're a series on Netflix....thanks for the simple explanations for beginner Leather workers!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, so glad you like them!

[@deltamech3669]

So this is the umpteenth vid I've watched, and I have consistently thought of Chuck as the def Bob Ross of Leather work. His presentation is absolutely motivated, involved, experienced, competent, educational and reliable. I feel no doubt when learning from him and love the way he just rolls with the punches! As per this vid, I found the bottom stitch to be comical and entertaining. Outstanding Chuck! Drive on.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much, that means a lot and I'm so glad the videos have been helpful!

[@guidelineuk4876]

Thanks chuck for the great information i'm enjoying everyone

[@johnshort5504]

Chuck ; Just want to THANK YOU for all the information that you share with us . You do a great job and a great service . You help so many people . John

[@dannymarkgraf34]

this was a really great video. i actually took notes. thank you for another great informative video.

[@LaserGadgets]

I got kinda soft vegetan-leather, 4 pronged chisel...I slam it in....barely able to get it back outta there. I put in the thread and the needle breaks. Great start.

[@keithamsden3093]

I LOVE the John James needles. I started using them when I saw a recommendation from Ian Atkinson on his KZbin channel (he also uses the tiger thread) a bunch of years ago and I have also stopped breaking needles. Now if only I could stop losing them...

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

They are my favorite - so glad you like them! Haha, they are easy to lose that's for sure!

[@landnnut]

I managed to break the eye on one but I was using pliers.

[@bobbywonder4574]

this is the best leather video ever

[@kristi94]

Omg this trick is awesome! I tried sewing with a .6 thread...4mm holes...I would constantly split the thread and had to retract and untangle the needle from the punctured thread. Such a pain. Thank you Chuck!!!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching :)

[@pbexley521]

After all the tools and stuff to start making leather projects, the absolute best thing I purchased was the non slip tape that Chuck talked about in one of the videos. It has made all the difference in getting great cuts on the leather.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

So glad it was helpful! It really does make a difference doesn't it!

[@pbexley521]

Non slip tape is mandatory equipment in leather craft. My leather cuts improved 1000 percent because of this tip from Chuck. Everything lines up and I spend less time in the end when trying to put everything together.

[@jonbishop2512]

Hi Chuck: I've watched most of your videos and appreciate and thank you for your insightful comments. I work with both veg-tanned and chrome-tanned leather and always saddle stitch. I have large hands and prefer better than a one-finger and thumb grip to pull my needles, so I use John James jj165 long darners size 17 (2/0) and dull the tips on a diamond sharpener. They are the same diameter (1.42mm) as the needles you use but their length is 85mm (about 3-3/8 inches). Again, thank you and your backup crew for all the helpful videos.

[@th.burggraf7814]

I wouldn't have believed it, but after trying the Ritza thread I found it was like night and day difference to the cheap threads. And it's a pleasure to work with.

[@TobiasJStrand]

Great video! Not a fan of the marking wheel myself but you can get a good stitch line with it. It's the hole punch that messes it up. Use an awl instead. One needle in each hand and the awl in one of them. Mark the line. Awl, stitch, awl, stitch. Much tighter seam. I use my chisels that way. Just for marking. Keep en coming Chuck.Really informative videoseries. Just wish you would have an EU site like Tandy so I could buy from you without going in bankruptcy due to import fees.

[@grimtt]

This is a good intro to threads and holes and stitching... if you watch this before watching the dyi build along vids then the tutorials will make more sense. Learning the basics makes it easier to learn the more complex stuff later on!

[@BrunoRBSilva-fh9rw]

Thank you very much for making this, as always. Im a professional product photographer that recently picked up leather craft, and this channel is the absolute best there is. Many thanks from Brazil.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much, I'm so glad the videos have been helpful as you get started in leathercraft! Hope you're enjoying it so far!

[@johnnyrice2531]

I use a stitch wheel and a stitching awl with waxed thread. I get good results. It is even and stays very well. I made a gun rig about 10 years ago and it still holds up

[@curits8260]

this video very helpful, this is an example for does who want to buy tools for your leather. keep up old man :)

[@nedcramdon1306]

This is my first time I've ever delved into this sort of thing. You made me want to give it a go on my deck shoes. They're in perfect condition except for the stitching. About 10 per inch, very fine thread.

[@thelivestocklounge2857]

Wow Chuck! One of those colored threads matches the buckstitching I just did on my guitar strap project. I just put a colored suede backer on, but I'm so glad I haven't started sewing yet, I've got to get that colored thread! As always an informative lesson! Thank you.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@beijingbikinibottom]

“Look at this big boy!” (referring to a needle) This guy is awesome.

[@pjlifehacks2722]

Great video, right to the point and fast moving. Here it is, here is my opinion and have at it. Really like your energy.

[@pickleleatherworkx2218]

Another awesome video Chuck, thank you for shedding light on the chisel sizes.

[@veedadixon3749]

Thank you for this video. It answered many of my questions about thread size, needles and chisels. Looks like I ordered the incorrect size thread (1.2mm) for my chisel size (5mm). Back to ordering again.

[@cantonripfist462]

It was this, and several other of Chuck's videos that convinced me to get the Weaver Stitching Pony, and after having it for 24 hours, I've got no regrets. I've definitely upgraded. Thank you to Chuck, and the rest of the team at Weaver. Keep up the good work!

[@stephanparnow4566]

Awesome video! Chuck, could you do a video on traditional hand sewing with the awl, especially covering proper selection and preparation of the awl. What size awl to use with which needle and thread combo.

[@isaiahglynn3622]

I really appreciate your videos. I learned so much for you, Chuck, and I am always learning from you and working with leather.

[@psmithrpm]

Another excellent demo/tutorial. Thank you for the instructions and I'll reciprocate when it comes time to purchase tools/supplies. (I've just started studying it all now.)

[@dperisty1]

This is a MUST WATCH for any leatherworker who stitches!! I need to make these same templates for myself! Thanks for the video - they are awesome, as usual!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much, Derek!

[@dperisty1]

​@@WeaverLeatherSupply Well deserved! You have convinced me to buy a bunch from Weaver! FYI: They list their John James needles in sizes of 1, 2, and 3 (not 16, 17, and 18). I have read that the 1/001/#1 are all different sizes, and I don't want to order the wrong ones! A quick chat with the customer service rep and I got all the details! Thank you, and thanks Weaver!! I can't wait!

[@digitaIgorilla]

I totally agree with where to start. I was lucky enough to fall on that set up, 6mm diamond chisels and John James needles and got such great results it filled me with confidence to continue.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

That's great to hear - thank you!

[@vcd1875]

Thank you Chuck for another informative video. As a newbie to leather craft, I'm learning so much from your channel and love your enthusiasm to leather craft.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you very much, I hope you're enjoying leathercraft!

[@theessentialguideforblokes7960]

Have been looking for just this video, as a beginner I have no idea which combination of these things to choose from, no other makers videos cover it, thank you!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Glad it was helpful! You're welcome.

[@phondo2]

Thank you SO much Chuck. I did leatherwork as a kid in 4-H, Getting back into it in my mid-life. You ROCK! I've got my Mom's old Singer Sewing machine that sews upholstery leather. Having fun and learning loads from you!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

That is awesome, so glad you're getting back into it!

[@dreamwarriors979]

Best needles 🪡 from J.J. Is the 002 & the 004 ! All you need for a nice handstitch ….

[@johnvanderwalker4830]

Nicely done video, very helpful for choosing the correct chisels, needles and thread. I like Chuck, might want to cut back slightly on the coffee. ;-)

[@shirleymalar2773]

A much needed video. I'll keep it handy for reference in choosing these elements for stitching.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Glad it was helpful!

[@grimtt]

Been doing leather projects a year or so but just lost most of my tools/leather to fire so watching these basics can help me slimline the tools I need to get rather than rebuying tools which may not get used as often...

[@VolatileBullfrog]

Thank you Chuck and Weaver! Had just started to think about trying some Ritza from you guys and then this came out. Those colors are gorgeous. Going to look over those needles now, too! ("whatever" gave me a good chuckle at the office, btw)

[@minerblue9641]

Chuck, Today I was messing around with a 34 year old holster that had a big gouge in the center. I almost took it apart to use it for a pattern to make another one. The stitches for the belt loop were pretty worn and I had some JB Weld laying on the table. So I put some Weld on the stitches to make them last a little longer. Then I put what was left of the weld on the gouge planning to paint the weld with a magic marker or paint or something. So it was sanded with fine sandpaper. Then in preperation I re-dyed the whole thing. When I went to polish it a little I found that the JB Weld had taken the dye also. It looked pretty good. The weld had a little more shine to it than the leather, but other than that it was almost invisible. Wow, I didn't expect that.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Good information, thanks!

[@bentalley7277]

jb weld has saved the day for me in a lots of situations

[@christopherderrick3745]

Great info. I couldn't find anything else like it on youtube.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Christopher! So glad it was helpful!

[@billyost7683]

I've had these questions for awhile and this is the most direct answer I've found yet. I've been looking for Tiger thread since I saw it on some Ian Atkinson videos. Nice to see I finally found a U.S. source. Thanks again, Chuck for another great Leather Element vid.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Bill!

[@CIAG4PNP]

Thank you so much! I was so at a loss what buy as my 1st set of chisel's.. Thank you this really cleared things up for me sir !

[@mikecleek3964]

I’m going to make me a sample peace of leather stitching the 1.0 and the .8 are my favorite in thread, I have the blue pricking chisel set I bought from you guys and love it but when I did my 1911 holster I put a spacer in the middle and had to prick separately it was way to thick but it worked ok but in the turn part was a little difficult to sew by hand but got it done and looks good 😊

[@MountainFisher]

Something about Ritza Tiger thread Chuck neglects to mention and the reason I use it almost exclusively. The way it is weaved is as a tube, that's why it lays flat, but it almost never tangles. It is pretty nigh on tangle free. When I sew a liner on a belt I use a 60/2= 30 inch minimum piece of thread and it never tangles. Now Weaver is carrying the larger sizes and in 50 meter and 500 spools, they have the best price for Tiger thread I have found.

[@Tatsebmaki]

I recently started and, as a complete beginner, your videos have been a godsend. Thank you for explaining everything so thoughtfully and thoroughly! I'm excited to get to work.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

I'm so glad!

[@PhilColgan]

Using a good quality stitching wheel will make a stitch that looks very good, and even better than using a stitching chisel, if you use an awl to go through the leather instead of a hole punch. Its ideal for longer curved stitch lines like on bags etc.

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome stuff, thanks for the info! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@jennifervoigt2631]

Best videos ever I absolutely love this I have an idea for something that leather is the appropriate medium for and before I started purchasing products I ran into these videos and I have found them to be the absolute most helpful I probably watched about 30 of them before any of my products ever arrived and by the time I got my hands on my first set of products I feel like I was able to start working right away with less frustration because I already had an idea of what I was looking at thanks guys keep up the great videos

[@trapper9396]

Wow, Thank you for this video. Extremely helpful.

[@JoseIbarra-vh6ge]

Always good information Chuck. Thanks.

[@AlexWong9889]

What a great video, very beginner friendly, thank you so much for a good video!

[@jonbishop2512]

Hi Chuck: I've watched many of your videos and, despite the fact that I've been working with leather for close to two decades, I learn something from you every time I watch the Leather Element. Your video on threads, chisels, and needles reminded me to offer a suggestion. I have large hands and prefer better than a one-finger and a thumb to pull needles through multiple layers if leather. Consequently I searched the John James catalog for a longer needle and found one. For those reasons, I use the John James Long Darner #jj165 #17 (2/0) and blunt the points on a diamond sharpening plate. They are the same diameter as the John James Saddlers Harness #17 (1.42mm) but about 3-1/3 inches long. Check it out.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you for the recommendation - we will check them out!

[@photojournalist1194]

As always great videos. Thank you.

[@hippitukka]

Thanks for great demonstration. I'm just starting leather crafting and this was really valuable information.

[@poobox3922]

I was literally looking for a video like this last night. You guys are mind readers!! Thanks Chuck and Weaver Leather!

[@mattsmith1737]

LCKT if you look up Armitage Leather on KZbin he has reviews of A LOT of different chisels and pricking irons. And is a master at sewing. It’s well worth the watch if you want quality when hand stitching.

[@poobox3922]

@@mattsmith1737 Thanks for the recommendation I've watched a few of his videos! I was just looking for a simple and short side by side comparison of the different threads sizes. This was it! :)

[@aarongarcia9062]

LCKT hey man stay out of my leather hustle haha jk cool to see you’re getting into more. Bet you’ll be making some sick sheaths in no time.

[@poobox3922]

@@aarongarcia9062 LMAO whattup bro! going for a supple purse next week :O

[@ferher578]

thanks for all your advises, just are GREAT.

[@Son_Of_Scotland]

Fantastic video thank you!!!!

[@michaelm1850]

I use a 8.5 spi chisel and 0.45mm thread, takes forever but looks good on smaller goods

[@JoseRodriguez-mz5zi]

Great info! I was in the "whatever" part lol

[@minerblue9641]

Great video Chuck, as always. I like to do the double stitch with one needle using the punched holes. I wind-up with three stitches on the back and two showing on the front (between holes). This method uses a lot of thread but fills up the punched holes well. Also it sure lines up the punched holes in the leather well. Looks kinda good, I think.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thanks, Miner! I bet that does look good!

[@djmccathran]

Thank you Chuck! Great information!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Deneena!

[@jlg395]

This man is a national treasure.

[@johnnatoli52]

Amazing amount of information. Have to order from Weaver and wait along way to Australia.

[@Possumcods]

Coffee drinks a cup of Chuck in the morning

[@soundtweakers]

Thank you for such helpful info, I followed Chuck's recommendations and no longer consider stitching as my least favorite part of leathercrafting!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Wonderful to hear!

[@bobbarker5884]

Man that flat stich looks good! I really wish they made that in the 4mm!

[@pbexley521]

The Ritza Tiger thread is great. Just purchased some more from Weaver and all my leather projects will be with Tiger thread now.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, so glad you love it!

[@GaryForgingOn]

Thank you for this video.. I am very new at leather work and was wanting to try sewing but I had no idea where to start. I took a class on making a knife sheath and we sewed it but they provided everything. I want to make a cover for a double bit axe I restored and a regular axe head and I want to try to sew them. But all the tools add up pretty fast. :) Thanks again.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Gary, Thanks so much for watching and we hope the video helps you decide what you need to get started!

[@carmenb1059]

Thanks Chuck - good information

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Carmen!

[@DuaneT64]

Can you put together a beginners kit that is for someone like me? I want to make the occasional knife sheath not an everyday thing so it's hard for me to justify the high prices of your kits. Thumbs up

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Duane, Thank you for your feedback on the kits! We definitely want to add more so we appreciate knowing what you're interested in!

[@rondumontier1187]

This is just funny. That was my next Q to you. Needles are my Achilles heel, never know what size for hand stitching to order. Wonderful job

[@zappbanannigan]

I would like to see this done again, but with a couple finished product example, like a tote bag or wallet, using some combos of thread and stitch length, maybe a couple 'don't do this' combinations to show what it looks like.

[@josephbrendanfeliciano6331]

Tnxu sir as a beginner i have new learn of that

[@rahilhabib]

man i love this guy's videos on leatherwork. He's literally always so chirpy! (I wonder how he is off camera haha)

[@pickleleatherworkx2218]

Me too

[@markwilson9935]

good stuff mate!!

[@margodawson4671]

Chuck, Thanks for the lesson on hand sewing, I am in a wheel chair so I had to cut my pony off a little to keep it right in front of me. I made my pony my self it is not that hard and a lot cheaper. When you are handicap you have to make things to work for your self. If you have any ideas to help us handicap people that would be great. Thanks Darrell Dawson, Nebraska

[@denasewell]

Thanks so much Chuck! The Tiger thread is amazing! The colors, as well as the thread quality, are superior! So great to see you in 2020!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@markedis5902]

I use a spacer wheel on some projects with a diamond awl and achieve near perfect stitching. I would never use a punch as you are removing substance from the stitch line. John James also make saddlers needles numbered 1 to 4 which are smaller than the ones shown. numbers 1, 2 and 3 are all the same size and number 4 is even smaller. They have an excellent diagram on the John James website. Chuck, I would love to see you using pricking irons and an awl as an alternative.

[@M.A.SATTEER]

Thank you very much!

[@pipesmcgee9270]

Hi, thank you for these videos. Question: Is there a way to make stitching more watertight for motorcycle saddlebags?

[@anthonycronin7487]

Great informative video. His voice reminds me of John Walsh from America's most wanted

[@happinesspeace5363]

Thank you so much👏👏

[@ThePruneemac]

Very helpful. I wish there was a chart to help us newbies know what needle/thread size pair up best. I don’t think I’m doing it right if I need vice grips and 5 broken needles to make a knife sheath!😮😮

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

What size thread are you using?

[@ThePruneemac]

I don’t know, it’s not marked but the needles look like 10 ga shotgun shells. I had better by some thread and needles from you!

[@claudedesforges5496]

Thank my friend for that great info, that will me a lot......

[@jandjoutdoors3859]

Chuck can you do a video on hand stitching with a dimond shaped chisel because I just received mine and my stitches do not look good

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi there, You would basically use the same steps as a flat chisel, we'll link our hand stitching video below but also check out this video Corter Leather did on hand stitching - they use diamond chisels and explain how they stitch without pony. Corter Leather: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3qqhZKIjc5rkK8 Weaver Leathercraft: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3bWhJWPd7GrepY

[@ArcticArsenal]

Great video, Chuck! I need to invest in a better set of chisels. I think it would take my projects up a level.

[@edwardledesma2283]

I this video as for a starting point in leather works

[@grimtt]

I thought those wheelie things were for ppl who hand stitch with an awl... maybe not? 😬 I received something like the wheelie in a paper distressing kit, which, apparently “distressing “ is a more apt application for it...

[@kensurratt2729]

Could you do a video on different stitching styles. Are they used for different types or weights of leather. I went through your videos I didn't see one.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Ken, We don;t have a video on this yet but it is on the list, thanks for the suggestion!

[@scottmcintosh2988]

A video on a quick draw 4 inch blade folder a smige bigger than a Buck 110

[@user-pg9qc7rn1k]

TY