Why Hand-Stitching Leather Matters
Stitching leather by hand is a slow and tedious process. So why would anyone do it?
The answer makes more sense than you might think.
Many skilled leathercrafters prefer to stitch by hand. This isn’t because we’re stubborn traditionalists who refuse to use machines . . . although there is a sense of pride involved in hand-stitching, admittedly. Instead, we hand-stitch because it directly contributes to the durability and appearance of the product.
How does hand-stitching leather improve durability?
The most common stitching method used when machine stitching is a straight stitch. Basically, a straight stitch is constructed by interlocking two threads at intervals. It is quick, efficient, and easy to do with practically any standard sewing machine. You see those seams on the sleeves of your T-shirt? Yep, those are probably straight stitched!
So, if straight-stitching is so common and easy, doesn’t that make it better than hand-stitching? Well, if you’re going for speed over quality, sure! But, skilled leather crafters care more about quality than anything else.
Saddle stitching is the preferred method of hand-stitching leather
When it comes to hand-stitching leather, the method of stitching crafters use most of the time is the saddle stitch. With a saddle stitch, we use one string with two needles instead of two strings. We start at one end of the product and work toward the other, interweaving the needles through each pre-punched hole and tying a knot at every interval.
What this means is that if one of the loops of a thread stitched by hand were to be snagged and torn, the entire line won’t unravel. Again, picture a T-shirt’s straight seam. You’ve probably snagged a T-shirt seam at one point and have had it start to unravel on you. With a saddle-stitched leather product, you won’t have to worry about that; the other loops will remain locked in place.
And as bonus of sorts, it is easy to repair a broken saddle stitch loop too. All we need to do is get some string and needles and repair the individual damaged loop. We don’t need to unravel the entire thread and restart from scratch.
How does hand-stitching leather improve appearance?
A major reason many people buy leather goods is because they expect their purchases to last a long time, and with a saddle stitch that is certainly possible. However, there is more to leather goods than durability. Style matters too!
With saddle stitching, leather crafters need to pre-punch holes into the leather to stitch into afterward. Punching the holes with hand tools gives us options for the appearance of the stitch line. At Ravensgate, we prefer to use punches with tapered, chiseled prongs. When stitching through tapered holes with a chiseled shape, we can achieve a delightful looking slant on each loop of the stitch line. For crafters who prefer a more straight line, simple round holes will do.
Regardless of specific style preferences, it’s hard to argue that a machine stitched line looks prettier than one stitched by hand!
Do the crafters at Ravensgate always hand-stitch leather?
At Ravensgate, we always hand-stitch our leather goods, including everything from our small wallets to our large tote bags. We desire to create products that can last a lifetime, and hand-stitching makes that a possible.
Head over to our web store to peruse our selection of handmade leather goods and find something that you can love for life!
Of course, you can also come by our shop at 207 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA to check out our leather goods in person.