Starting my own handmade leather brand

[dottym2014]

I first got into leathercraft back in 2019 while I was a student. It all started with a simple pair of custom leather item I bought and a vegetable-tanned wallet a friend gave me that aged beautifully over time. I became so curious that I bought some scraps and stitched my first wallet by hand. When a friend actually bought it from me, I realized I wanted to take this craft seriously. I spent years traveling to places to find the best tanneries and learn the difference between mass-produced chrome leather and natural vegetable-tanned hides. The leathercraft community (mix of youtube, facebook, and forums like this) has been a massive help in teaching me the global standards of the trade and keeping me motivated to keep creating. So thank you.

 

[winniepops]

I first got into leathercraft back in 2019 while I was a student. It all started with a simple pair of custom leather item I bought and a vegetable-tanned wallet a friend gave me that aged beautifully over time. I became so curious that I bought some scraps and stitched my first wallet by hand. When a friend actually bought it from me, I realized I wanted to take this craft seriously. I spent years traveling to places to find the best tanneries and learn the difference between mass-produced chrome leather and natural vegetable-tanned hides. The leathercraft community (mix of youtube, facebook, and forums like this) has been a massive help in teaching me the global standards of the trade and keeping me motivated to keep creating. So thank you.

Have you tried the saddle stitch method yet? It is much stronger than anything a machine can do.

 

[piranha]

Do you prefer the clean look of new leather or the dark patina that develops after a few years of use?

 

[red cayenne]

@dottym2014 try looking for local tanneries that sell small batches so you can test different weights of leather.

 

[dottym2014]

Have you tried the saddle stitch method yet? It is much stronger than anything a machine can do.

I haven't tried it. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[dottym2014]

Do you prefer the clean look of new leather or the dark patina that develops after a few years of use?

A cleaner look is nice but I prefer the dark patina that develops after a few years of use. How about you?

 

[mudpipper]

@dottym2014 What is your favorite way to finish edges? I usually stick with beeswax and a wooden slicker because it gives such a natural look.