Best Glue for Sewing Leather

[Dr4gonfruit]

My mom's been getting into leatherwork, and she's trying to make some wallets, she wants me to help her, so I thought that I would ask here to the pros.

The thing is that the rubber cement she's been using to hold the pieces together for sewing isn't strong enough, and the leather keeps slipping.
She's looking for a good glue that's not super messy or toxic. She's heard that Barge is really toxic, so she's a little hesitant about that.
Has anyone used Weldwood? Any other glues that hold leather really well without being a huge pain?

Any tips or advice are welcome, TIA!

 

[Ivan]

My mom's been getting into leatherwork, and she's trying to make some wallets, she wants me to help her, so I thought that I would ask here to the pros.

The thing is that the rubber cement she's been using to hold the pieces together for sewing isn't strong enough, and the leather keeps slipping.
She's looking for a good glue that's not super messy or toxic. She's heard that Barge is really toxic, so she's a little hesitant about that.
Has anyone used Weldwood? Any other glues that hold leather really well without being a huge pain?

Any tips or advice are welcome, TIA!

Howdy, yes, been using Weldwood for years, works well, no issue.

 

[Kabulrocks]

Lowes and about any hardware store sell a small bottle of Weldwood contact cement, this what I use. Weldwood 3 -fl oz Contact cement Liquid Multipurpose Adhesive https://www.lowes.com/pd/DAP-Weldwo...proof-Quick-Dry-Multipurpose-Adhesive/3006177
Hobby Lobby sells a pack of three glue spreaders that are very handy to use to apply the contact cement. https://www.hobbylobby.com/crafts-h...s-finishes/reusable-glue-spreaders/p/81075673

 

[Ronald Grove]

I use 3m 77 contact adhesive in a spray can. Used it for years. Glues fabric to wood or leather. Seems to work well.

 

[strang3brew]

If you want something even gentler, Fiebing's Leathercraft Cement is water-based and easy to clean up. Have fun with the project!

 

[liz_gets_crafty]

My mom's been getting into leatherwork, and she's trying to make some wallets, she wants me to help her, so I thought that I would ask here to the pros.

The thing is that the rubber cement she's been using to hold the pieces together for sewing isn't strong enough, and the leather keeps slipping.
She's looking for a good glue that's not super messy or toxic. She's heard that Barge is really toxic, so she's a little hesitant about that.
Has anyone used Weldwood? Any other glues that hold leather really well without being a huge pain?

Any tips or advice are welcome, TIA!

I'd personally avoid Weldwood since it's highly potent and flammable and instead go with a specialized water-based contact cement. Check out Tandy's Eco-Flo Leather Weld or Renia Aquilim 315. They are non-toxic, low-odor, clean up with water, and provide a strong, flexible bond once they cure. The key is to apply a thin coat to both pieces, let it dry until it's tacky or clear, then press them together firmly. That ensures a slip-free hold for sewing!

 

[damy2128]

Another alternative I recently discovered is double sided tape. I use 1/4” and place it right on the stitch line. It works well enough to hole the edges together for hand stiching. I can’t say if it would work for machine stitching as I don’t do that.

 

[dennyntx]

Definitely barge glue put it on let set about 10 minutes then stick it together it is done it is very hard to get apart so when you stick it together make sure it's where you want it

 

[dennyntx]

This stuff is great

 

[Wade]

For years I have been using Feebings white glue what I like about it that you can clean it up easily and it holds tight. I am sure that it’s the same white leather glue everyone else offers what could be different about it, Right…