dyeing and stitching hat tips

[bagsNwallets]

I'm making this cute leather hat and trying to avoid the mistakes because the material is expensive! I'd love some advice about the dyeing. daubers gave me streaks, should I try dipping the leather in a bucket of dye for a solid color?
also about the stitching. what's the best way to keep track of stitching holes? should I be counting punches, or is there a better way?
Any and all tips are appreciated!

 

[fluffyman]

Just use a sponge or airbrush for smoother coverage without waste. Using a bucket can make the leather stiff if not conditioned afterward and also it also uses a lot of dye. It is fine to count your punches when stitching but using a pricking iron or stitching chisel. Since the holes stay evenly spaced and straight. If you mark your stitch line first with a compass or groover, it also keeps things neat and stops you from wandering too close to the edge.

 

[jesseee]

one little tip from me is to always wet the leather before dyeing, almost as wet as for casing. I find the dye spreads thru the leather better when it's wet
For sealing the seams I use a Nikwax cream

 

[Alan]

Is it your first time making one? I usually make the patterns first, use cheap materials initially then upgrade to a more expensive materials only when I know I'm already good at it.