Making a leather cigar case

[skull panda]

I am trying to make a custom leather cigar case and I'm still looking for sample photos online to inspire my project. But I have some questions about the best way to start the work, especially the order of the steps. Should I do the carving first, then wet form the leather and then apply the dye?

I figure I should probably stitch the pieces together before wet forming them but then the thread will get dyed, which I want to avoid. If I stitch it last, I do not know how I can properly wet form just the part that holds the cigars. And also, if I carve my design first, will the carving get messed up when I wet the leather again for the forming step? What is the correct sequence of steps for a project like this?

 

[realt@lk]

Dyeing first, definitely. If you dye before assembly, it ensures you get full and even color coverage right to the edges. You also get into all the little holes you punch for your stitching. If you stitch first and then try to dye, you will certainly discolor your thread, even if it's waxed, which ruins that nice contrasting stitch line. Plus, it's much easier to dye a flat piece, and it gives a more consistent result than trying to maneuver a brush or dauber around the curves and inside corners if the cigar case is already formed.

 

[midNight]

I agree with @realt@lk! Do the stitching at the very end. this ensures that the thread is clean and won’t soak up any extra dye.

 

[skull panda]

That's a great idea. I was thinking of stitching first before dyeing it. What's the best dye brand that is good for leather?

 

[Alan]

Try watching this video. Kind of old but gold, and still shows the whole flow.