Though slower, hand sewing is superior to machine sewing. It is the best method of stitching two or more pieces of leather together for years of wear and service. Before machines, everything required stitching was sewn by hand. Much hand sewing is still being done where better construction and quality leathergoods are desired. Al Stohlman introduces you to a variety of stitching techniques and provides you with valuable information on the tools and materials you'll need to get started.

Learn to make stylish and beautiful items from leather, from homeware to fashion accessories, in your own living room. From a woven bench or log basket, to bags, a sunglasses case or even an apron, this cool craft book teaches you how to make 20 simple yet stylish leather projects. Master core craft skills that will allow you to produce elegant and durable pieces, such as hand-stitching, weaving, riveting and lacing. Learn all about working with this natural and sustainable material which has intrinsic value and gives unique character to each piece you create.

The guide for leathercrafters who want a clearly traditional focus, who believe quality matters, and who want to learn traditional techniques to use in modern ways.

This book shows how to make 40 bags and miscellaneous goods with very simple, clear-cut instructions that even total beginners can follow. What makes this book special is that it has patterns with stitch marks at the end of the book. Leather is usually sewn after piercing holes for stitching, which means that punching the holes is the most important part. If the number of holes and their stitching positions match, all that is left to do is sew the item together along the holes. Tanned leather gradually softens.