Clean, Restore, Upcycle Leather

[tortoise]

Thread for leather projects.

Clean, polish, deglaze, dye, paint, etc.

 

[Hinotori]

When unable I always Amazon it. Sometimes it's also better than driving all over the place. I just toss it on the list for my next order.

We've only messed around with leathercraft for knife sheaths and belts. Sometimes I'd use 3-4 oz for certain things when making costumes for cosplay. I had a decent sewing machine and with leather needles it just powered on. Gave it to Mom for quilting because it would sew through 6 layers of denim without issue. All the ladies at the quiting group were jealous. It was just a mid level Brother from the early 2000s.

 

[tortoise]

My current victim...

I deglazed it. I plan to dye it with rit dye-more so the synthetic lining will match.

 

[tortoise]

My current victim...

I deglazed it. I plan to dye it with rit dye-more so the synthetic lining will match.View attachment 20895

Victim indeed! 😲 I followed dye instructions... 🤦‍♀️ instead of using my brain. Dye bath 200 degrees... leather shrinks at 150 degrees . Beautiful color, but its like rawhide now 🤦‍♀️🤣 thank goodness I started on this one I didnt care about much and not the nice leather blazer!

Uff! All the prep went fabulous. Ink stain removed, deglazed, washed out a fantastic amount of cigarette smoke residue. Could been a good one. It was $10 due to stains, thankful it wasnt a large loss.

Now I have a pot of dye, so I'm looking for my next victim. 🤷‍♀️ maybe the cream leather blazer. It just needs a thorough wash, buttons replaced, dye optional.

 

[Hinotori]

I only did leather sewing for costumes, dice bags, and small things. Helped out on the knife sheaths a few times, but hubby did that more. I had a good little thing going on the dice bags for sale. I'd gotten some deer and elk leather cheap and it was a big hit.

Yes, leather needles are triangular and sharp. Machine ones can be sharpened as well.

 

[tortoise]

I have some projects in progress and a few that I haven't started yet. Pics coming soon!

 

[Hinotori]

we have a pretty heavy duty simple Brother machine that can likely do leather work too so i may eventually use it for that sometime. i need to fix a belt and was wondering if i could put dental floss in the machine if it would work or not but i don't think the bobbins are set up for that... need to get some thicker thread for sure instead. no rush.

I just used button/upholstery thread for the heaviest leathers, but regular thread worked fine for the lighter clothing leather. You must get leather needles, though. They cut through the leather so they don't break. Go somewhat slow and use wide stitch distance.

 

[CrealCritter]

I just used button/upholstery thread for the heaviest leathers, but regular thread worked fine for the lighter clothing leather. You must get leather needles, though. They cut through the leather so they don't break. Go somewhat slow and use wide stitch distance.

Leather needles are wider near the point similar to a triangle shape and the triangle edges are sharp to cut the leather as you push the needle through the leather. Some needles are straight other curved, I hardly ever used straight needles. Also I've never used a leather needle on in a sewing machine, always by hand. You can sharpen leather needles with a small fine file, just a couple of strokes is all it takes to get them ready for use I sharpened brand new needles before first use because they worked better when sharp. I used to use fishing line where the stitches wouldn't show for strength and longevity. Or the proper weight and colored thread were the stitches would be visible. Again touchup and repair. Had to make everything match as close as possible to what was being repaired. Almost always it was attention to detail that made a satisfied customer.

Jesus is Lord and Christ 🙏❤️🇺🇸

 

[Hinotori]

Some good saddle soap and then a bit of mink oil can really revitalize belts and dog collars. I polish my leather shoes regularly so they stay nice

 

[tortoise]

Some good saddle soap and then a bit of mink oil can really revitalize belts and dog collars. I polish my leather shoes regularly so they stay nice

I have not been able to find saddle soap anywhere this year!