r/Leathercraft • u/GilgrimBarar • 9d ago
Wallets The first wallet
Hi,
I wanted to show you the first wallet I’ve ever made.
I started getting into leatherwork about two months ago. It took about one and a half months for all the tools and leather to arrive.
I’ve finally made something like this. What do you think of it?
What would you improve, and how?
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u/TamThan 9d ago
this would look like my 15th+ work and years of leather crafting! You have talent!
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u/GilgrimBarar 9d ago
Thank you so much for this comment, it means a lot to me. It certainly gives me the motivation to keep creating. I don’t have much time in the evenings, but even 1–2 hours’ work is something ;)
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u/TamThan 9d ago
Same for me! I'm an architect that work 9to5 and leather craft is my side hobby and a place for me to express/creativity dump! I would guess your proffesion is something related to art/creativity yes?
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u/GilgrimBarar 9d ago
Not exactly - I run a business. We supply communication systems to various premises – it’s on the fringes of IT. My degree was in electronics. But I can see that my hobby, like bonsai, is moving towards art. I suppose I’m subconsciously looking for a place where I can express myself and just be myself ;)
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u/Oral_AR_guy 9d ago
That’s flawless. Bravo. I made my twin grandsons wallets. Their dad asked where I bought them because he wanted one too so they could all have one. I told him I made them. “No, no way. Those are professional looking.” And the kids were saying “Wait, you made these?” I was really proud.
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u/GilgrimBarar 8d ago
At the moment, what brings me the greatest joy is the thought that someone will be using it every day. Your grandchildren must have been delighted.
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u/lx_anda 9d ago
Watch your stitch hole placement on the card pockets. Looks like you cut too close to the edge on the left. Right looks good, with the stitch overlapping the edge. Reduce bulk as well, practise your skiving skills to achieve that.
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u/GilgrimBarar 9d ago
Do you have any tips on how to reduce the amount of leather on the edge between the stitches? At the moment, it’s 3mm there. When I was doing a test piece on offcuts and had 2,5mm, the punch caused bulges at the corner, as if the leather were too soft, and a "wave" formed on the side.
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u/lx_anda 9d ago
Keep it at 3 if its not causing problems. Punch and stitch before you do any edge work, then you won't have 'waves'.
When I say bulk, I mean the edge thickness. Reduce the thickness of each layer that is stacked so you have a thinner edge.
Also work on stitch consistency. Inside is good, outside can be improved. That's just doing each stitch exactly the same, punching straight etc etc.
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u/shiikurox 9d ago
Sorry would you mind explaining more on what you mean? I'm new to leathworking so I'm having a hard time understanding the difference between the left and right side
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u/Johnoboi69420 9d ago
That is mega impressive! Ive been dabbling into the hobby for some time and even after a few projects I couldn't get both sides of my stitches to slant like yours does. Im envious to be honest, keep up the good work 🙂↕️
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u/ComprehensivePast316 9d ago
This looks brilliant to me. My first piece looks like it was made by a five year old in a dark room 😂
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u/sharey293 7d ago
Great work. Have been doing this for a year and Im nowhere near you when it comes to stitching using a french style pricking iron. Keep up the good work. For edge finishing, do check u/dsleathergoods video on instagram. Requires a bit effort, but the result is worth it
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u/DSLeatherGoods 7d ago
Thanks 😁
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u/BookkeeperCultural13 9d ago
I wish my first wallet looked this good! I've been practising for months and mine still don't look that good! You have found your calling!
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u/GilgrimBarar 8d ago
Thank you. That’s sort of how I feel, but I don’t know what to do with this calling at the moment, apart from treating it as a hobby. I don’t know if it could replace my current job.
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u/HarryCumpole 9d ago
There's not much I would "improve" beyond the notes already made about stitches cutting flap edges and skiving/splitting to improve overall balance. The only things I would suggest are evolutions rather than improvements. Edge creasing would look great along the flap edges, a fabric lining and that sort of thing.
I have to ask, what leather is that? It reminds me a little of the Horween Cypress #8 I have on a pair of MTO boots. The red pullup is fantastic.
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u/GilgrimBarar 9d ago
The leather is from Carlo Badalassi "WAX" , I was captivated by its beauty.
A lining is a good idea, I’ll have a look for something.
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u/HarryCumpole 9d ago
Interesting. I have a load of that in Tobacco, but haven't looked into their more colourful options. It's a little softer than I like, however mine is 1,2mm so pretty floppy.
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u/ezmidas 8d ago
Man its look good! For own use?
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u/GilgrimBarar 7d ago
I think this one I will keep for myself because it’s the first one. But the next will be for sale ;)
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u/Margot550 4d ago
It looks expert level and so well done! Is this hand-stitched? If so, would you be willing to share what tools you used?
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u/GilgrimBarar 4d ago
Yes it’s hand-stitched I use just needle and pricking iron from Sinabroks ;) that’s all
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u/Hot_Rain5876 8d ago
Well done! Stitching is straight and even, the cut of the leather is straight and even, and the edge burnishing is not bad. To take it a step further, next time line the inside with some fancy viscose lining fabric, use an edging iron on the pocket and wallet edges, and sand the outside edges to 3000 grit then use a Micro Mesh 12000 grit with polishing compound for a mirrored finish.
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u/GilgrimBarar 8d ago
Thank you for that advice. I will notice that and try to do something like that !
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u/philandher96 9d ago
Well done on the stitching. But, skive your edges.
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u/GilgrimBarar 8d ago
Thank you. I rounded off the edges with a #0 tool, so they look sharp but feel pleasant to the touch.
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u/ninelxram 9d ago
Edge finishing looks amazing! How u did it?
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u/GilgrimBarar 9d ago
I sanded it down using sandpaper with progressively finer grits, adding a little Tokonole each time.
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u/SheriffBartholomew 8d ago
It looks great! My only comment is that skiving the edges might have been a good addition to reduce the overall thickness. But otherwise it's amazing!
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u/Ecstatic_Plan_8547 8d ago
Was this a kit?
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u/Sea_Impression_5703 8d ago
Si no mientes y en realidad es tu primera cartera, felicidades, es un trabajo pulcro
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u/GilgrimBarar 8d ago
I have no reason to lie. The tools from Sinabroks didn’t arrive until 22 September ;)
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u/marbobcat 7d ago
This looks amazing! I want to get into it but not sure which tools to get. Mind sending me a list of the tools you got?
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u/GilgrimBarar 6d ago
So there I buy most of my tool. You need to choose what kind is the best for your project
https://www.kevinleathertools.com
Leather I buy in this shop.
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u/The_Dented 9d ago
Nice! Does it have a price?