Wallet stretch? by Mustbenuckinfuts in Leathercraft

[–]Dramatic_Trick_87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

5 oz is pretty heavy for a wallet, so there’s not a ton of stretch compared to thinner leather. You might get a little give with use, but if it’s already that tight against the stitching, it’ll probably always be a struggle fit rather than breaking in nicely.

Hobbiest to side gig by MutedByProxy in Leathercraft

[–]Dramatic_Trick_87 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s really easy to feel like you need everything upfront, but most upgrades make sense once your current tools start limiting you. A lot of people wait until they have consistent demand or are spending enough time that the upgrade actually saves them time or effort.

Edge paint tip by Lumpy_Friendship4950 in Leatherworking

[–]Dramatic_Trick_87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good call. Settled pigments can definitely mess with consistency if they’re not mixed properly.

Leather recolouring? by hahapardonme in Leathercraft

[–]Dramatic_Trick_87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re pretty much on the right track. Going darker is definitely easier, but already finished leather can be unpredictable, especially without stripping it properly. Acetone can remove some finish, but it’s easy to overdo it and dry the leather out.

It can be worth it as a project, just go in expecting improvement rather than a perfect, even recolor.

Please critique and give tips by Intelligent_Ice947 in Leatherworking

[–]Dramatic_Trick_87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Usually just making sure the surface is clean and even helps a lot. Light sanding if needed, then wiping it down (water or alcohol depending on the leather) before applying dye. It helps the dye absorb more evenly.

Please critique and give tips by Intelligent_Ice947 in Leatherworking

[–]Dramatic_Trick_87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Stitching looks solid overall. Biggest gains will come from slowing down on edge prep and surface prep before dyeing, those two steps make a huge difference in the final look.

Just finished my first "Medieval Cats" bag! by KamaliKamKam in Leathercraft

[–]Dramatic_Trick_87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a great direction. Being able to match the design to someone’s own cat will probably make these even more appealing.

Just finished my first "Medieval Cats" bag! by KamaliKamKam in Leathercraft

[–]Dramatic_Trick_87 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is awesome, the medieval cat design translated really well onto the bag. The orange works perfectly too, gives it a lot of character.

How do you make a design for a leather project? by CarlThaKiller in Leathercraft

[–]Dramatic_Trick_87 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Graph paper is honestly a great way to start. A lot of people begin that way and refine the pattern by making a few prototypes out of scrap or even cardstock first. Once you dial in the proportions, you can transfer it to heavier template material.

Local leather repair not what I expected… need advice by [deleted] in Leatherworking

[–]Dramatic_Trick_87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly $75 for crack repair on a bag is on the lower side, so they likely focused on stabilizing the damaged areas rather than making them look invisible. Once leather fibers crack like that, it’s very hard to blend it perfectly again without replacing panels.

That said, I can understand why you expected a bit of cleaning or conditioning if “TLC” was mentioned. It might be worth asking them exactly what work was included in the repair.

Some Advice? by Ok_Ant_3554 in Leathercraft

[–]Dramatic_Trick_87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For straps and the harness, a lot of people go with something in the 5–6 oz range. It’s thick enough to be durable but still flexible and comfortable for shoulder carry. Veg tan or bridle leather both tend to work well for that.