4 Different Types Of Leather Stitching
Do you resort to saddle stitch each time you start sewing leather? Well, there is more than one way to stitch leather effectively. So, why not try other methods of stitching leather for your next project?
Though there are a number of ways to stitch leather, the most popular ones are the saddle-like stitch, Z stitch, box stitch, and butt stitch. Each of these methods will hold a thick material like leather sturdily when done right.
If you want to sew leather in an easy yet efficient manner, you have come to the right place. Read on to know about the four different ways to stitch leather.
What Are The Different Types Of Stitches On Leather?
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You can stitch leather in a number of ways. The types of stitches can be broadly classified into two categories: single and double stitching. The saddle-like and Z stitch are single stitches, while the butt and box stitch are double stitches.
1. The Saddle-like Stitch
If you are not comfortable using a saddle stitch, you can turn to the single stitch to speed up your work. It is one of the simplest ways of stitching leather that looks almost the same as saddle stitch, but it only needs a needle. Here is how you can start this stitch:
Steps For The Saddle-like Stitch
Step 1. Take the nylon thread and place that through the needle to create some kind of knot. So, it will help you tightly pull that thread and avoid getting the thread to pull through. Place a side of the thread through the needle’s eyes to make this happen.
Step 2. Next, take the end of the other side and place that onto your needle. Then, wrap the thread four times around the needle.
Step 3. After this, take the wrapped thread and pull it up until you move past the other side and the eye of the thread. You will get a nice knot at the end of the thread as a result of this.
Step 4. Now, start stitch by pulling your thread all the way through to the second hole and then, the first hole. Move to the fourth hole and then the third one, and so on.
Step 5. Finally, cut the extra bit of thread and burn into the leather.
2. The Z Stitch
You will have to start the same way for your Z stitch as you did with the single stitch. Assuming that you have already put the knot on the thread according to the method taught above, let’s move on to the steps:
Steps For The Z Stitch
Step 1. You will be stitching two parallel holes by wrapping the thread a few times around the holes. It will help in ensuring a secure start to your sewing project.
Step 2. After this, you will have to stitch the cross down to make a forward or backward ‘Z.’ So cross over to the hole that is right below the hole, you are on the other side of the material.
Step 3. Keep the thread and the needle on the face side of the material. Now, pull the thread all the way through.
Step 4. It will create a neat slash that goes over the edge of the craft. After you are through, you’ll take your needle and put it through the parallel line below the leather.
Step 5. Wrap that through and back to the same side once more to create the bottom and top of the ‘Z.’
Step 6. Continue doing this until you reach the end of the holes on both sides.
Since we have already covered two single stitching methods, let’s take a look at a few double stitching methods.
3. The Butt Stitch
This type of stitch is handy for sewing two pieces of leather together when they are right next to one another. So, you will need two needles that are threaded and locked in place. Also, the holes on the two pieces of leather should be fairly parallel to each other. After this, here’s what you would do:
Steps For The Butt Stitch
Step 1. Glue the two pieces together so that they do not move while sewing. Next up, take an awl and push it through the side of the leather. Remember to do this for all the holes on a side of the leather.
It might be pretty hard to not break the top layer in case of thin leather. Thus, aim towards the bottom instead of the sides to avoid this issue. If the hole goes easily through the bottom, there is no point in breaking on the top.
Step 2. After you are done with this, you will have holes that let the needle to go through and out of the edge of the material.
Step 3. Then, start treading one of your needles through the top and out of the side. Now, pass through the bottom hole of the left side of the leather. You will get one needle on each side and there will be no thread showing the top of the material.
Step 4. Afterward, take the needles on the side with the side holes and pass through the holes right below it. Therefore, the pattern is that the right needle goes down a hole and through to the other side.
Step 5. You need to take the left needle coming out of the first hole and move to the second hole right below it. It will go straight down through the hole and through the right sided hole.
Step 6. After you reach the end, you can go through the side holes and come out from the bottom hole to finish the rest of the thread. You can choose to end it using a tighter finish by running your needles through the top lines.
4. The Box Stitch
If you’re good with saddle stitch, the box stitch would come easy to you. The major difference while doing the box stitch is that the object comes in a box-like shape. So, you will do the same back and forth like saddle stitches but angularly.
Steps For The Box Stitch
Step 1. Put a knot on the thread and get the two pieces of leather glued to keep them from moving.
Step 2. Place your needle through the bottom and front of the two leather pieces.
Step 3. Start going down back and forth in each hole until you reach right at the end
Step 4. Once you reach the end, burn the rest of the thread to finish the work
You can try these stitches on a couple of scrap pieces of leather to become more comfortable with each one of them. Punch the holes using an awl and get started
What Are The Box Stitches And Butt Stitches Mainly Used For?
Butt stitches are used for wrapping leather around objects like steering wheels or flasks while keeping the least thread on top. On the other hand, box stitches are used for easily securing two pieces of leather around an object.
Why Shouldn’t Saddle Stitches Be Used Each Time For Sewing Leather?
Saddle stitches are the ones that people resort to when it comes to sewing anything leather. However, you should not saddle stitch your way through all kinds of projects because there are other ways to create a better and visually appealing stitch.
Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years.
I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills.
It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.
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