Crafters' Guide

Measuring your thread

Measure and cut a piece of waxed thread about 4 times the length of your stitch line. To do this, lay the thread on top of the stitching line and count four times. Some pieces will have multiple stitching lines, so you'll have to do this one at a time.


Threading your needle

  • Cut the tip of your waxed thread on a slight angle
  • Put it through the eye and pull thread that is twice the length of your needle
  • Pierce the thread with your needle on the halfway point of the thread, creating an almost “C” loop
  • Slide the loop down the needle, past the eye and onto the body of the thread. This locks the thread onto the needle securely.
  • Repeat this process on the other needle.

Saddle stitching

A saddle stitch is a technique using 2 needles and a thread to join 2 leather pieces.

Important note: Thread lines below do not represent the tension of the threads, they are shown loose to show gaps clearly.

 

Before stitching:

  • Choose your front side which should be facing upwards, for ease of following along.
  • Begin from the first hole of the stitching line, furthest from you. Insert one needle on the first hole, from the front side to the back. Hold both needles and pull, ensuring you have equal lengths of thread on both sides.

 

Start of stitch:

Step 1:  With one needle on your left hand and one needle in your right, insert the left needle on the second hole, from front to back. Pull lightly.

Step 2: With your right hand, put the other needle through the same hole but from back to front. Pull both threads tight after each stitch, ensuring tension is even.

Step 3: Repeat this process along each hole, working steadily to keep stitches consistent. Pull tight but not too tight, as it could crease the leather.

Step 4: Once you reach the last hole, stitch back two or three holes to lock in the threads securely.

 

Step 5: Once you get to the third to last hole, trim any excess thread as close to the leather as possible. Burn the tip lightly with a lighter, then press down.

 Tips on saddle stitching:

  • Maintain consistent tension as you stitch; pulling too hard can warp the leather, while too loose will create slack stitches.
  • Work slowly and check alignment regularly, as saddle stitching is a methodical process.
  • If you need support to hold the wallet steady, you can secure it with clamps on the edge of a table or use your knee for extra stability.
  • Need help? Email us at hello@twigscraft.com

 

 

Other resources

Here's a suit of helpful links and videos from leather crafters to help you a bit further:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL590eq1jsQkPDX8Y4mw2zK1fqRu4h_Tpb&si=Gx7MAsFQYTWsnrKN