r/leathermakers

I’ve finally finished it. Ever since I started leatherworking, my dream was to make a Birkin from Himalaya crocodile leather. Here is the result of my work.

I hit it with some leather conditioner, and some spots where I accidentally applied tokonole jumped out 🫣

Just sharing because I’m excited with the result overall. I know it has a lot that can be improved upon, and I learned a lot making it, but any constructive cristicism is also welcome if you have any tips. Excited to try more in the future!

Racing green goat and alligator leathers. Colour matched saddle stitching at 12 stitches per inch. Meisi superfine thread. Bright orange painted edges, Uniters paint. Three pockets.

I loved making this commissioned piece. Credit to my customer!

Working on this little toiletry kit type of bag. Didn’t get too cute with the pattern so it’s just a simple rectangle without any taper to the gussets.

Wanted to practice adding body and dimension to bags by using techniques like gluing on a curve, reinforcement and lining. Can always use more zipper practice as well!

Materials being used/nerdy details

Sepici dollaro in red, about 1.3mm
Calf skin royal blue .8mm
Microfiber .4mm
Zipper #8 size, nickel finish
The usual 4mm diamond spacing with my fave chubby ritza .6mm, will use vinymo blue for assembly and to keep interior monotone

This Minimalist Bifold was requested to have no hardware. Instead of a snap, it will be held closed by the fold in the leather. They also wanted the initials HIC added.

It's made from natural veg tan leather dyed oxblood and hand stitched with black ritza tiger thread. The edges were double burnished with beeswax. It holds up to 6 cards and 15 unfolded bills while still fitting in a front pocket.

I typically make this tote with vertical straps connected to a traditional rolled handle with a square ring. The other day I had my front panel made and was getting ready to cut the strip into sections to make the straps & handle. I tossed the strip onto the bench and it layed over the panel at an angle. I looked at it & thought it looked nice like that & wondered what I could do for a handle with an angled strap. I decided to try making the center a rolled handle around a 6mm leather cord and baseball stitch it. I liked the look but thought the short carry handle on a bag this large might need a shoulder strap. Here’s the result. I had bought several types of webbing with the idea of trying it sometime. This was my first time using this webbing too. Serendipity on the perfect color match with this leather.

Lots of skiving for this one. Had to thin the edges and the part wrapping the snap clasp down