‘Waxing the Thread’ the ins and outs of leatherwork

A UK magazine for leatherworkers… at last! Published here at GDH in West Wales, ‘Waxing the Thread’ is a 36 page A4 print magazine for hobbyists and all who are interested in traditional leatherwork.

With a limited range of books available for the traditional leatherworker – and no UK leatherwork magazine that we know of – we set to and created a magazine for leatherwork hobbyists. Modern yet traditional, ‘Waxing the Thread’ aims to assist hobbyists and introduce newcomers into the craft. Issue 1 starts as you might expect, at the beginning, with Project 1 being the most basic level of entry. This project is achievable for complete novices as well as those who’d like a ‘reminder’ of the order of things. Pop the magazine on your workbench and follow the full step-by-step guide, which will hand-hold you right through the project. We’ve also included an essential step-by-step introduction to pattern making, plus a secondary project which will help readers reinforce their new pattern making and basic leatherwork skills.

The Leather Museum in Walsall

Leatherwork and Inspiration

What is inspiration exactly? It’s something that can fire you up to get started on a new design or technique. It is often related to creativity and without it, you might find yourself tiring of creating the same thing over again. So where does inspiration come from? It isn’t something you can nip out and pick up from the corner shop… or is it? Well, not exactly but there are plenty of places where inspiration for leatherworkers is in abundance.

Guide to setting a harness awl blade

Harness awl and leatherwork stitching tools

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Harness awl blade
• Harness awl haft (handle)
• 2 x coins
• Hammer or mallet
• Vice

Leather Bag Construction shown in 6 quick steps. Easy to follow step-by-step guide to success.

1. Sketch out your design and measurements.

Don’t forget to include your centre lines and other details.

Shaping a leather billet tip:

Shaping a leather billet tip isn’t as difficult as you might think. Just take some stiff card, a ruler or square and a compass, then follow these instructions…