Where to Start with Al Stohlman
Al Stohlman is widely regarded as the most influential leatherworking teacher of the twentieth century. Working with Tandy Leather Company from the 1950s through the 1980s, he produced a series of instructional books that taught generations of craftspeople the fundamentals of leather craft. His writing is precise, methodical, and deeply practical, reflecting decades of hands-on experience. The Art of Hand Sewing Leather remains the standard reference for hand stitching nearly fifty years after its publication, and his other titles on tooling, carving, and case-making are still used in workshops around the world.
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The Art of Hand Sewing Leather
Al Stohlman · 72 pages · 1977 · Easy
Themes: hand stitching, saddle stitch, leatherworking, sewing techniques, tools and materials
The classic reference on hand stitching leather, written by the person widely regarded as the greatest leatherworking teacher of the twentieth century. Al Stohlman spent decades at Tandy Leather producing books and instructional materials, and this slim volume distills his mastery of the saddle stitch into a clear, step-by-step guide that remains the standard nearly fifty years after publication.
Why Start Here
If your primary interest is learning to stitch leather by hand, there is no better starting point. Stohlman teaches the twin-needle saddle stitch, the strongest and most elegant hand stitch in leatherwork, with the kind of precision that only comes from a lifetime of practice. He covers thread preparation, needle threading, stitch spacing, how to start and finish a seam, and how to handle curves and corners.
What to Expect
A short, focused book at 72 pages with detailed illustrations throughout. This is not a comprehensive leatherworking manual. It teaches one thing, hand stitching, and teaches it exceptionally well.