The Art of Hand Sewing Leather

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.

The book also includes practical information on tools and materials: what needles to use, how to prepare thread, how to mark stitch lines, and how to punch holes cleanly. It is focused and efficient, teaching one essential skill thoroughly rather than rushing through many topics superficially.

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. If you want a broad introduction to the craft, start with The Leatherworking Handbook instead. But if you already know you want to master the saddle stitch, or if you want a focused companion to a more general book, this is indispensable.