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Member since 9/1/10
Posts: 962
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Posted on: 1/31/12 2:36 PM ET
I'm still a beginner sewer but I'm all over the place. I've made a handful of dresses but have mostly made purses and now want to venture into sewing with leather. I found a listing on ebay for 5 lbs of leather scraps for about $20 bucks which I thought would be perfect for practicing rather than risk ruining an expensive hide.

I figured I could probably do some mixed-medium clutches like seller Ira Grant on etsy (I hope that's allowed. If not let me know and I will remove it.)
Ira Grant Clutch

Does anyone have any other ideas for use of the scraps or anyone with experience working with leather? I've googled and found a few tips online but I'm always open for pearls of wisdom.
  
Member since 3/27/08
Posts: 2890
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Posted on: 1/31/12 3:20 PM ET
In reply to CraftAddict
I made baby booties for friends. You could do small clutches or change purses. There are patterns for bags that piece together fabrics. There was one in particular I liked but now I can't find it.

I bought the box of scraps on ebay too but bought mine specifically for the booties.

I'd like to make some pencil cases next.

eta...found the pattern I liked.

B5437
-- Edited on 1/31/12 3:22 PM --
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http://kimsewsilly.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 9/1/10
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Posted on: 1/31/12 4:11 PM ET
Thanks for the pattern Kim!
  
Member since 12/13/08
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Posted on: 1/31/12 4:50 PM ET
Oh, that clutch is *beautiful!* I was picturing the leather crazy quilt styles that were popular in the '90s, but this color blocked piece is really elegant.

My first (and so far only) experience with sewing leather was applying suede binding on a long jacket. I was surprised how thoroughly *easy* it was! I had to use masking tape and paperclips to secure the binding to the wool edge (probably not ideal LOL), and I used my Teflon foot for the actual sewing, but it was surprisingly *not* fussy. (Only the usual binding-related hiccups.)
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More Plans than Sense
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Member since 2/27/09
Posts: 403
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Posted on: 1/31/12 6:16 PM ET
I also made the baby shoes with leather. After much trial and error (more error than trial) I got my best results using a walking foot and a leather needle. Fortunately my walking foot came with my machine or I never would have known about it. They are spendy.
  
Member since 9/1/10
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Posted on: 1/31/12 9:48 PM ET
I don't have a walking foot. I'll have to look into it.
  
Member since 3/27/08
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Posted on: 1/31/12 9:57 PM ET
A Teflon foot is used for leather. Also buy special leather needles.
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http://kimsewsilly.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 1/25/06
Posts: 527
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Posted on: 2/1/12 4:30 AM ET
My Janome 6260QC plus the walking foot did a superb job stitching a leather jacket. The teflon foot was useless.
  
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Posted on: 2/1/12 8:04 AM ET
In reply to creative1
Really? I've made a leather jacket and a skirt and the teflon foot that came with my machine was great!
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http://kimsewsilly.blogspot.com/
  
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Posts: 962
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Posted on: 2/1/12 8:35 AM ET
In reply to stirwatersblue
Quote: stirwatersblue
Oh, that clutch is *beautiful!* I was picturing the leather crazy quilt styles that were popular in the '90s, but this color blocked piece is really elegant.

I just *heart* Ira Grant. I stalk her Etsy shop religiously. I have made some color block clutches using linen fabric but I am super excited to get my hands on some leather.

In my reading yesterday I found a couple of sources which stated you can use baby powder on your work surface and also rub a bit on the leather itself to help it slide. I haven't tried it as I haven't yet had a chance to pick up the proper needles. Hopefully tonight I'll have a chance to take pictures of my stash.
  
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