Guide to picking Leathercraft Stitching Chisels

Starting out in leathercraft? Stitching is one of the most important skills to master, and the right tools make all the difference. Stitching chisels help create clean, evenly spaced holes for strong, precise seams. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of stitching chisels, their features, and the best projects for each.

Diamond Stitching Chisel

The diamond stitching chisel has diamond-shaped prongs that create angled holes, giving stitches a neat slanted look. Available in different spacing options, it’s a favourite for detailed, decorative work.

Pros:

• Great for intricate, decorative stitches.
• Holds firm in leather, reducing slippage.
• Comes in various prong spacings.

Cons:

• Requires more effort on thick leather.

Best for: Wallets, belts, and small leather accessories.

Flat Stitching Chisel

Also known as thonging or lacing chisels, these have straight, flat prongs for clean, simple stitching lines. They’re beginner-friendly and work well for both basic and advanced projects.

Pros:

• Easy to use, great for beginners.
• Makes a clean, straight stitch line.
• Suitable for many project types.

Cons:

• Less flexibility in stitch patterns than diamond chisels.

Best for: Bags, wallets, and straightforward stitching projects.

Hole Punch Stitching Chisels

These chisels punch round holes instead of slits, making it easier to stitch consistently. They’re great for repetitive work and long stitching lines.

Pros:

• Speeds up the stitching process.
• Ensures evenly spaced holes.
• Ideal for large-scale projects.

Cons:

• Limited stitch pattern variation.

Best for: Belts, straps, and large leather projects needing uniform stitches.

Thonging or Lacing Chisels

Designed for creating holes for lacing rather than traditional stitching, these chisels have wider prong spacing to accommodate thicker laces.

Pros:

• Made for lacing and thonging.
• Works well with thick laces.
• Gives a rustic, handmade look.

Cons:

• Not suitable for regular stitching.

Best for: Sandals, bracelets, and rustic-style leathercraft.

Pricking Irons

Pricking irons create guide holes for hand stitching but don’t fully punch through the leather. They’re often used with an awl for professional, saddle-style stitching.

Pros:

• Gives a high-end, professional finish.
• Great for thick leather.

Cons:

• Requires extra steps with an awl.
• More expensive than other chisels.

Best for: Leather belts, sheaths, and premium leather goods.

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