I’ve been very interested in learning leatherworking for years already, but never took the leap and actually started learning. I finally decided that I will take the plunge and ordered the basic tools that I thought I needed. I know from experience that I need a project to focus on if I want to learn something new, so I decided that I will make a bandolier -style small bag for myself. After reading a lot about different techniques, I chose to do it with using wet forming.
Before I throw myself into this “large” project, I had to do a smaller proof-of-concept project to see if I can even pull it off, and to practise the basic skills. It had to be something small which used the leather with same thickness I will use for the bag, and to use wet forming to see how difficult it actually is. A case for my airpods was perfect: it’s small and has a very simple shape, and of course I wouldn’t really care if I failed as no one really needs a case for their airpods…
Here is the result of this test. These are my first stitches ever and the first time wet forming leather.Overall I’m very happy how it turned out, and I’m surprised how fast I was able to make it. It only took couple of hours over two evenings.
Build Log:
I didn’t want to wet my AirPods, so I modelled and printed a template that is the same size.The good thing with this is that I only need a very small amount of leather. The wet forming starts with (surprise) getting the leather wet.After the leather is saturated with water, it’s put into a vacuum bag over the 3D printed template.I designed the template so it has holes for evacuating air from under the leather.It was surprisingly easy to form the leather. Now it just needs to dry before you can start working on it.The AirPods case is supposed to be inserted backwards so you are able to open it. The height of the case is decided by the height of the hinge on the case.After cutting the shape, I needed to add a magnetic button for closing the case. It’s not perfect in any way, but it does its job.Contact cement makes it easy to glue the back of the case before stitching.The distance for the stitches is marked with a divider.The holes are punched with a mallet and bricking irons.I used a saddle stitch for stitching it together. Also the shape for the lid was cut with a sharp knife.The edges were finished with burnishing cream and a burnishing tool a.k.a slicker.It turned out really nice in my opinion, but I also learned a lot while making it.I think I’m ready to tackle some larger projects!
