Why we choose hand stitching techniques and how do these techniques benefit you
Before industrial revolution and from medieval times, leather was hand stitched. There are numerous and various types of hand stitching techniques, all requiring extraordinary hand skills, a sophisticated eye and leather knowledge. Especially when we talk about luxury techniques for leather. Some of these types of stitches cannot be achieved by machines, even today.
These benefits are endlessly discussed on the net, however, only an experienced craftsmen/craftswomen can disclose their true value to the product. We write about these in our journal, here.
After years of research and learning, I find hand stitching techniques fascinating and superior to machine stitching. Machine stitching has it’s own merits, too, and I write a comparable article in our journal, for those of you who want to learn more or find this as fascinating as me. We use in our collection few types of hand-stitches, and we are emphasising here the most obvious one,
The Saddle Stitch
“Making things the way grandfathers of our grandfathers did”
The technique of saddle stitching is as old as the saddles. It has been repurposed and elevated to its status today, by Thierry Hermes, the founder of Hermes Paris, who rejected the mass production, mechanisation and assembly lines and made a commitment to create refined horse harnesses for carriages in1837. He is not the only one who mastered and elevated this exceptionally strong “saddle stitch”.
The inspiration for us, in today’s global environment, is the simple act of deciding to create products with a promise.
Create enduring products with a promise is one of our core values.
The saddle stitch is a highly effective stitch for leather-goods that are to be used often. Like cross body bags, shoulder straps, any product that rub against clothes and where there is constant friction.
How it's done
This technique requires, consistent handling and positioning of the body. Holding together the work, in such a way, that the hands can sew with two needles, gracefully placing the thread in the holes onto the leather, in the same position all the time. Helped by a wooden clamp, called sometime a stitching horse.
The stitching.
To achieve a beautiful result, all the previous work, in the preparation for stitching has to sing perfection. The leathers must be same thicknesses, no bulky edges, no uneven work anywhere.
The edges must be ironed and sealed, waterproofed, and finished by burnishing or polished inks.
Then, the handstitching processes can take place. The marking, the hammering a pricing the stitch marks, gently, and then, .. the piercing of each hole, one by one, with the sharp awl.
By carefully “pricking”, marking the stitch marks, and piercing the leather with an awl, the linen cord can pass through. Traditionally, also the threads were made by hand, by each craftsman, in the right thickness required by individual parts that and for different strengths.
The saddle stitch can be wonderfully described like a balancing act, a dance between two needles attached to one cord, passing each other through the same hole.
The stitch is created by this one thread, versus a top and bottom one in machine stitching.
How do you benefit from a hand-stitched bag
Hand-stitched leather-goods are made to last
Each hand stitch is a knot that does not unravel when wear and tear, rub the thread. We offer a lifetime guarantee for all our products sewn this way.
By investing into a well crafted well made product you invest in the future of our planet. Your bag is created to order for you, with minimum waste, and it is far from being disposable. If anything it will be reused and beloved time and time again. The older it gets, the more beautiful it becomes. And it's strong handstiching keeps it strongly, together.
Hand-stitched leather-goods can be easily restored and repurposed
Hand-stitched leather goods, can be easily repaired (damaged by our beloved dogs for example).. entire panels of the bags can be renewed due to these old traditions and leather techniques.
Hand-stitching becomes a feature on leather-goods only when is done beautifully, with skill. To master it, hours and hours of consistent practice are required.
Hand-stitched,
good designs & well executed
leather-goods are a reflection of One's character
A person who respects traditions and invests in the future of the arts.
We respect these traditions and because of their extra-ordinary benefits to the products, we choose to apply them in our work.
We champion it’s values and by applying it to our leather goods we openly invite you to celebrate it and preserve its traditions.
