Lay Out

A side of Veg-tan Leather

The is nothing like looking at fresh side and seeing all the different ways to cut this up for profit. Of coarse we are going to choose different ways because we don't all build the same thing or the same way.The rules of thumb is what we'er going on.

 I sell a belt and state that I cut only nose to tail.Not only that but I stay 12" from the belly 

or the highest pocket. It just plain makes a better belt. Yes and also I need as much as the good molding leather as I can get so why chance it and sell a sub-par belt.

 The neck will have some give to it so a belt is laid out with the tip at the butt. Evan a 72" center hole wouldn't get on to the neck but I want the buckle fold to be more flexible than the belt tip.

 As you understand the hide better you can make a project with out worry and charge your customer knowing they will be happy. Such a simple thought but very important part of sound craftsmanship.

Layout Basics

I think a good place to start is leather. A person should learn the lingo. Most tanneries have some sort of a glossary to explain the different leather. Don't let anybody tell leather is leather because you will find out the truth the hard way. One side of leather has enough differences in it to goof with anyone. This is my most favorite thing is rolling out a fresh side on the block.

  A saddle is good example because it takes two sides of veg-tanned leather to fit all the parts. More important is where those parts are laid out on that hide.  There is not much room for error so a lot of thought goes into that. So pay close attention to you smaller projects and where on the beef the leather was cut from. If you have no idea maybe I would not choose to spend a lot of time on .

 So lets look at a side. Locate the head and the tail. I then lay the back closest to the edge of the block. Behind the legs or the armpit is the most flimsy stretch able leather on a side we call that a pocket. Even if you only use shoulder this is good to do.Once you can get down and it does take some looking to see half a beef in there it's there. All the spots in that hide has a place to be used. If all you make are belt the your better off just buying backs anyway but its still good to know.

My Words of Wisdom

Well it's about time to share a little of this leather craft. I have never thought of myself as one give out good advice but manure helps things grow if you don't get too carried away.

 I will call it as I see it, doesn't mean that I'm right but it does work.

 If your just starting working with leather or been at it for years a person can always find some new, better way of ding things if you just look around and listen some. I'm kind of stuck in the old ways just because I think it is better. I have a test for technology I use in the shop:  If it will make my project better, I will try it out. Faster won't do or cheaper for sure won't work. I have a list as long as my arm of things that don't past that test. So if your willing, hold on tight and come along on this ride with me and we can sort out some of this stuff.