I’m using one thread with 2 needles for this. Please note that the thread in this photo is much too short. Generally I use around 5 or more times the length of the stitch. This depends on the distance of the stitching groove from the edge and thickness of leather.
First stitch
For the first stitch, I’m starting one loop
First loop
To start the stitch I’m going around the first 2 holes once and pull the thread tight.
First diagonal stitch
Go to the second hole and pull thread through to create the first half of the cross.
Important: always do this in the same order so that each stitch looks the same (for example with the left part of the thread always on top of the right part)
Pull thread through
Pull the thread through the second hole on the right.
Form the first cross
Pull the other needle through the second hole to form the first cross.
Pull through
To complete the first stitch, pull the same needle through the second hole on the left.
Back view
This is what the back looks like. Note that the stitches are parallel. If you like, you can also reverse this stitch so that your crosses are on the inside.
Repeat
Repeat this stitch as often as you need and finish it with another double loop at the bottom.
Finish
I usually tie a knot on the inside.
Related
10 thoughts on “Hand-sewing two leather pieces with a cross stitch pattern”
Great tutorial. I am making a captains mirror with buffalo around the hoop frame. I will have a seam to stitch and a cross stitch following your method will be the one to use. Functional,practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Thanks for the birds eye.
Glad you found it helpful! I haven’t taken photos yet, but you could also have a cross stitch where you have a cross on both sides (instead of having the thread go across horizontally). So that the main side will have a space between the crosses… Hope that makes sense. It’s a similar idea, just a different aesthetic.
thank you for these posts! very informative. i have bookmarked your page and will be using it when i upgrade my canvas messenger bag to a leather briefcase-style bag.
thanks for your instructions! very helpful. What is the spacing you use between holes? I am trying to get mine to look as neat as yours and i think my spacing of holes is too far apart. Can you provide both the spacing between holes and between the columns of rows? Thanks so much!!!
thanks for the clear instructions.
this stich can really only be used on the sides of a bag , right ?
on the bottom of the bag what kind of stich would you suggest. It gets so thick that its really hard to sew.
Thanks
Great tutorial. I am making a captains mirror with buffalo around the hoop frame. I will have a seam to stitch and a cross stitch following your method will be the one to use. Functional,practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Thanks for the birds eye.
Glad you found it helpful! I haven’t taken photos yet, but you could also have a cross stitch where you have a cross on both sides (instead of having the thread go across horizontally). So that the main side will have a space between the crosses… Hope that makes sense. It’s a similar idea, just a different aesthetic.
thank you for these posts! very informative. i have bookmarked your page and will be using it when i upgrade my canvas messenger bag to a leather briefcase-style bag.
thanks for your instructions! very helpful. What is the spacing you use between holes? I am trying to get mine to look as neat as yours and i think my spacing of holes is too far apart. Can you provide both the spacing between holes and between the columns of rows? Thanks so much!!!
Thanks! The stitching holes are 2.5mm apart and 2.5mm from the edge (so 5mm total between columns). Hope that helps!
Thank You!!
What size needles are you using please?
I can’t remember what I used here but currently I’d use these for most threads:
Tandy Leather Factory Stitching Needles, 10-Pack
thanks for the clear instructions.
this stich can really only be used on the sides of a bag , right ?
on the bottom of the bag what kind of stich would you suggest. It gets so thick that its really hard to sew.
Thanks
I think a saddle stitch is the way to go for all parts of a bag and use this one more as a decorative stitch for smaller sections