by Leather | Leather Care |
It you enjoy crafting and/or modifying your own garments and accessories, you might be wondering whether or not leather is a suitable material for sewing. Cotton, wool and other common fabrics are generally easy to sew. Using either a sewing machine or by hand, you can sew these fabrics with relative ease. But leather is thicker and rougher than cotton, adding a new dynamic to the otherwise simple process of sewing. So, does this mean leather is too thick to sew? Not necessarily, but it will take a different approach than sewing traditional fabrics and materials. Attempting to run genuine leather through a sewing machine just like any other fabric could damage either the leather or the sewing machine (or both). That’s why we’re going to provide some essential tips on how to sew leather. Choosing the Right Leather First and foremost, it’s important to note that certain types of leather are easier to sew than others. Ideally, you should choose the thinnest leather possible, as this will allow you to feed it through the sewing machine more easily. The thicker the leather, the greater the resistance, which often leads to the sewing machine jamming or not creating stitches in the correct places. Plan Your Stitches and Seams Ahead of Time The golden rule of sewing leather is to plan all of your stitches and seams ahead of time. Leather is far too easy to damage if you aren’t careful with the placement of your stitches and/or seams. And to further complicate the problem, there’s no way to “undo” damage to leather. Use a Sharp Needle Check your needle...
by Leather | Fashion, Leather Accessories |
Let me rephrase that: you shouldn’t pair leather with black if the leather is tan or brown-colored. Going back to the basics of style 101, black and brown are two colors that do NOT mix. Attempting to wear a traditional tan-colored leather jacket with a pair of black pants, for instance, will create a clashing, unflattering appearance that does you no justice. If you’re going to wear leather, make sure it flows cohesively with the rest of your outfit. Accessorize One of the perks of wearing leather is its ability to emphasize your accessories. In order to take advantage of this perk, however, you need to wear the right accessories. For instance, a leather jacket would naturally draw attention to a leather handbag. Assuming the two items have a similar style/color of leather, they will enhance your overall appearance to create a stunning and complete look. Of course, there are literally dozens of other accessories from which to choose, so don’t limit yourself to only using a leather handbag. Don’t Overdo It An all-too-common mistake that people make when wearing leather is overdoing it. They may attempt to pile on too many layers and/or accessories in an effort to create an even greater level of complexion. In doing so, it takes away from the sole beauty of leather, hurting their efforts in the process. Leather is a truly stunning and unique fabric that’s perfect for garments and accessories, but you need to use caution to avoid overdoing it. Condition Your Leather When was the last time that you conditioned your leather garment? The truth is that most people rarely,...
by Leather | Leather Care, Leather Jackets |
So you want to make your leather jacket look old and distressed? Leather jackets remain a popular choice of outerwear among both men and women, offering a unique combination of timeless style and durability. However, many people prefer the look of aged leather, as it’s softer, lighter in color, and has other distinguishable characteristics that set it apart. Ideally, the safest and most effective way to make a leather jacket look old and distressed is to wait patiently for it to happen naturally over time. This isn’t a fast process by any means, as it often takes years before any noticeable change can be seen. Assuming you aren’t in any rush to make your leather jacket look distressed, this is the best way to do it. But if you plan on wearing the jacket in the near future, you’ll have to come up with some alternative means. How sunlight affects leather If you want to make your leather jacket look old, you should expose it to moderate amounts of sunlight. The sun’s powerful ultraviolet (UV) rays will cause it to fade, turning its “new” looking color into a lighter, more “aged” look. Keep in mind, however, that sunlight can damage leather, causing it to dry out and even crack in extreme cases. To prevent damage from occurring to your leather jacket, try to limit sun exposure to no more than a couple of hours per day. As time progresses, you’ll see exactly how the sunlight is affecting it. Another helpful tip to make a leather jacket look old and distressed is to place it in the dryer for a...
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