Okay, so “Jack South” – sounds like a character, right? Turns out, it’s a way to describe stitching leather. I got into leathercraft a bit ago, and let me tell you, it’s a whole new world of tools and techniques. I wanted to make a simple wallet, but the stitching… that’s where things got interesting.
First, I grabbed my leather pieces, already cut and with the edges beveled. Nice and smooth, ready to go. Then came the tricky part – marking the stitch line. I used a wing divider, kinda like a compass, to scratch a light line along the edge. This is where the stitches will go, so it’s gotta be straight.
Getting Ready to Stitch
- Leather pieces: Cut and prepped.
- Wing divider: For marking the stitch line.
- Pricking irons: These are like little forks. I chose ones with diamond-shaped teeth because I liked the look.
- Mallet: A soft-headed hammer, so I don’t damage the irons.
Next, I lined up the pricking irons along that scratched line. Gave them a good, solid whack with the mallet. Not too hard, just enough to punch through both layers of leather. This creates the holes for the thread. It’s important to keep the iron straight, or your stitches will look wonky.
The Actual “Jack South” Part
Now for the “Jack South” – basically, it’s a two-needle saddle stitch, it is very strong.
I took two needles and a length of waxed thread (I went with a nice, thick linen thread).
Then, I threaded each needle onto opposite ends of the thread.
I Started the stitch by pushing one needle through the first hole.
Then, I pulled the thread through until I had equal lengths on both sides.
Here’s the key: I put the second needle through the same hole, from the opposite side. It will get very tight.
This is where it gets a little fiddly. I pulled both needles tight, making sure the thread lays flat and doesn’t twist.
Then, I repeated the process for the next hole, and the next, and the next…
Each time, one needle goes through, then the other follows from the other side. The threads crisscross inside the hole, locking each other in place. It’s like a tiny, leather-bound knot in every single stitch.
Finishing Up
Once I reached the end, I backstitched a few holes – basically, I just went back the way I came for a couple of stitches. This secures the thread and prevents it from unraveling.
Finally, I trimmed the thread close to the leather and used a lighter to melt the ends just a tiny bit. This seals the thread and keeps it from fraying.
And that’s it! My first attempt at the “Jack South” stitch. It wasn’t perfect, but it was strong, and I learned a ton. It’s definitely a technique that takes practice, but the result is worth it. The wallet is holding up great, and I’m already planning my next project!
