Sooner or later, any leather things come into such a state that it is impossible to use them further. And, it would seem, nothing else remains but to throw such an object. But they can give a second life, having mastered the simple technique of needlework - weaving from leather.
Scythe, chess "boards" and something else
Leather - the material is soft and supple. It is ideal for creating not only jewelry, but also decor items. Bracelets, earrings, necklaces, lampshades, chairs, bags - all this can be done by "adopting" a weaving of leather.
There are many techniques that allow you to create new original things from obsolete items. The most popular handmade leather goods are bracelets with support, hemstitch, braids and braided rings. The key to success is a competent selection of materials.
Choosing a framework and tools
For this type of needlework, it is best to choose only genuine leather. Moreover, its type depends on what the final product will be. So, if in the weaving technique it is planned to make a belt or bracelet, then the choice should fall on the skin of the calf. But a softer pig skin is perfect for creating covers, making necklaces and earrings or decorating bags. Goat skin is also suitable for these purposes.
All three skin types are easy to distinguish from each other. The first has a flat surface, the second is characterized by the presence of a soft structure and rare traces of pores, and the third has a finely porous texture.
After the material has been selected, it is necessary to acquire tools. Leather weaving , like any kind of needlework, requires you to have a mandatory set of "aids":
- construction knife with the smallest backlash of the blade;
- knife for grinding leather;
- tailor scissors;
- punch for art holes and rivet holes;
- semicircular and straight chisels for processing edges and forming slots;
- the hammer is simple and shoe;
- metal rulers of different lengths;
- compass - meter;
- PVA glue and for skin.
This list of materials is minimal and sufficient to start working in this technique. As skills improve, the list of "tools" is replenished.
Attempt at writing
In order to understand what this type of needlework is, it’s enough to make the first bracelet in the style of “Children of Flowers” (hippies).
First, you should choose a piece of calf skin whose length does not exceed 25 centimeters. Next, three cords with a width of 3 millimeters are cut from it. At the level of three centimeters from the edge, the cords are fastened with a clammer, after which they are very tightly braided with a simple scythe until the free ends reach a length of three centimeters.
Parts of the cord that do not become oblique are treated with skin glue so that they become a single strip. As soon as the product dries, its ends are chopped to a length of one centimeter (using a chisel), and then decorated with metal tips. The bracelet is ready.
Leather weaving is a fascinating process that allows you to create original decor items and jewelry. Give it a try! The result will not disappoint! And products made of genuine leather, made by yourself, will become a source of positive emotions!