The Leather Element: Harness and Bridle Leather

Ever wonder what you can make with bridle and harness leather? It's not just for harnesses and bridles! Watch the video as Chuck explains the differences in these two types of leather as well as the difference between strap and holster leather.

[jonathanhayward]

The title of this definitely inspired a question I have. I work with horses and am just starting to make some of my own tack like bridles, latigos, etc. One thing that is asked of me often enough though is about repairs. I would love to see some sort of video on how we can make some basic repairs to leather items (not necessarily specific to horse tack). With so much machine stitching, what's a good way to stop a machine stitch coming unraveled and repair it with a saddle stitch? If a zipper starts to come out, how do you sew it back in while keeping it aligned? If a piece of leather catches on a fence post or wire and gets a small tear in it, what would your go to method of repair be? Etc... Thanks for spending so much time on all these great videos for us!!

[ndacosta]

Hey Chuck it's Nick. It was a pleasure to meet you today. As I said in the store, I watch all the time and I've learned a lot. Keep them coming.

[CantrellLeatherGoods]

Very useful information. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us. Mr Dorset you’re the perfect ambassador for Weaver.

[avedanraggio]

Can you discuss different types of rivets and metal connectors (ie rapid-set versus Chicago screws versus rivet and burr)-- not just how to set them, but why you would use one over another? Thanks! Love the videos.

[moniquehoffer]

I would love to see side by side comparisons of what tooling looks like on bridle vs. Veg ...

[thump]

Great idea ordering the free swatches today.

[graphguy]

This is a great subject. Being new to leatherworks, I am not yet up on what leather to get for my projects (so far mostly knife sheaths and purses). I reach out to the folks at Weaver and they have been great at steering me to the right product for my needs and sending me some great samples - Thanks Weaver Leathercraft!

I do have a question - Saddle stitch. I am doing saddle stitching but have ran into the issue of it is a major pain when you have a large project and the thread is literally 12 feet long!
I knot each end to my 2 needles, but it takes forever to pull them through and I invariably have to undue a knot or two. Any strategies, processes to make it easier?

[ArcticFlies]

Chuck, thanks for the update. I’m brand new at Leather Work. I am newer that a newbie. I made a key pouch when I was in “shop” way back 60 years ago! The closet I’ve come to leather working is wearing a belt and a bomber jacket. I’m 71 years old and decided to start leather working as a hobby. My question is, how does someone like me get started? How can I know the difference between leathers, grades and thicknesses? Do I order pieces of every type and grade of leather then ask what each swatch is used for? What about different grades and types of leather that could be used for different projects. This could drive a person crazy!! Can you help? Is there a chart that breaks down the leather and “best” types of usages? Yikes!! I think I’m over my head here. Richard…..

[bazlur-Vancouver]

what brand of bridle leather is the best for wallet cover or interior? I have Sedgwick, but there are other tanneries who produce bridle leather.

[RafaelGarcia-ndrb]

Thanks for the video! What kind of belt is this you are wearing?

[tylergordon]

How about falconry kit? While not a big market, but it's still got some simple and also complex porjects.

[paveldanko]

Thanks for the info Chuck. What kind top cost would you recommend for the bridle leather? Outdoor saddle tack

[maricaplasmans]

Defenatly some good advice here. Being totally new to this I'm gonna test it.

[sfkid]

Bridal, harness all the different names that leather goes by it is very confusing . I hear leather advertised as vege tan but yet is dyed has wax, etc. how do I know which vege tanthen I can tool in stamp?

[anduriel]

Heyjo love your energy, could you please some day talk about hardening leather, I mean rhe way how leather armor is really hard...

[sfkid]

Is the key word natural vege tan? I hear the veg tan and quite often from different sellers. But yet it is already died has wax etc, Again it is quite confusing

[sherrypermenter]

Hi, I’ve been working on my tooling skills 🥺 can you tool the Hermann oak harness leather?

[outfitr]

Do you case bridle leather before stamping like you do veg tan?

[JuanGarza-pekp]

does weaver make a weighted double stitch split reins

[lond]

What about sewing cartridge loops for a gunbelt?