 |
|
|
|
|
KINGSMERE CRAFTS
HAND-CRAFTED LEATHER GOODS
Hand-crafted, and decorative leatherwork. How is it done? - continued
Binding edges - continued
Turned Edge Work
In turned edge work, the edge of the leather is turned back on itself and glued
down flesh side to flesh side, to create a solid edge which shows the grain side
of the leather. Turned edge work is generally considered to be harder wearing
and more pleasing to the eye than a simple cut edge, which can look very rough,
with exposed loose fibres. In the 20th century turned edge workers were
considered to be the skilled elite of Walsall's women leatherworkers, and were
paid more than "cut edge" workers. The associated skill of skiving by hand
called for considerable manual dexterity.
Where non-vegetable-tanned leather has an advantage is in its ability to have its edges turned under. Almost always the edges will need to be skived to make it easier to fold over, and even for going round corners or curves, to be notched, but it is the simplest edge finish for non-vegetable-tanned leathers. Also, where some firmness or thickness is required, double-turned edges are a good solution, but if less thickness is needed one edge can have its turn-under bit trimmed off or be pared away to virtually almost no thickness.
|
|
|
|
|
Edge notched to go round curve |
Turned edge |
Double turned edge |
Should a non-vegetable-tanned leather edge require binding or strengthening there are a couple of simple ways to go about it that serves these purposes, as can be seen in the self-explanatory illustrations below.
|
|
|
|
|
Simple edge binding |
Turned edge but reducing thickness |
Simple edge strengthening method |
The parts of the article you are making where you apply either of these methods has to be your choice, according to the circumstances, as to being the most suitable to use at the time, bearing in mind the article's intended use and probable wear and tear over a given period.
Home page
Contents
Links
FAQ
BBCNews
Visitor's Book
|
|
|
|
|
|
