The Art of Hand-Stitching

The Art of Hand-Stitching: A Closer Look at Saddle Stitching Leather Goods

At Bexar Goods, we pride ourselves on producing high-quality leather goods that are not only beautiful, but also built to last. One of the ways we achieve this level of craftsmanship is through the art of hand-stitching our products.

Specifically, we use a technique called saddle stitching. This is a traditional method of hand-stitching leather that has been used for centuries. Saddle stitching involves two needles and a single length of thread that is passed back and forth through the leather in a diagonal pattern, creating a series of interlocking stitches. This technique is called a saddle stitch because it was originally used to stitch together horse saddles, which required a strong and durable stitch that could withstand a lot of wear and tear.

So why do we prefer saddle stitching over other methods like machine sewing? For starters, saddle stitching creates a much stronger and more durable stitch than machine sewing. With machine sewing, the thread can easily break or come undone, which can compromise the entire stitch line. Saddle stitching, on the other hand, creates a stitch line that is not only stronger, but also more flexible, allowing the leather to move and stretch naturally without compromising the integrity of the stitch.

In addition to its strength and durability, saddle stitching also has an aesthetic appeal. The stitch itself is beautiful, and the diagonal pattern created by the stitch adds a unique and subtle texture to the leather. Because the thread used in saddle stitching is also thicker than machine-sewn thread, the stitches themselves become a design element, rather than just a means of holding the leather together.

Of course, saddle stitching is not an easy technique to master. It requires a lot of practice, patience, and attention to detail. Each stitch must be carefully placed and pulled tight to create a clean and even line. But we believe that the time and effort we put into our hand-stitching is worth it, because it results in a finished product that is not only beautiful and functional, but also built to last.

So the next time you're admiring one of our leather goods, take a closer look at the stitch lines. You'll see the art and craftsmanship that goes into each piece, and the unique beauty that can only be achieved through the time-honored technique of saddle stitching.