‘Waxing the Thread’ is a 36 page A4 print magazine for hobbyists and all who are interested in traditional leatherwork, includes pattern and instructions, basic techniques and guidance on how to purchase leather, and much more.

Project 1 in issue #7 introduces the concept of wet-forming (moulding) leather, starting with a simple 3D printed former created to shape a shallow tablet case.  Next, contributor Rob Exton’s Pattern Page for a deeper wet-moulded Purse is followed by a step-by-step explanation of how to easily make your own wooden formers.  Once you’ve worked through this process you’ll be ready to make your own unique designs.

Project 2 will help you get to grips with box-stitching but if you would prefer to try cross-stitch, we’ve included some simple steps for cross-stitch on Page 26. We’re encouraging you to come up with your own design for this Project, but in case you don’t feel quite ready for that we’ve included the full dimensions of our Structured Storage Box, for you to work from.

The second Pattern Page is a lovely 1970’s Ladies Retro Style Hat made using soft nubuck. This is quite a complex pattern so we’ve included a page of pattern making and construction tips alongside it.  As always, each of the Projects and Pattern Pages state which materials (and leather substances) we’ve used when making the projects ourselves – we’ve even included which company we purchased the leather from!

Of course we haven’t forgotten to include the Buying Leather page and this time we’re talking about buffed finishes, while Page 19 discusses the many benefits of a tear-down. We’ve also written about the work of Ruth Emily Davey of RED shoes and have been introduced to traditional coracle making with leather-worker, Hamish Lamley and his small team in Scotland.