What you’ll need
- Leather scrap (panel size of your choice)
- Pricking irons/diamond chisels or round punch set
- Cutting mat + poly board, mallet/maul
- Ruler, wing divider/marking gauge, scratch awl
- Optional: waxed thread + 2 needles for saddle stitch
Challenge overview
Lay out, punch, and optionally saddle-stitch a small panel. Practice spacing, alignment, and clean finishing.
Your goal: one swatch with straight, even holes/stitched lines.
Constraints: keep pattern simple (grid, diagonal, border).
Bonus: burnish and add edge paint or a contrasting stitch.
Constraints: keep pattern simple (grid, diagonal, border).
Bonus: burnish and add edge paint or a contrasting stitch.
Challenge steps
Measure twice, punch once. Keep tools perpendicular for crisp holes.
1
Plan the layout
Mark borders and a baseline. Decide on spacing (e.g., 3 mm or 4 mm).
2
Mark guide lines
Use a wing divider or ruler to scribe straight references along edges.
3
Punch in sequence
Seat pricking irons fully and strike straight. Bridge between runs to keep spacing even.
4
(Optional) Stitch
Saddle-stitch a line with contrasting thread. Keep tension consistent.
5
Finish edges
Bevel, sand, burnish (and edge paint if desired). Wipe clean and admire.
Optional twists
- Create a border pattern around a coaster-size circle.
- Alternate hole sizes for a dotted gradient.
- Try diagonal lattice with every other row stitched.
Share your punched panel
Take a photo from 45° to show spacing. Mention iron size and spacing in your caption.