sewing leather

I think I remember seeing a tutorial somewhere on the internet (not on this site, unfortunately) where the person punched a load of tiny holes around where they wanted the seams and then just sewed through those. I think they had specialist leatherworking tools though.

I know ehow isn't exactly the most authoritative source, but I had a quick read through this article and the author sounds like they know what they're talking about: http://www.ehow.com/how_2038402_sew-leather-standard-sewing-machine.html

Hope this helps!

like louise said, when you sew by hand it is common to punch in holes before you pull a thread through. the seam is a special one, it looks a bit like a blanket stitch i think (saw it once on tv when they showed how footballs were made). the needle is a special leather one, it´s curved and thick.
for machine sewing you need a special needle too that cut the leather insead of just going through it and most of leather sewing machines have a top feed as well to ensure the transport (the guy from ehow talks about baby powder, maybe it works too)

i want to make these: http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/gutter-gauntlets with a pair of old leather boots. I was going to sew the tongue on both sides and use the laces to tie it up.

It depends alot on how thick the leather is, but there are specilists leather sewing needles for machines that can usually be found in most well stocked sewing centers or online stores. X

i bought some leather needles for hand sewing and some tough thread! now to cut the leather!