How to Make a Leather Knife Sheath: Pattern, Stitching and Wet Moulding

Step by step

1. 

   1 Make a paper pattern

   Fold paper around the knife, trace it and add a 12–15 mm margin on the open side. Test the folded pattern on the knife, then transfer it to the leather.

2. 

   2 Cut leather and welt

   Cut the pieces on a board along a steel ruler. The blade always moves away from the hand that holds the ruler.

3. 

   3 Glue the welt, punch the holes

   Glue and clamp the layers with the welt between them. Mark a line 4 mm from the edge and punch the stitch holes with chisel and mallet.

4. 

   4 Sew a saddle stitch

   Use waxed thread about four times the seam length, with a needle on each end. Both needles pass through every hole. Pull each stitch snug and lock the end.

5. 

   5 Wet-mould and dry slowly

   Dampen the sheath, press it around the knife wrapped in plastic film, and dry it at room temperature for one to two days.

6. 

   6 Finish the edge and test fit

   Bevel, sand and burnish the edge, add a thin wax coat, then check: upside down it holds, and one hand still draws the knife.