Multipurpose tools like the Leatherman can be helpful in many situations.
You can make beautiful works of art, accessories and clothing from leather, such as belts, bracelets, boots, pouches and knife sheaths. The Leatherman is a multipurpose utility tool that has numerous uses and devices, such as pliers, a saw, a bottle opener, screwdrivers and a knife blade. Though most Leatherman tools are purchased with a case, if you lose it, you can make your own pouch for your Leatherman out of leather.
Instructions
1. Place your Leatherman tool in its closed position onto a piece of stenciling paper. Draw the outline of the tool directly onto the paper and add 1/2 inch of space around the outline. At this point you should have a small vertical rectangle.
2. Extend the outline on top by 2 inches. Extend the outline on bottom by the same length as your original outline. The bottom piece will be folded up to form the pouch, and the top will be used to close and fasten the pouch.
3. Cut your stencil out and place it onto the leather. Trace the stencil onto the leather, then cut the pattern out using a utility knife.
4. Place your Leatherman on the pattern, then fold up the bottom. Press down the edges on both sides and bottom to visualize how you want to position the Leatherman in the pouch. Mark your stitch lines with the overstitch wheel. Run it down both sides and along the bottom with the Leatherman still in place.
5. Drill through each stitch hole using a drill press or a hand drill. After you're done drilling you can stain or dye the leather if you prefer.
6. Take the Leatherman out, then apply to the perimeter in between your stitch holes. Fold the pattern back and line your stitch holes back up. Allow a few hours to dry.
7. Thread the stitch holes using a hefty sewing needle and a hefty waxed nylon thread. Ensure that you thread each hole securely and tightly.
8. Cut out a 1/2-inch wide piece of leather to make the welt. This piece should be in the shape of the pouch perimeter, excluding the top portion. The welt mimics the area you stitched and glued
9. Turn the pouch over and place contact cement along the perimeter, over your stitched lines. Place the welt onto the cement, and press together firmly or place a heavy object such as a brick on top and wait a few hours for it to dry.
10. Sand down the edges using a belt sander on both sides and along the bottom. Smooth out the edges using a fine grit buffing file.
11. Fold the top flap back down over the pouch and use a needle to mark the center where you want to place your button. Use a rivet press to press in the top and bottom buttons on the flap and pouch.
12. Turn the pouch over and mark on the back where you want to place your belt loop. Cut out a small piece of leather to make the , then place it onto the back of the pouch. Outline your belt loop, then roughen the top and bottom area where the belt loop will be cemented.
13. Drill four stitch holes into both top and bottom of the belt loop and pouch. Place contact cement over the and press the leather together and allow it to dry. Thread the holes using the waxed nylon thread.
Tags: belt loop, stitch holes, both sides, contact cement, your Leatherman, your stitch, along bottom