For instance, a fold-over card wallet can take mere minutes to sew on a machine, as opposed to an hour or more to hand punch the stitch holes and then the actual stitching. Not taking into account, a fine leatherworking Master Artisan will elevate the wallet by painting and burnishing the edges so that the wallet has a seamless finish. In addition, unlike a machine lock-stitch, the saddle-stitch is incredibly durable. If one thread is cut, that one stitch is only affected, so a repair can be made rather than having to re-sew the entire line of stitches.
What clues let a buying prospect tell the difference between a leather bag sewn by saddle-stitches versus a sewing machine?
· Most upscale brands who either sell in their own retail houses or high-end department stores are more than likely machine sewn. Even if it is advertised as handmade, it more pertains to a craftsperson using a machine with their hands, a small detail that can misleading if a consumer doesn’t understand the terminology.
· Master Leather craftspeople are going to be quite upfront about the production of their pieces due to their extensive time and being labor-intensive.
· Machine stitches are quite consistent in both look and thread tension and will be sewn primarily in a straight line. However, a highly experienced Master Artisan will come as close to perfection as humanly possible due to the thousands of hours of learning correct tension with different leathers.
· Another major clue is saddle-stitching involves angled stitching as compared to machine round stitching holes. In an attempt to compete with Hermés, fashion brands have invested in sewing machines built to produce the same angles. I would always refer to the first initial clue which is a very small percentage of high-end leather bags are hand-stitched.
Hand-stitching retains a time-honored art, elevating Beau Satchelle’s craftsmanship through using premium leathers and exotic skins available. Our clients can be satisfied to own an heirloom piece to be passed down to the next generation.