The Geometry of the Stitch
- Rich Labot
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Balancing the fair, Father's Day, and the unyielding pace of the traditional saddle stitch.
There is a distinct rhythm to a quiet morning at the bench. This week, the workshop is occupying a unique space between reflection and preparation. While the focus is quickly turning toward the Father's Day collection, I am currently spending my hours completing the custom orders made by neighbors and visitors at last weekend's Glen Ridge Arts + Eco Fair. On the stitching pony right now is one of our Horizontal Slim wallets, featuring a crisp white stitching against the Black Minerva leather from Badalassi Carlo.
It is a process that requires a steady hand, a sharp eye, and a great deal of patience. We use the traditional saddle stitch for every wallet and card sleeve that leaves the studio. Unlike a machine lock stitch, which can unravel completely if a single thread breaks, a hand-made saddle stitch utilizes two independent needles passing through each hole. If a thread happens to wear through after years of daily carry, the rest of the seam remains completely secure. It is a slow method that cannot be automated, but the results are unyielding.
This level of structural integrity is exactly why we choose this method, whether finishing a custom piece from the fair or building a heritage gift for Dad. A piece of daily carry should not be something that wears out in a season. By investing the time into hand-stitching each line, we ensure that the leather has the opportunity to record its own history, developing a deep patina and unique character through a lifetime of handling.
The orders currently on the bench represent that commitment to longevity. I am grateful for the local support from the weekend, and I look forward to getting these final custom pieces out the door so the Father's Day batches can take over the workspace.
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