If you are new to leathercraft you will quickly realize most of your time is spent stitching various pieces of leather together. Stitching can be awkward, especially if you are new to leatherwork. There is an easier way. A stitching pony is the perfect tool to help you with stitching and in this post I discuss all the benefits, costs etc.
A stitching pony, also known as a leather clamp or stitching vice is a simple device that holds your leather in place while you stitch your leather together. It allows you to stitch without having to hold the leather with both hands.
What is a stitching pony used for?
It’s important that you are comfortable while stitching, as you will be spending many hours in this position and the more comfortable you are, the better and more consistent your stitching will be. When i first started making leather wallets I found it difficult to find a comfortable position while using both my hands to hold the leather and stitch. Purchasing a stitching pony definitely helped make stitching easier by allowing me to stand while stitching, it has also helped improve and speed up my stitching.
How much does a stitching pony cost?
They are usually made from inexpensive materials such as timber or plastic and the clamping ends are usually covered in felt or leather. There are wide range of pony’s available but they all work along the same principle of having 2 “arms” that clamp your leather and hold it in place while you stitch. You can purchase a stitching pony from Amazon or Tandy leather or at any decent leather supply store. The prices range from as little as $18 to about $40 depending on the quality. A stitching pony will soon prove an invaluable asset and its definitely worth the money as it will save you time and help improve your stitching.
Benefits/advantages of using a stitching pony
I found that the stitching pony definitely helped speed up my stitching as i was no longer hampered by having to hold the leather with my hands or knees. Stitching in a standing position got me into a nice rythmn and the repetitve movement has become second nature and improved my stitching.
A stitching pony will also give you better control when you are stitching which will help make your stitching neater. By standing in the same position while stitching you are limiting your movement which will help to create consistent stitches.
The stitching pony also helped me with my posture so that i wouldn’t be hunched over while stitching. Now I can stitch while sitting down, I just clamp the pony under my legs and away i go. It is a very easy tool to learn how to use and takes no skill in order to become proficient with it. It is as simple as that and definitely a worthy investment.
Disadvantages of using a stitching pony.
If there are any disadvantages it would be that there is the extra cost of having to buy another tool. This is a minor disadvantage as stitching pony’s are relatively cheap and the extra cost is well worth it and will save you hours of stitching time. Another minor disadvantage is that you may need to replace the leather clamp covering on your pony’s “arms” every few years.
Is it easy to learn how to use?
It is very easy to learn to use and there are plenty of tutorials on Youtube showing you how it works. There are very few moving parts, you clamp your leather in the pony and away you go. What could be simpler?
Should a beginner purchase a one?
If you are starting out in leatherwork and you are making very basic items then i don’t think that it is an absolute necessity to have a stitching pony. As you progress and become more skilled with stitching and work on more detailed projects then it becomes a worthwhile investment to make. For me, stitching is the most laborious part of any leather project. After making a few items i knew that the extra money that i spent on a stitching pony would be well worth it.
Please check out this link to Amazon if you are interested in purchasing your own stitching pony.
Can you make your own?
Yes, you can and there are a variety of stitching pony templates/plans available on the internet or on Pinterest. Check them out if you are feeling adventurous. Some folks also use normal plastic clamps as an alternative to a stitching pony, but in my opinion it doesn’t work as well as you are still working hunched over and you still need to use your hands.
There are some beautifully hand crafted stitching ponies for sale and the prices aren’t too bad so you will have to weigh up the costs of making one vs buying one. I would say that its best and easier to rather go and purchase one at your local leather store. If you do like to mess with your hands then by all means go-ahead and download one of the free templates and get started. For $18 on Amazon you could just get it delivered to your door without the hassle of making one yourself.
Conclusion
A stitching pony is definitely a worthwhile investment that can help improve your leather work skills as well as speed up your stitching. It’s relatively inexpensive and will help relieve some of the pressure on your
lower back while stitching. These are all very good reasons to invest in one! Please check out some of my other posts on my blog if you would like to learn a bit more.