Are you struggling to get your stitching lines 100% straight or wondering how you can enhance the look of your leather borders with a bit more detail? Then, the wing divider is the tool you are looking for. In today’s post I discuss the wing/spring divider and its many uses in leather craft.
A wing divider is a handheld tool which consists of 2 “legs” with sharp needle points at the end of each leg. There is an adjustable screw for changing the width/ spacing between the legs. It is used in leathercraft, woodwork, metalwork and drafting for measuring spacings, scribing and drawing curves & circles.
A wing divider is an awesome tool for any serious leather worker. It can be used for measuring, scribing, drawing circles & curves, adding crease lines. It can also be used to make a guide line to help keep your stitches in a straight line. Read on if you would like to learn some more about this underrated tool.
Functions and uses of a wing divider
Dividers are made up of 2 “legs” with sharp steel points on the end of each steel “leg” and an adjustable screw or tightening mechanism in the middle. This screw can be loosened or tightened in order to adjust the width between the “legs” in order for you to scribe bigger circles. Here are a few more uses for the wing divider:
- It can be used to make crease lines in your leather. This crease line will act as a guide for your stitching and will allow you to stitch in a straight line. The crease line helps recess your stitching into the leather giving my leather work a more professional look.
2. The wing divider can also be used to make curves and circles in your leather should you need to. Firstly, set the width of your divider to the desired radius of your circle by adjusting (loosening or tightening) the screw. Next, pick the centre point of your circle by placing one sharp point of your divider into the leather. Now draw the circle by rotating the other divider point around that centre point dragging the steel point so that it marks your leather.
3. A wing divider can be used as a measuring tool or if you would like to match/copy an exact distance. Use the screw to adjust the “legs” to the desired width that you are measuring and then re-tighten the screw. The divider is now set to that particular distance that you measured.
4. It can also be used for scoring or tracing an outline onto and around your leather cut out pieces for your template. Usually, you would use a scratch awl for this task, but if you don’t have one then a wing divider could be an option. Check out my post on scratch awls if you would like to learn more.
5. A wing divider can also be used to mark out or plot your spacings for stitching holes in your leather. You can also use a pricking iron for marking out your stitching holes. Here is a link to Amazon if you would like to have a look at some pricking irons.
6. Lastly, you can use a divider to create a decorative line that is offset a specific distance from your leather edge. This helps to give your leather project a bit more interesting detail instead of just having plain stitches along your edge.
Difference between a wing and a spring divider?
A wing divider is usually larger and heavier than a spring divider, and are not really suited to small delicate measuring work. When you want to open or loosen it you unscrew it and move it along the arc until you have reached the desired measurement. They are called wing dividers because of the “wing” that arcs off one of its “legs.”
A spring divider has a screw and a spring mechanism for tightening/loosening or adjusting the legs. They are usually more compact and smaller compared to a wing divider and are therefore suited to doing more intricate measuring and scribing.
Which is better a wing or a spring divider?
This will depend on what you are using it for and your personal preference. I myself prefer the wing divider because it gives me a bit of extra balance and support for my hand when i am making circles and striking creases. Many users prefer the spring divider as it looks more compact and doesn’t have the wing to interfere with your hands. It really is a matter of personal preference.
How to use and wing divider?
They are fairly simple to use, but remember before using your divider, particularly if you are drawing crease lines. First dampen your leather before making the crease line. Also allow your dampened leather time to dry a little before making the crease line.
Earlier i explained how to draw a circle or and arc on your leather. If you
would like to make a crease line for your stitches then there is a slightly different technique. Firstly place one point of the divider on the side of your leather edge and the other point will be set at the correct distance from your edge where you would like to make your crease line on your leather. Now drag your divider down along this edge applying a bit of force onto your leather so that a crease line is made with the point of your divider.
How to sharpen your wing divider?
If you have purchased a good steel wing divider then you shouldn’t need to sharpen the points too often. If you do need to sharpen it, then use some fine grit sandpaper and drag that along the point edge. A leather strop with some jewellers could also be used. Rub the points of your divider onto the leather strop until you get a nice sharp point.
Different Types and sizes of wing dividers and where to buy them?
There are many different sizes and varieties of wing and spring dividers available. They range from small to large depending on the size of the leather work project you will need it for.
A small divider ranges from about 8 inches in length whereas a large divider is anything from 12 inches and up. You should take care to buy the right size divider that will suit the projects you are working on. Too large a divider will be difficult to work with on smaller more detailed leather projects.
You can buy dividers from your local leather supplier or Tandy leather. They are also available on Amazon and range in price from about $13 to $50. Prices vary depending on the quality and size of the divider you are purchasing. Check out this link to Amazon if you are interested in purchasing one.
Conclusion
A wing divider is a very useful tool which can help perform a variety of different tasks for your leather work. It’s definitely a tool worth investing in as it has so many benefits. I hope you found this post useful and good luck with your leather work projects.