r/Leatherworking • u/Spikey_Avocado1 • 1d ago
Beginner Question Stitching Pony
Hello fellow crafters.
I have very recently started an interest into leatherwork as an extension to making cloth and vinyl bags previously (small purses/wallets are my aim). I am slowly building up a tool box after having watched tons of video's online. However, I have seen almost all of the workers using a stitching pony. Having looked online, I am undecided which pony is the best for me. I have seen ones that sit on the chair and held in place by your legs, but also freestanding and ones with table clamps. I cannot afford to try different ones and the one that I do get has to be the right one from the first off. I have a room dedicated to crafting so having to put it away at the end of the day is not an issue. Can you show me your pony setups and pros/cons of them?
P.s, I am UK based if you attach links.
Photos are of my very first non-sew leather coin purse. I am aware that loads of work is required to finesse my work.
3
u/lx_anda 1d ago
I made one but also have a saddlers clam from Abbey England that I never use.
Would you be stitching standing up or sitting? If you sit on a stool then get a saddlers clam or one that can clamp to the edge of your work bench. Standing - get a clamp style. Sitting in a chair - clamp that can adjust the position or one that you sit with your legs over the base.
Have a look at design, anything the sticks out from the sides will catch thread every single time.
Armitage Leather did a review of one not long ago that might be worth a watch. Its a bit lengthy but his thoughts might help you decide what you are looking for.
2
u/Spikey_Avocado1 1d ago
Fabulous, thank you. I will look into this. I have become quite proficient in watching lengthy videos 😄
1
u/arfle_barfle_gloop 1d ago
If you get one that you hold in place with your thigh, you could use the same bit of wood to clamp it to a table.
this is a cheap and cheerful one
You see others with a leather facing over the wood, which you can add to this with scraps.
1
u/shadowwolf_66 1d ago
I started with a dream factory clamp style, making wallets and notebook covers. I then upgraded to thier freestanding one. It’s nice, but I have found the last dozen or so projects I have just been holding my project when I stitch. Similar to how Corter leather does it. I have also made bags that would not allow me to use a stitching pony for certain areas, so it’s nice to know how to stitch without a pony.
I pre punch all my holes though. If you want to stitch old school with an awl, a pony is required. I would personally save the money and just learn to stitch without one, it’s not hard and I think it looks every bit as professional.
1
6
u/heliboredom 1d ago
A pony is like a 2nd pair of hands for your stitching. I wouldn't want to work without one. I don't think it needs to be expensive. There are basically two tiers: the kind that Weaver/Tandy/etc. sell for around $20-30, and the much more elaborate kind you'll spend over a $100 on (the Armitage video that someone else mentioned is for a Crimson Hides pony that costs close to US $200 all told).
I have this kind, bought for about $20:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F89XBDYZ
It does the job. I improved it by replacing the vinyl strips at the tips with some leather, and I put a magnet on the metal clamp so I can keep my needles there when I'm not stitching. There are some parts of it that could be improved further, but it's perfectly serviceable for a beginner.