Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Choosing the right stitching chisel, thread size, and needle can completely change the look and strength of your leather project. In this Leather Element, Chuck Dorsett compares diamond stitching chisels and flat chisels, breaks down stitches per inch, and shows how different Ritza 25 thread sizes and John James needles pair with each chisel.
You’ll see real, side-by-side stitch lines in both thick holster leather and lighter 3–4 oz leather, so you can decide what works best for wallets, bags, straps, holsters, and other leather projects. Chuck also explains how thread size affects strength, how needle size impacts ease of sewing, and why proportion matters just as much as looks.
If you’ve ever wondered which chisel size to use — or why your stitches don’t look quite right — this comparison will help you dial in your setup and get cleaner, more consistent results on any leather project.
👉 Have a Leather Element question or topic idea? Drop it in the comments below
🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss future Leather Element videos
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction & What We’re Comparing
00:42 – Chisel and Thread Sizes Explained (3mm to 6mm)
02:19 – Choosing Chisel and Thread Size for Leather Weight
02:35 – Grooving vs Scribing Stitch Lines
03:36 – Using Flat and Diamond Chisels
05:42 – Needle Sizes Explained (John James 18, 17, 16)
06:13 – Stitching Comparisons: What Each Combo Looks Like
11:36 – Hammering Stitch Lines & Final Appearance
12:25 – Best Combinations for Small vs Large Projects
12:56 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways
⸻
Product Links
Diamond Stitching Chisel Set
weaverleathersupply.com/products/diamond-stitching-chisel-set
1/8” Flat Chisel Set
weaverleathersupply.com/products/1-8-flat-chisel-set-4pc
Ritza 25 Tiger Thread – 0.8 mm
weaverleathersupply.com/products/ritza-25-tiger-thread-0-8-mm-50-meter-spool
Ritza 25 Tiger Thread – 0.6 mm
weaverleathersupply.com/products/ritza-25-tiger-thread-0-6-mm-50-meter-spool
John James Saddler’s Harness Needles
weaverleathersupply.com/products/john-james-saddlers-harness-needles
Rawhide Mallet
weaverleathersupply.com/products/rawhide-mallet
Stitching Pony
weaverleathersupply.com/products/stitching-pony
Poly Cutting Board
weaverleathersupply.com/products/poly-cutting-board-12-x-16
Stitch Groover
weaverleathersupply.com/products/stitch-groover
Choosing the right stitching chisel, thread size, and needle can completely change the look and strength of your leather project. In this Leather Element, Chuck Dorsett compares diamond stitching chisels and flat chisels, breaks down stitches per inch, and shows how different Ritza 25 thread sizes and John James needles pair with each chisel.
You’ll see real, side-by-side stitch lines in both thick holster leather and lighter 3–4 oz leather, so you can decide what works best for wallets, bags, straps, holsters, and other leather projects. Chuck also explains how thread size affects strength, how needle size impacts ease of sewing, and why proportion matters just as much as looks.
If you’ve ever wondered which chisel size to use — or why your stitches don’t look quite right — this comparison will help you dial in your setup and get cleaner, more consistent results on any leather project.
👉 Have a Leather Element question or topic idea? Drop it in the comments below
🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss future Leather Element videos
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction & What We’re Comparing
00:42 – Chisel and Thread Sizes Explained (3mm to 6mm)
02:19 – Choosing Chisel and Thread Size for Leather Weight
02:35 – Grooving vs Scribing Stitch Lines
03:36 – Using Flat and Diamond Chisels
05:42 – Needle Sizes Explained (John James 18, 17, 16)
06:13 – Stitching Comparisons: What Each Combo Looks Like
11:36 – Hammering Stitch Lines & Final Appearance
12:25 – Best Combinations for Small vs Large Projects
12:56 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways
⸻
Product Links
Diamond Stitching Chisel Set
weaverleathersupply.com/products/diamond-stitching-chisel-set
1/8” Flat Chisel Set
weaverleathersupply.com/products/1-8-flat-chisel-set-4pc
Ritza 25 Tiger Thread – 0.8 mm
weaverleathersupply.com/products/ritza-25-tiger-thread-0-8-mm-50-meter-spool
Ritza 25 Tiger Thread – 0.6 mm
weaverleathersupply.com/products/ritza-25-tiger-thread-0-6-mm-50-meter-spool
John James Saddler’s Harness Needles
weaverleathersupply.com/products/john-james-saddlers-harness-needles
Rawhide Mallet
weaverleathersupply.com/products/rawhide-mallet
Stitching Pony
weaverleathersupply.com/products/stitching-pony
Poly Cutting Board
weaverleathersupply.com/products/poly-cutting-board-12-x-16
Stitch Groover
weaverleathersupply.com/products/stitch-groover
