Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
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Never start uppers from bottom edges-they’ll twist. #Shoemaking #HandmadeShoes #Craftsmanship
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![Mastering Knife Sharpening & Leather Skiving in Shoemaking [LIVE]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/P2MXAKiaksU/mqdefault.jpg "Mastering Knife Sharpening & Leather Skiving in Shoemaking [LIVE]
In the art of shoemaking, attention to detail is paramount. Two fundamental skills that every shoemaker should possess are knife sharpening and leather skiving. These techniques are crucial for creating high-quality, durable, and comfortable footwear.
Why These Skills Matter
Knife Sharpening: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts, precise patterns, and efficient workflow. Working with a dull blade can lead to jagged edges, inaccurate cuts, and increased effort, ultimately compromising the quality of the shoe. For beginners, a utility knife is a versatile tool. Its suitable for cutting cardboard in pattern making, trimming leather for uppers and linings, and even skiving when a specialized knife isnt available. Maintaining its sharpness is vital. Regular honing using simple methods, such as sandpaper, can keep the blade in optimal condition.
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Leather Skiving: Skiving involves thinning the edges of leather pieces to ensure seamless joints, reduce bulk, and facilitate easier stitching. This process is vital for achieving a refined finish and comfortable fit in shoes. A well-skived edge allows for smooth overlaps or folds, enhancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the footwear. The skiving knife, particularly one with a curved blade, is designed for this purpose. Its shape allows for various holding positions, enabling the shoemaker to skive different amounts of leather as needed. This versatility makes it suitable for various stages of shoemaking, including crafting soles, insoles, and heels. For beginners, investing in a quality skiving knife is advisable, as its a fundamental tool in the craft.
What Well Cover in This Live Stream
Knife Sharpening Techniques: Learn how to maintain a razor-sharp edge on your utility and skiving knives, ensuring efficiency and safety in your work.
Leather Skiving Methods: Understand the process of thinning leather edges to achieve seamless joints, making them more pliable and easier to stitch.
Practical Applications: Discover how these skills are applied in various stages of shoemaking, from pattern making to sole attachment, enhancing the overall quality of your shoes.
Why You Should Attend
A well-sharpened knife and properly skived leather are crucial for:
Precision: Ensuring accurate cuts and fittings.
Durability: Creating strong, long-lasting seams.
Aesthetics: Achieving a clean, professional look in your finished shoes.
Join us for this in-depth session where well demonstrate these techniques, share tips, and answer your questions to help you refine your shoemaking skills.
📍 Link:
https://www.shoemakingcoursesonline.com/how-to-make-shoes/
https://www.shoemakingcoursesonline.com/on-line-courses/
Lets enhance your craftsmanship together!")
![Leather Skiving Machine in Shoemaking [LIVE STREAM]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QTPjWwBe5L0/mqdefault.jpg "Leather Skiving Machine in Shoemaking [LIVE STREAM]
#shoemaking #shoemaker #howtomakeshoes
Full shoemaking courses at:
https://www.shoemakingcoursesonline.com/on-line-courses/
Skiving is a critical process in shoemaking that determines the quality, flexibility, and durability of your footwear. Whether youre a beginner shoemaker or an experienced craftsman, mastering leather skiving—both by hand and using a skiving machine—is essential for producing professional-quality shoes.
In mass production, shoe factories don’t skive leather by hand. Instead, they use skiving machines to speed up the process and ensure precision. Many independent shoemakers and upper makers also rely on skiving machines to achieve consistent results in their work.
But do you really need a skiving machine for your shoemaking workshop? Can you still skive by hand and achieve the same level of quality? What are the best techniques to ensure clean, even skiving for seamless shoe construction?
In this live shoemaking tutorial, we will cover:
✅ What is a skiving machine, and why is it essential?
The role of skiving in shoe construction
When to use machine skiving vs. hand skiving
How skiving improves flexibility, aesthetics, and durability
✅ How to Use a Skiving Machine – A Step-by-Step Guide
Setting up and adjusting the skiving blade
Controlling skiving depth and thickness
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
✅ Practical Skiving Techniques for Shoemaking
Skiving for folding edges – avoiding bulky seams
Skiving for underlining techniques – achieving smooth, professional finishes
Skiving for piping and seam finishing – essential for clean edges
By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear understanding of how skiving works in shoemaking and whether you should invest in a skiving machine or continue skiving by hand.
What is Leather Skiving, and Why is it Important in Shoemaking?
Leather skiving is the process of thinning the edges of leather to reduce bulk and create smooth, flexible seams. It is a fundamental technique used in shoemaking, bag making, and other forms of leathercraft.
Why is skiving important?
✔️ Prevents bulky seams – Essential when folding leather or joining multiple layers.
✔️ Improves flexibility – Helps shoes mold better to the foot.
✔️ Creates professional finishes – Clean, smooth edges give shoes a polished look.
✔️ Enhances glue adhesion – Proper skiving ensures strong bonding for durability.
Without skiving, shoe seams can become too thick, making it difficult to stitch, fold, or shape the leather properly. This can lead to uncomfortable shoes, uneven finishes, or weakened construction.
Hand Skiving vs. Machine Skiving – Which is Best for Shoemaking?
Shoemakers have two main methods for skiving leather:
1️⃣ Hand Skiving – Traditional Shoemaking Techniques
Hand skiving is done using special shoemaking knives to manually shave down the leather. This technique:
🔹 Requires practice to master even skiving.
🔹 Offers more control for precision work.
🔹 Is ideal for custom shoemaking and repairs.
🔹 Takes more time compared to machine skiving.
Hand Tools for Skiving Leather
To skive leather by hand, you need the right tools:
✔️ Skiving knife – A sharp knife with a curved blade for thinning leather.
✔️ Glass or marble surface – Provides a firm base for controlled skiving.
✔️ Sharpening stone – Keeps the skiving knife razor-sharp for clean cuts.
✔️ Beveling tools – Helps smooth skived edges for a refined finish.
2️⃣ Machine Skiving – Efficient & Precise Shoemaking
A skiving machine is a specialized shoemaking tool designed to thin leather quickly and consistently. It is widely used in mass production and high-end shoemaking workshops.
🔹 Speeds up leather thinning for efficiency.
🔹 Ensures consistent skiving thickness.
🔹 Ideal for large-scale shoemaking.
🔹 Reduces hand fatigue for repetitive work.
How a Skiving Machine Works
✔️ The leather is fed under a rotating skiving blade.
✔️ A roller presses the leather to control skiving depth.
✔️ The machine shaves off thin layers, creating precise, even edges.
Why You Should Learn Skiving in Shoemaking Courses
If you want to improve your shoemaking skills, learning skiving is non-negotiable. Many professional shoemaking courses include detailed lessons on:
✔️ Skiving for seam allowances – Ensuring smooth folds and stitches.
✔️ Skiving for upper construction – Reducing bulk in multi-layered shoes.
✔️ Skiving for insole fitting – Creating a seamless transition in footbeds.
✔️ Skiving for welted shoes – Preparing leather for lasting and assembly.
By mastering skiving, you can take your shoemaking to a professional level and create high-quality shoes that look and feel great.
However, if you only make occasional custom shoes, you can achieve great results with hand skiving.")
![Nails in Shoemaking the Complete Guide [Live]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QYJslle0yx4/mqdefault.jpg "Nails in Shoemaking the Complete Guide [Live]
In this live video, we will explore one of the most essential yet often overlooked aspects of shoemaking: nails. Whether you’re a beginner in shoemaking or an experienced artisan, knowing the right types of nails to use can significantly impact the quality and durability of your shoes. This is the definitive guide to understanding shoemaking nails, a crucial component in making shoes that last.
When it comes to shoe making, every detail matters, and nails are no exception. From securing the sole to reinforcing the heel, the type of nail you use can make or break your project. In this session, we’ll cover all the different types of nails used in shoemaking, including which ones are best suited for specific shoe constructions. Whether youre crafting dress shoes, boots, or sneakers, choosing the right shoemaking nails is key.
For beginners in shoemaking, this guide is invaluable. We’ll break down each type of nail, explaining its purpose and how it contributes to the overall structure of the shoe. You’ll learn about nails for attaching insoles, securing heels, and how to protect the edge of the heels for a long-lasting. We’ll also discuss the minimum set of tools for shoemaking, including essential hammers and pincers that work hand-in-hand with these nails.
I wish I had known about all these different types of shoemaking nails when I first started my journey in shoemaking. Having the right knowledge about tools for shoemaking, especially nails, can save you from costly mistakes and improve the quality of your work.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, this video is packed with practical information. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn how to make shoes with precision and confidence. And if you’re eager to dive deeper into the world of shoemaking, don’t forget to check out our upcoming live course on Mastering Hand-Sewn Welted Shoes Preparation.
Full shoemaking courses:
https://www.shoemakingcoursesonline.com/on-line-courses/")
![[Live] Making Kids Shoes? Watch This Before You Start](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QnQITZYTCsI/mqdefault.jpg "[Live] Making Kids Shoes? Watch This Before You Start
Welcome to our live shoemaking session dedicated entirely to designing and constructing kids shoes—specifically, the T-Bar shoe style. In this video, we’ll explore the critical elements that make kids footwear supportive, functional, and truly healthy for growing feet.
🔹 Why This Live is So Important
Shoemaking for children isn’t about making mini versions of adult shoes. It’s a completely different game. Childrens feet are still developing, and the structure, balance, and support that go into their shoes must follow a different set of principles. That’s what we’re discussing today—what matters when it comes to shoemaking for kids, and why these elements cannot be compromised.
Special Focus: The Right Shoe Last for Kids
In today’s session, we’re using a special high-back shoe last specifically designed to support children’s ankles. This is not optional—it’s essential.
Why?
Because kids’ feet and ankles are still forming.
Because proper ankle support helps prevent future alignment issues.
Because flexibility needs to be balanced with structural reinforcement, especially in the back part of the shoe.
This high-back shoe last used in our Kids T-Bar Course, is ideal for providing the upright structure and control that kids need, without compromising comfort.
👡 The Heel That Matters
Many beginner shoemakers underestimate the importance of heel construction in kids’ shoes. In our course, we created a special heel that supports the child’s foot without pushing it forward unnaturally or lifting it too high.
This is not a mini adult heel. It’s custom-built for:
Ground stability
Proper weight distribution
Posture development
Prevention of heel collapse or inward rolling (common in early walkers)
We’ll touch on why we avoided high heels and how we measured heel height specifically for children’s body mechanics.
T-Bar Design: More Than Just a Cute Style
Yes, T-Bar shoes look adorable—but for us, it’s about functionality first. In this live, you’ll learn about the specific pattern design that makes our T-Bar model both stable and safe.
This design was chosen because:
It allows maximum flexibility in the forefoot
It keeps the midfoot and ankle well secured
It offers a practical opening for easy wear
It balances grip and movement
T-bar design offers dynamic support with a look kids (and parents) love. But every curve, strap, and opening is purposefully crafted.
🔗 Want to Dive Deeper? Join Our Full Course
If you like what you see and want to learn how to make healthy, supportive shoes for children—start with our Kids T-Bar Shoe Course: 🔗 https://www.shoemakingcoursesonline.com/kids-t-bar-shoe-course/
This course covers:
Designing for kid-specific foot anatomy
Creating your own T-Bar patterns
Building healthy heels and soles
Assembling durable, flexible support elements
Choosing materials that are safe and breathable
Lasting techniques specific to kids’ shoes
We’ll show you how to combine traditional handmade techniques with essential childrens footwear features to create extra comfort, even if you’re a complete beginner.
Explore More Courses
We offer an entire library of in-depth shoemaking courses. Whether you’re interested in classic women’s pumps, sneakers, Oxford shoes, or sandals—you’ll find a course for every style and every level: https://www.shoemakingcoursesonline.com/on-line-courses/
Here are some of our most popular options:
Women’s Court Shoes (Pumps)
Classic Oxford Shoes
Sneaker Construction
Bespoke Opanka Derby Shoes
T-Strap Pumps
High Heel Pumps
English Welted Brouge Oxford Men’s Shoes
Each course is rich in details, fully guided, and designed by a professional shoemaker with years of industry experience.
Follow Along & Ask Questions
If you’re watching this live, drop your questions in the chat! I’m here to share real knowledge from the shoemaking bench—not textbook fluff.
Remember: healthy shoes for kids start with informed design. Let’s build them the right way.
Take advantage of this weeks special discount of 80 Euros.
Start your journey here: https://www.shoemakingcoursesonline.com/kids-t-bar-shoe-course/
Thanks for watching—and don’t forget to subscribe for more expert shoemaking tutorials!")
