Ring binder in leather

Step 1

Download the two templates further down this page.

Step 2

(Drawing and cutting)

Draw template A (32 cm x 57 cm) and template B (8.5 cm x 40 cm) on the leather. Please do not scale directly from the templates, as the dimensions are not proportional. 

Use a steel square to ensure perpendicular corners.

Cut out the templates.

Step 3

(Making two folds)

On the back of part A (the one measuring 32 cm), you have to measure 26.2 cm from the left side and inwards. Make two dots and place the ruler on each mark to connect the dots. 

Adjust the groover to carve halfway down through the leather. Run the groover on the right side of the ruler.

Turn part A 180 degrees and repeat.

Step 4

Turn the leather around and press a fold with your hands.

Step 5

(Round the corners)

Round the corners on part A with the corner punch size 20 mm.

On the corner punch, there is a white line that has to align with the corner of part A.

Step 6

(Bevelling)

Bevel along the edge on the grain side of part A.

NB! If you want raw-looking edges, step 6, 10, 17 and 18 can be skipped.

Step 7

(Marking for stitching on part A)

Adjust the wing divider to 4 mm.

Use the wing divider in one of the ends of template A on the grain side.

Measure 9 cm inwards from the side that measures 32 cm. Make a mark at the top and the bottom.

(Make the marking as shown on the drawing in step 1).

Step 8

(Glue)

Turn part A around and apply a thin layer of glue on the back, the place where you have made your marking. 

Apply a thin layer on the back of one of the long sides of part B as well. Let the glue dry (approx. 10 - 15 min.) and assemble the leather pieces.

You can use a ruler to ensure that the leather pieces line up perfectly.

Step 9

Turn part A around and cut off the excess leather from part B.

Round the corners with the corner punch.

Step 10

Bevel part B.

Step 11

(Holes for the ring binder mechanism)

To ensure correct placement of the ring binder mechanism, you can create a template in leather or paper for the two holes in the ring binder mechanism.

Draw a line 16 mm from one of the edges and 19 mm from the top edge. Draw identical lines on the opposite site.

Step 12

Place the ring binder mechanism and ensure that the holes fit, before punching the holes. 

Punch the two holes with a 3 mm punch.

Step 13

(Stitching holes)

Make the stitching holes by using a 5 mm 4-pronged Japanese chisel. Place the first prong of the chisel by the 9 cm marking and press down to make three new holes. Continue by putting one of the prongs in the last hole from the previous stitching holes. Use a 2-pronged chisel in the round corners. Follow the edge all the way around. 

Step 14

(Threading your needles)

Cut a thread approximately 4-5 times the length of the piece, you will be stitching. Put a needle in each side of the thread. Lock the thread by sticking the needle through the thread twice.

Step 15

(Sewing on part B)

Start your stitching by sticking one of the needles through one of the last holes, and make sure that the thread is of same length in both sides. 

• Stick the needle on the front through the next hole and out on the back. 
• Hold the thread down tightly in the "corner". 
• Stick the other needle from the back out through the same hole and pull upwards.
• Repeat the process.

Step 16

(Finish the stitching)

When you have sewn all the way around, you have to make three stitches backwards to lock the thread. 

Make sure that both the threads are visible on part B (the back), before cutting them off.

Step 17

(Edge treatment)

Apply a bit of water on the edges with a wool dauber and polish the edges with a wood slicker until smooth, while the edges are still wet.

Step 18

(Edge paint)

Apply edge paint with a wool dauber. Make sure to not apply edge paint on the grain or meat side.
Sand the edges with fine sandpaper, 800 grit before applying a second coat of edge paint. The paint must be completely dry before sanding.

You can also choose to apply some edge paint in the fold. Remove excess paint with a cloth.

Step 19

(Installation of the ring binder mechanism)

Install the ring binder mechanism with a double cap rivet size 6x6 mm.

Step 20

Enjoy :)