There are two ways craftsmen accomplish leather stitching: by hand or with an industrial sewing machine made for puncturing leather. Hand-sewn leather using a saddle stitch is considered more durable over time than machine-stitched leather for several reasons:
Saddle Stitch
Saddle stitch is a type of hand sewing that locks each stitch into place from each side. This means that, if a single stitch breaks, the entire seam cannot unravel. This is unlike machine sewn seams, which have the potential to unravel when a single stitch is broken.
Thread Tension
Thread Thickness
Heritage Leather
Hand-stitched leather products are renowned for their durability and longevity. The stitches on hand-stitched leather items are less prone to unraveling, ensuring that the product can withstand the test of time. This durability not only enhances the practical functionality of the item but also contributes to its sustainability, as well-made pieces are less likely to end up as disposable items. If a stitch does break, hand-sewn leather is generally more repairable than leather sewn with a machine. If a stitch breaks or wears out, it is very easy to replace or repair individual stitches. This makes a piece sewn by hand of archival quality, durable enough to pass down through generations with proper care.