1. TINTING THE LEATHER WITH OLIVE OIL
Here we have selected a 1.6mm thick vegetable tanned leather, however, we advise you to choose a leather of around 1.2mm for nicer angles.
Soak the leather with olive oil using a wide brush. Put at least 2 coats trying to put the same amount of oil everywhere. Leave the oil to soak into the leather for at least a day and if possible in front of a window (so that it tans).
You can also tint the leather with a water-based or alcohol-based dye.
DYE GUIDE >
2. PRINT THE PATTERN
Print the pattern in real size (to download in the tab at the top of the page).
Cut out the pattern, leaving a 5mm margin around the lines. Then lay and hold the pieces on the piece of leather using masking tape. 
3. DRILL THE SEWING HOLES
Make the different sewing holes by hitting a round punch (Ø 1.5 mm) with a mallet. Center to center distance: 6.5mm.
Using a cutter and a ruler: cut the different pieces of leather. 
4. MAKE FURROWS AT THE FOLDS
Using a frog: remove some material/make a furrow at each fold on the back of the leather (split side). 
5. WORK THE SLICES OF LEATHER
If necessary, square and sand the edges of the vegetable tanned leather.
Then apply tokonole (or another finishing gum) on the edge and rub briskly with a smoother or a cloth.
SEE THE TOKONOLE GUIDE >
6. FORM THE PLEATS
Use a straightener to form the folds of the gift. 
7. START LACED CROSS SEWING
Cut the thread (here braided and waxed polyester Ø 0.80 mm): generally equivalent to 4 or 5 times the length of the seam line. Then thread a needle through each end of the yarn. Begin sewing by passing the needles twice through the first hole (see photo n°1). 
Sew the different cross seams of the gift (see photo n°2).
At the end of the seam, pass the needles twice through the last holes and bring them out on the inside. Tie a knot and burn the yarn (only if polyester yarn). 
8. CUT 5 STRIPS
Cut 5 strips 10 cm long (1 cm wide) and work the slices with a finishing gum (tokonole, gum tragacanth...). 
9. ATTACH A LANYARD ON THE GIFT HAT
Make 2 holes with a diameter of 1.5 mm at each end of the 5 strips. On one of the straps: make 4 holes in the center (to be able to fix the knot there - next step).
Attach one of the straps to the "hat" of the gift using 2 double crochet stitches (cross the thread a minimum of 3 times). 
10. FORM THE GIFT KNOT
Form the leather knot: bend 3 strips and match the holes at the ends to the 4 holes drilled (in step 9) in the center of one of the strips. Secure all the strips together using double crochets. 
11. TIE THE LANYARD WITH THE KNOT
Attach the strap with the knot on the "hat" of the gift using 2 bridle stitches (pass the thread 3 times minimum). 
12. LACED CROSS STITCH
Finish by stitching the 4 sides of the gift "hat" crosswise. 
IT'S OVER !
THEO PEDERSEN VERSION
 |
 |
