Stitching & Thread
Lacing Tool
A flat blade that tucks and pulls lace through slits for decorative edge lacing.
Lacing Tool · schematic
| Blade length | 60 mm |
|---|---|
| Overall length | 150 mm |
| Blade width | 6 mm |
| Tip | Notched |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Weight | 45 g |
| Material | Stainless steel |
|---|---|
| Blade width | 6 mm |
| Tip | Hook notch |
| Handle | Wood |
| Suitable lace | 3 to 6 mm |
| Compatible processes | Edge lacing |
Overview
A lacing tool is a flat, blunt blade with a notch near the tip, made for working with leather lace rather than thread. It slips through a slit, hooks the lace, and pulls it flat without stretching or twisting the strip.
You reach for it when finishing an edge with lacing, a traditional technique that runs a flat strip of leather through a row of slits around a project. It is common on pouches, knife sheaths and cases where a decorative edge is wanted. The tool keeps the lace flat and even so the pattern stays tidy.
Choose a stainless blade with a smooth notch that will not fray the lace, and pair it with lace cut to a consistent width.
Safety
Hazard. The notched tip can slip out of a slit under load; pull along the leather surface rather than toward your hand.
How to use it well
- Cut the lace to an even width so the finished edge looks uniform.
- Keep the lace flat as you pull it through so it does not twist.
- Practise the pattern on scrap before lacing a finished piece.
- Work the lace gently so the slits are not stretched open.
Compatible leathers and materials
Lacing Tool is suited to the following leather types. Anything outside this list is worth testing on an offcut first.
At a glance
| Category | Stitching & Thread |
|---|---|
| Stage | Stitch |
| Suitable leather | Veg-Tan, Oil-Tan |
| Beginner priority | Rank 25 of 28 |
Educational use only. Hide & Stitch is an independent, non-commercial reference. Nothing here is for sale and nothing here is a substitute for competent in-person instruction. Edged tools, dyes, solvents and adhesives can cause serious injury — read and follow the manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets, and work with ventilation and appropriate protection. Specifications are typical values for this class of tool and vary between makers.
Related
Works well with
Awl
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Blunt harness needles with a large eye, made for pulling thick waxed thread.