The Birth of a Lissa Hill Leather Garment

I want to take you on a brief journey of the birth of a Lissa Hill Leather custom garment. The selection of leather, the pattern, cutting and sewing.

I have been buying most of  my leather from a supplier Toronto since I was a fashion design student. Perfect Leather is the most amazing place, shelves and shelves full of leathers. The smell is incredible! There is every colour imaginable, prints, metallics, furs and exotic snake skins.

Inside Perfect Leather

I am so inspired here! When I tell you you can have any colour…this is what I mean! Once I select the type of  leather I need, I hand pick the best skins out of a bundle. Leather is sold by the square foot and each skin is a different size. Perfect Leather carries leather from all over the world, different price points and different brands. They also have sheepskin, Mongolian Lamb and cow skin rugs (for interior design)

Perfect Leather

Back in the studio I lay the leather out on my cutting table, using my patterns trace out the pieces on the skin using a china marker. I use the strongest parts of the skin for the parts of the garment that will have the most stress. For example the back of the jacket would be cut along the spin area of the leather…..softer are for under the arms.

Half Chap Pattern Laid Out

I cut the whole pattern at once so that there is very little waste. I use a walking foot machine to stitch the leather….I love my machines like I love my car and my motorcycle! This sewing machine is great and can sew through even the toughest leather! Even the occasional thumb…but I will save that for another post!

Topstitching half chaps

I wanted to share a bit of my construction process with you, so you know what goes into a quality custom leather garment. It is a thrill for me when I am out riding or at an event to see my clients wearing their Lissa Hill Leather pieces as they are truly made from passion.

Robin from NWT in her Lissa Hill Leather Half Chaps

Thank you!