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French-Style Pricking Irons for Leather Hand Stitching – 7–10 SPI
French-Style Pricking Irons for Leather Hand Stitching – 7–10 SPI
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Delivery & Returns
Delivery & Returns
Free UK shipping. Usually dispatched within 1 to 2 working days. International shipping calculated at checkout.
See returns policy here
EU Orders (VAT & Customs)
EU Orders (VAT & Customs)
For customers in the European Union, we use the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) scheme to make ordering simple and transparent.
Orders under €150
- VAT is calculated and paid at checkout
- No additional VAT or customs charges on delivery
- Faster, smoother customs processing
The price you see at checkout is the final price you pay.
Orders over €150
- Standard customs procedures apply
- You may be charged local VAT, customs duties, or handling fees on delivery
- These charges are set by local authorities and are outside our control
All orders are shipped from the United Kingdom.
French-style pricking irons for precise leather hand stitching
These polished DC53 steel pricking irons create clean, consistent slanted holes for saddle stitching. Choose the spacing first, then the number of prongs, followed by Standard or Reverse.
Quick choice
- 10 SPI / 2.7mm: the finest, closest stitch — ideal for refined wallets, card holders and small leather goods.
- 9 SPI / 3.0mm: a fine but versatile stitch — a strong choice for wallets, purses and detailed bag work.
- 8 SPI / 3.38mm: a balanced everyday stitch — well suited to bags, cases and medium-weight leather.
- 7 SPI / 3.85mm: the widest, boldest stitch — ideal for belts, straps and heavier leatherwork.
If you are unsure: choose 9 SPI for fine leather goods or 8 SPI for general bag making.
What does tooth spacing mean?
The millimetre measurement is the approximate distance from the centre of one stitch hole to the centre of the next. A smaller spacing produces more stitches per inch and a finer-looking seam. A larger spacing produces fewer stitches per inch and a bolder-looking seam.
SPI means stitches per inch. Always use the same spacing throughout one stitch line. The matching single-prong options are S for 9 and 10 SPI, and M for 7 and 8 SPI.
What does the number of teeth mean?
The second number in each variant is the number of prongs on the iron:
- 1 tooth: individual holes, tight curves and corners.
- 2 teeth: corners, short runs and accurately continuing an existing line.
- 5 teeth: general-purpose work with good control.
- 8 teeth: quickly punching long, straight stitch lines.
Standard or Reverse?
Standard creates the usual forward-slanting hole when viewed from the front. Reverse creates the opposite slant and is used when punching from the back of the work so the holes align correctly with those punched from the front.
For most single-layer or front-only marking, choose Standard. Choose the matching Reverse iron when you need to punch the reverse side of thicker or multi-layer work.
Construction and use
Made from high-grade DC53 cold-work die steel with anti-rust properties. The polished prongs withdraw smoothly from leather, while the shaped handle provides a comfortable grip. The 9.8mm prongs can pierce substantial leather, although for clean results we recommend punching no more than approximately 3mm at once. For thicker work, punch the front and back separately using matching Standard and Reverse irons.
Use notice
- Use a soft punching surface such as a suitable leathercraft board or cork board.
- Do not use excessive hammer force; the fine, sharp prongs can be damaged.
- For leather thicker than approximately 3mm, punch the two sides separately.
- Apply a small amount of anti-rust oil before longer-term storage.
Material: DC53 Cold-work Die Steel
Feature: Sharp, standard and reverse directions
Type: Leather Pricking Iron
Shipping
We aim to dispatch within 1 to 2 working days. Free UK shipping.
Responsibility & Sustainability
Artisan leather products made to last a lifetime
Hands of Tym's luxury leather goods are made to last a lifetime.
We design and make all our products with sustainability in mind. Our ethos is that our leather products should be well used, and if for any reason they break, they should be worth fixing.
In the unlikely event your Hands of Tym item breaks, we'll happily fix it for you, meaning it will stay with you, and age with you.
Responsibly Sourced Vegetable Tanned Leather
Here at Hands of Tym we source only the finest Italian vegetable tanned leather to make your products.
Some leathers are not well produced and can be damaging for the environment, but our vegetable tanned leather is a world away from this kind of leather. Here's why:
- It's vegetable tanned, meaning only natural and organic materials are used to tan the leather
- Our leather is made by hand using traditional techniques. Artisans use their skilled hands and techniques passed down for generations, to naturally produce the finest leather, with minimal electricity required
- Our leather speaks for itself, meaning no synthetic substances are used (or needed) to treat it once finished. This way our products evolve over time - their personalities change with every passing year you spend together
- Our leather producer is certified by the Genuine Italian Vegetable Tanned Leather Consortium, and commits to reuse and recycle as much waste as possible into a variety of useful products building circularity into the process.
- For our suppliers, vegetable tanning natural leathers is their artisan craft. It’s been practised for generations and is friendly to the earth.
Recyclable Packaging
With thought for the environment, each piece of packaging we use, from our kraft boxes, paper tapes, shredded paper fillers and tissue papers, are recyclable.
Buy One, Get One Tree
Craft with Purpose: We plant a tree for every order over £50 on our website
At Hands of Tym, we believe in creating high-quality craftsmanship while making a positive impact on the planet. That’s why for every order over £50 placed through our website, we fund the planting of a tree in partnership with Ecologi.
This initiative helps restore ecosystems, absorb carbon, and support communities in reforestation efforts across the world. From mangrove restoration in Madagascar to forest regeneration in Kenya and Ethiopia, each tree contributes to a healthier, more sustainable future.
Where We Plant
Your purchases have helped support:
🌳 Mangrove restoration in Madagascar – Protecting coastlines and absorbing carbon
🌿 Forest regeneration in Kenya & Ethiopia – Restoring degraded land and improving biodiversity
🌊 Reforestation in Mozambique – Supporting community-led planting efforts
🌾 Forest gardens in Tanzania & Uganda – Providing sustainable food and income sources
These carefully selected projects have long-term environmental and social benefits, from stabilising coastal areas to increasing biodiversity and creating sustainable livelihoods.
How It Works
- Every order over £50 placed through our website = 1 tree funded
- Live tree counter below shows our growing impact in real-time
- Tracked transparently through our partnership with Ecologi
Want to Learn More?
To explore the reforestation projects we support, visit our Ecologi profile here:
👉 https://ecologi.com/handsoftym
By choosing Hands of Tym, you’re not just investing in quality craftsmanship—you’re helping to restore the planet, one tree at a time. 🌍💚
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