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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

Regular price £40.00
Regular price £40.00 Sale price £40.00
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Stitch Per Inch Number
Number of prongs
Direction
Quantity

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Free UK shipping. Usually dispatched within 1 to 2 working days. International shipping calculated at checkout.

See returns policy here

EU Orders (VAT & Customs)

For customers in the European Union, VAT is collected at checkout through the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) scheme on eligible orders with an intrinsic value of €150 or less.

From 1 July 2026, the EU also applies a separate temporary customs duty of €3 for each distinct customs tariff category represented in a low-value parcel. This charge is separate from VAT and may be collected from the recipient by the carrier or local customs. A parcel containing different types of goods may attract more than one €3 charge.

For orders over €150, standard customs procedures apply and local VAT, customs duties or handling fees may be charged. 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.

French-style pricking iron stitch spacing comparison: 7, 8, 9 and 10 SPI

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

  1. Use a soft punching surface such as a suitable leathercraft board or cork board.
  2. Do not use excessive hammer force; the fine, sharp prongs can be damaged.
  3. For leather thicker than approximately 3mm, punch the two sides separately.
  4. Apply a small amount of anti-rust oil before longer-term storage.
Dimensions: Overall length: 116mm, Handle width: 13mm, Handle thickness: 8.2mm, Prong length: 9.8mm ,Prong lip thickness: 0.2mm.


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. 

 

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