Full, step-by-step instructions for making and painting a pocket-sized leather journal or notebook using 'Langstitch/Kettenstitch' Sewing.

One of the more popular sewings for leather journals is the ‘Langstitch-Kettenstitch’ apparently originating in Mediaeval Germany. It consists of a longstitch along the spine combined with a chain link stitch at the head and tail of the spine. 

This tutorial combines two processes, the mediaeval sewing and a decorated, dyed or painted, leather cover. The sewing is fairly easy to master, practical, and quick to make and the end result is very attractive. You can ring the changes by creating different covers and using different coloured threads and methods of closure. 

The tutorial is illustrated with drawings and photographs and although specific measurements are given for this design, it is easily scaleable.