A Day in the Life of a Passionate Leather Worker.

Today, our Head of Design, Modelist and Pattern Maker, Raúl is sharing how a typical working day looks like for him… Hope you enjoy it.

“Crafting exquisite pieces from this timeless material has been my passion for years. Today, I invite you to join me on a journey through a typical working day at Betangible, where creativity and craftsmanship intertwine to bring leather to life.

My day begins with the sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee, which fuels both my body and creativity. After that, I make my way to the workshop, eagerly anticipating the day ahead. Upon arrival, I take a moment to organize my tools and gather the materials and styles I’ll be working with.

I sit down at my table, surrounded by sketches, inspiration boards, and leather. This is where I give form to my imagination and translate ideas into tangible creations. Whether it’s a handbag, a wallet, or a custom accessory, each design starts as a concept that I refine until it reflects the proper vision in order to translate our customer’s idea into something physical.

Once this first approach to the patterns is finalised, I move to the cutting area. Here, precision is key. I carefully select the appropriate leather hide as per our customer’s instructions, paying close attention to its texture, thickness, and overall behaviour. With my trusty cutting tools in hand, I skillfully trace the patterns onto the leather and execute clean, precise cuts. I must also admit that our automatic cutting machine helps me a lot with accuracy and consistency in cutting. The leather pieces are then meticulously prepared, ensuring they are ready for the next stage of the making process.

Next comes splitting, skiving and the assembly phase, where I bring together the various leather components to form the final product. Each piece in stitched, ensuring the stitches are even and strong. Whether by hand or with the assistance of a sewing machine, this step requires patience and attention to detail. Each stitch binds the leather together, creating a durable and beautiful piece that will last for years to come.

As the day progresses, I turn my attention to the finishing touches that truly elevate the piece. I carefully edge, burnish and dye the raw edges, giving them a polished and refined appearance. I add hardware, such as clasps, zippers, or buckles, paying attention to their functionality and aesthetic appeal. The final step involves conditioning and treating the leather to enhance its longevity and bring out its natural beauty.

Before I call it a day, I conduct a thorough quality control inspection (Actually, someone from the Team helps me with this). Every seam, stitch, and detail is scrutinised to ensure perfection. Once satisfied, the finished piece is packed with care, ensuring it is wellprotected for its journey to our cutomer’s.

As I clean my workspace and put away my tools, I reflect on the day’s work. Each piece I create carries a piece of my soul and is a testament to my dedication as a leather worker. It brings me immense joy to know that my craftsmanship will bring happiness and functionality to its future owner.

Being a leather worker is not just a profession for me; it’s a labour of love. A typical day at Betangible is filled with creativity, precision, and unwavering passion. From designing and cutting to finishing, every step in the process contributes to the creation of a unique and timeless piece. As I prepare to embark on another exciting day, I eagerly await the opportunity to transform a simple piece of leather into a work of art that will be cherished for years to come.”