If lacing or sewing the leather is giving you a fit, try this...
Using a compass, layout a line back from the edge of the leather. Figure out how many holes for the lacing you need, and the spacing.
Cut the head off a small nail (size it what you are using for sewing or lacing...could be a small brad nail up to any size you want), sharpen the nail to a nice point. Chuck it up into your dress press. Use this setup to pierce the holes where you will be sewing or lacing it together. Use a scrap piece of wood under the leather so you don't dull the nail. The mechanical advantage of lowering the quill makes piercing the leather a snap! Once you pierce all the holes, the sewing goes a lot easier and quicker.