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Starting to saddle-stitch, using two sharp needles threading through the pre-punched holes, one at each end of the thread.

The thread should be quite heavy, waxed with beeswax, and a good foot longer than twice the length of the seam you will be sewing.

To saddle stitch, take thread a little longer the twice the length of the seam you are sewing, and put a needle (a #6 stitching for example) at each end of the thread. Thread through a hole with one needle and draw the thread to the halfway point, then thread through the next hole with the same needle. With the second needle thread through the same second hole, i.e each needle pulls thread through the same hole but in an opposite direction. Pull tight and repeat until tie off.

Here is a tutorial on saddle stitching. Be sure and click the "Show" buttons to see the pictures.

A leather awl can also be used to lock-stitch. I have had very good results with the Tandy leather awl. You really need to practice with it though to achieve tight results.

A sailor's sewing palm is very handy for pressing the needle through the leather. Two (one for each hand) are even better. A thimble will not be enough, lest you wish to experience stigmata.

Note: David Daye points out that if you make a good quality leather bond, using glue like Barge Cement, you may not need to sew ends together, and that he has not had failures of the end seam bond in ten years of making bellows. If you take this approach, make sure and rough up any smooth surfaces to prepare for a good bond, using 60 or 120 grit sandpaper. I'm of the opinion that the stitch does provide extra reinforcement to the bond, though it is a potential leaky spot, so seam seal with silicon. Sewing the seam certainly takes more effort.

From David:

"We coat both sides of the joint and let dry overnight, so that the glue penetrates well into the leather. Then a 2nd coat on each surface, dry for 1-3 hours, align carefully and assemble. We either pound the joint mildly with a hammer or else press it hard with a roller a few times, and for good measure clamp between boards under a 70 pound sandbag overnight."