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Getting Started

Hey, we all start somewhere? What kind of tools and supplies do you need? Are there any helpful books? How can you get going now that you have been bitten by The Leather Bug? Post your newbie questions here, and let the more experienced folks help you through the initiation. The only dumb questions are the ones not asked!

1,341 topics in this forum

  1. shirleyz

    Looking for a guild in Nh

    by shirleyz

    Want to get back into leatherwork and I’m interested in finding a guild near me in the lakes region of NH.

    Bert03241
    Last reply by Bert03241,
  3. JodiG

    Juki 1541s

    by JodiG
    • 4 replies
    • 631 views

    I’m looking to purchase a Juki 1541s. Hoping to purchase one that works great and has been well maintained, thank you.

    kgg
    Last reply by kgg,
  4. AEBL

    Carving 3oz veg tan? 1 2

    by AEBL

    I know nothing about carving or casing ... or about anything in general, but I just got a lot of 3oz veg tan scraps (all about coaster sized or so). Is this too thin to try to learn carving on?

    PastorBob
    Last reply by PastorBob,
  5. AEBL

    How to glue leather filigree to backing?

    by AEBL

    When I think about gluing two pieces of leather together, I usually think about putting contact cement on both sides, waiting a bit for the glue to dry, and then pressing them together. With leather filigree (i.e., I cut holes in it for decorative purposes), if I put contact cement on the side that will show through ... I'll also see glue there ... and that'll be not good. How do people glue filigree to the backing?

    dikman
    Last reply by dikman,
  6. AEBL

    Do I really need a bunch of half-round cutters?

    by AEBL
    • 7 replies
    • 1.3k views

    I gather that half-round cutters are used to round off the ends of straps. I don't make a bunch of straps (yet?), but I'm pretty handy with a knife and can make something pretty round given a scratch awl line to cut to. I suppose the same goes for slot punches, I could round punch the ends and cut the flat parts out ... What sorts of drive punches do you guys consider to be most useful?

    PeterinID
    Last reply by PeterinID,
  7. SUP

    "Leather Crafting Starter Book" - FYI

    by SUP

    This is just an FYI for anyone who might be wanting to get into leather work or even leatherworkers whose knowledge has some blank areas - mine does.. The book titled "Leather Crafting starter Book" available at Tandy Leather gives a lot of useful information and plenty of tips. I just saw it today. Along with describing basic tools needed, It also teaches basics like saddle stitching, lacing, how to glue leather together, which glue to use when and so on. It also has nifty little projects for the beginner. The cute little dinosaurs are my favourite. Other projects include simple wallets, making a whip, flowers and a simple bag. I put this here because I …

    Sem2390
    Last reply by Sem2390,
  8. Gridix

    Weird Wrinkle when folding

    by Gridix

    Hey everyone, I just started my first project to being my leatherworking journey. The wallet I am trying to make is lined, and when i try to fold the shell, these weird creases/wrinkles are forming. Please see the attached photos. Does anyone know why this is happening? The two pieces are glued together. Thank you! Josh

    dikman
    Last reply by dikman,
  9. Yukonrookie

    What type of stitching irons do you use? 1 2

    by Yukonrookie

    Apologies for yet another question folks, What are y’all using for stitching irons? So far I’ve been using a couple 2mm diamond irons and there’s nothing wrong with them. Just curious as to what you folks prefer. I’m wondering on getting wider spacing and maybe better quality. Mine are craftool and I got nothing bad to say about em, just that I’m thinking if trying out some higher end tools in general, as I’m enjoying this leather thing a whole bunch for sure and will keep on learning for many years to come, praise God. I’m guessing some sizes and spacing are better for some tasks and so forth? Also, I see there are “reverse” diamond irons that give s…

    Yukonrookie
    Last reply by Yukonrookie,
  10. TerraKacher

    what to do with soft shop leather aprons

    by TerraKacher

    I picked up a box of leather shop aprons for about $25. It also had some regular leather and some hardware. It had about 8 soft leather aprons rolled up in the box. Doesn't look like they were used for metal work, maybe a high school shop or something like that. Most of them are a soft blue, green or tan color. I've been scratching my head trying to find a project that I can make with them. My first project was to make an apron for myself, with pockets. I'm open for ideas. I looked on Etsy for pattern ideas, but they are all firm leather projects, except maybe some toys.

    Scoutmom103
    Last reply by Scoutmom103,
  11. Brigg

    What were your first leather projects? How do you grow skills efficently? 1 2 3

    by Brigg

    I've made about 20 items out of leather so far. Pen cases, card cases, pouches, sleeves, sheaths, jotters, etc. I keep making new things never revisiting previous patterns/designs and I am wondering if it is better to work on "perfecting" one design or to keep making new things. I am constantly getting better but nothing I've made so far would meet my quality standard for my own personal purchase. I keep learning new types of construction and techniques and I am considering moving on to bigger items like bags but I am not sure that makes sense if what I am currently making isn't there yet. What were your first leather projects like and what have you found to be the m…

    Brandolo
    Last reply by Brandolo,
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