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I made this corset for my wife, who wanted a Lady Loki armour costume. The problem of course is corsets need to fit really well and I've never made one before. After searching the web I thought I had a good grasp on what to do. Ha! The front pieces were not much of a problem, but when it curves around the sides was a disaster. I drilled out rivets quite a few times. If you don't want to annoy your wife by getting her to "stop and try this on" I suggest you make a duct tape dummy. Long story, but eventually I got it right. It took me about three months on and off in the evenings. She loves it, but has only worn it once. Ha.

Hello! I'm new to the world of leatherworking and I'm looking gain as much knowledge as I can! I have an interest in constructing leather armor pieces, bags, and other accessories along the way and to improve my tooling skills to add beauty to those pieces! I'd love to make friends in the community and would love to hear any tips or tricks you have for someone making their first foray into the craft. If you're in the Minneapolis/St. Paul region I'd love to know what stores you go to or if there are any interesting leather conventions/guilds around. Thanks! Elli

I just came across this site and I'm loving what I see. Always great to find a community around your hobby. I started leather working about a year ago and just recently finished a leather cuirass for a LARP I attend. I'd love to get some professional eyes on it for critique. The first album documents my creative process, the second pic is the completed piece. http://imgur.com/a/4Q2Tj http://imgur.com/a/62KNy Thanks, and I look forward to talking shop with everyone.

First I would like to thank you fine folks in advance, I have been scrolling through the forum looking for wisdom (of which I have found a multitude). I am a beginner to leather working, however I have set my goals high in that I want to make a suit of samurai armor in a Darth Vader style. I have found very few patterns when it comes to this topic and have become even more boggled by the acronyms used on each pattern. I guess what I am looking for is any advice, websites or all around suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Mitch

"Hey everyone, a quick reminder for anyone interested in working with leather/armour, this new FREE E-guide is still available to download now" Please spread the word on this to anyone who you think would like to check it out. There is soooo much more comming. www.lederkraft.com/freebook

Greetings all. We just opened a store where we sell our leathercrafts and silver jewelry. During creations of leather products, one tend to look for ideas and inspiration, and i have stumbled upon a problem. On these pictures you will see examples of brass plates ( i think ) that are engraved or etched and placed on the leather or plate. These are more or less impossible to find, but i know i have seen them on sale somewhere some time back. Does anyone have any good tips on where to get a hold of such items and perhaps that also have links? Best regards Johan

So im making armor with a moderately thick leather. I'm trying to get part of my leather to a super exact light blue color. I was wondering what j should do to achieve that. Should I try leather paint and mix it to the right color?

• 10 oz vegetabil leather • 250 meters of kangaroo lace • Tooled straps • Handmade beltbuckles

Just finished a pair of hand stitched leather bracers, themed for an elvish archer at our local Renaissance Faire. These are hand stitched, hand tooled and it was my first time working with Eco-Flo antique finish. I originally couldn't figure out why the color was so dark and I couldn't clearly see the tooling, until I remembered that you need to BUFF the heck out of the antique finish. After that, it lightened up significantly and I love how it brings out the tooling!

I'm attempting to get into leatherworking to make leather armor for a number of reasons and for a number of different uses -Larping - In this use it must be durable as people will be wearing and using it. I'd like to be able to do fantasy based and historically accurate (two different categories) as people request it. -Cosplay - This would be purely cosmetic things. Primarily fantasy oriented pulled from games. -Steampunk - This one's kind of my baby it falls into both the previous uses mostly I'd like to know how to affix the heavier objects (gauges and things of this nature that are "top heavy") without having to worry about them falling off I'm having several issues getting into it. I visited my local Tandy merchant he was less then useful not knowing how to go about nor having any ideas on how to go about making armor (though I did pick up a few books on treating and sewing leather as well as making cases). I havn't been able to find any information on how to actually get or use a pattern. The cosplay info I've found has used many different materials which I should be able to sub for leather in most cases but it's not all that helpful anyway. I cannot find any real information on making historically accurate leather armor at all. Ultimately I'm just looking for information and some patterns with some how to's to get me started. A few questions. Do I need to go about getting forms and if so how do I get them? I'm a larger guy is there an adjustable form somewhere I can get as I can't really use my body to make armor for other people what with being six and a half feet tall and I'd love to be making the armor for other people. I've got lots of ideas for spaulders and pauldrons, bracers and shin guards but nothing for how to do a helmet, body, or feet where can I find some info on these? Are there any really useful odd's and ends that I aught to be looking for to grab that aren't strictly leatherworking ie. I've seen references to vacuuming for masks? How do I go about taking measurements for the various body parts of a person? With a form it's not as hard but it is generic and I'd like to be making custom things for my friends so how do I do this? I'm especially worried about the female form esp. around the chest area. How do I know what kind of leather (both animal and gauge) to use on a specific project? Are there any books I aught to look at getting that would be helpful? A couple good things. I'm very close to a Tandy store and several tannery's so leather isn't an issue. Money isn't a big issue as this is something I've wanted to do for a long time and have no problem spending money to get into the hobby.

Looking for some simple ideas as to how I could attach shoulder armor to the eppulet of my leather jacket but not cover the Concho I have already set in it.

I didn't find any other posts on this subject. Has anyone made Bell or Overreach Boots for a horse? Does anyone have a pattern for bell boots? Thanks

I have been lurking for a while, but have never posted. I'm not formally trained. I just kind of stumble around with leather, dye, and tools, until I have armor. Here is my latest piece, the Odinhelm, along with the coif that I made from aluminum electric fence wire. The helm is riding a little high on my head, but the inside is adjustable.

Hi y'all! I'm a medieval geek from Montréal with a passion for costuming,swordfight and more recently leatherworking. I've always been fascinated with leather armors and all the intricate techniques that are implied un their making. In the past month, I finally geared up with the essential. I am now crafting pieces of armor and celtic-themed accessories of my own. Anybody else in the area? Anyhow, I can't wait tout get criticism from you people! By the way, I'm looking for good armor patterns, anybody has some good websites that could help In my quest for the most epic armor In the universe?

Here are a couple of close-ups of a "scaled" cuirass (chest/torso armour) I'm making for a LARP I play. I'm more eager to show these off than I am waiting for a decent charge on my camera to get some better shots, instead of cellphone pics I uploaded for Instagram. What you're looking at is the upper back with the larger scales on the left/right side of the pic being the spine/middle of the piece. The tooling was done about two years ago on 10oz (I think) leather. The dye was only a couple of days ago. Still needs the top coat... and all the findings, metal plates, spikes, etc. It's slow going 'cause this is for me, so I'm losing money on it.

There were a lot of "firsts" in this demi-gauntlet. First "construction" of two separate pieces, first use of chicago screws (which work much better than your average rivet), and first use of black and red dyes. I plan on adding proper straps to the hand and thumb but this is where we stand so far.

I have some fantasy armor, a breastplate and a helm, that need some adjustments. The BP is latgo leather and quite stiff. I'd like part of it folded down to better accommodate my body shape. The helm is somewhat large on my head and I would love suggestions on how to make it fit better. In addition, it may need to be reconditioned. Happy to travel outside of Boston to NH, CT, or RI.

Here is a almost complete Bracer, I'm still awaiting my 1/4 inch eyelet setter to come in the mail, asthe one i have now is too small for the job at hand. I saw thses on the tandy website, and decided to make a green pair, rather than the ones they have on the site. Tell me what you think?? I will also be placing two brass snaps on wrist, so it will be laced up and snaped to arm. The photos are to big to upload so i attacked link to photobucket.

Here is a set of Leather Shoulder Spaulders i am making. The starps are drying should ghave them on by tonight or tomorrow morning. I textured it to look somewhat like lizard skin, not bad i think for first attempt. Straps

Greetings all! As mention on the title im a new comer to the world of leathercraft, always had an interest but never the means to give it a shot until recently. Ive purchased the deluxe starter kit from Tandy which is a good start and intro for it, While great for more utilitarian objects, my main interest however resides into armor making for SCA/Combat. I was wondering, what would be the recommended weight of leather to get for my first piece? Im looking for something that will offer some decent protection as im not a big guy. I've seen Tandy offering on their site some leather marked for armor in the 15oz range. I dont know if thats just right or too heavy so im appealing to you guys experience. Space is kind of an issue due to a small apartment due to that im thinking of doing a maybe 3 piece chest and a set of bracer to start. Seen some amazing examples of what can be done already on this site and its stunning what some folks do, tho im years away from such accomplishment myself! To the armor makers out there.. any tips of accumulated wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Celtic/Barbarian Bracers: These were my first real attempt at carving, tooling, stamping, riveting, and...um...spiking. I think they turned out pretty well for a beginner's try.I learned a lot during the process. Leather Flask #2: This is my 2nd leather flask design.

Hope this day finds ye warm, dry and happy! As you might detect from the opening, I enjoy Faire and all things medieval. Aside from western and Saddle making, I have tried most anything in Leather, from art to Steam punk, clothing to Door panels on a truck. Been working in Leather about 5 years and enjoy it a lot. I am often available in the chat room and interested in learning new things, meeting new people and sharing my knowledge, so look me up there if you like!

(I was told this was the right area to post this in, so sorry for those who see this as a doublepost.) Hello! So, this is my first post on leatherworker.net, and I have quite a few questions regarding leather weight, purchase inquiries, leather types, and copper rivets. But first, some background... My name is Caracal Keithrafferty, and I'm located right by Milwaukee, WI. I made my first large purchase of leather tools, dyes, and hardware late last summer. The tools I have are: Knives V-Gouge Awl Edge Beveler (Sz. 3) Parallel Stitch Groover 2 Overstitch Wheels (Sz. 5 + 6) Bone Folder Edge Slicker Wood Hammer (I was considering an epoxy or rubber hammer; can't afford a good rawhide one) 2 cutting mats Dyes and liquids (and related items) I have are: Wool Daubers EvoStik Time Bond Contact Adhesive (haven't used it; not really sure when, how, or where one would use it) Carnauba Creme Gum Tragacanth Tan-Kote Neatsfoot Oil (Never used it, not quite sure what it's for) Leather Sheen 8 different dyes Hardware (and related items) I have are: Lots of scrap leather from Hobby Lobby; mostly small pieces. A couple different hammering tools 2 small anvils (one is damaged) O-Rings D-Rings TIny buckles Various rivets *Note: To describe the rivets and other hardware further might be challenging. I know I have some snaps, and I can set those properly. I have many tiny eyelets (the ones that mushroom out; one piece). I have a couple of grommets (2 pieces, brass look to them), but I don't believe I have any of the necessary setting tools. I have some single cap rivets I believe, but they are missing the male end I believe. I used all my copper rivets; even with improper tools, I made use of them (and I plan to purchase many more in the future. Any suggestions on what I'd want?). Aside from those, I have some other ones I'll call mystery rivets... I've got some that are long tubes (7/16 inch or so) that are unthreaded on the inside. I'm not sure how they're used. I've got other ones that look like grommets, but are non-flowering like the eyelets, and have a short shaft. I don't know if they're part of something. There's another kind that seems similar in for to the snaps, but is missing a 4th piece. They are definitely different from the standard ones; one cap has a little piece of metal lifted up, another part has tiny holes and grooves on it, maybe implying that it's supposed to change shape when tooled. Another kind I have are only few in number, but they're flat-bottomed, have a moderate/small sized shaft, and have a tiny hole at the end of the shaft. Lastly, I've got some solid ones that I have no idea how to set. They have long shafts, end in a dome on one end, and about 2/3 of the way down from the dome have a disc solidly on the item. It may be related to a Sam Brown rivet, but I am unsure. I also have several split pins, but I don't know if they're related to leatherworking at all. Those are all the leatherworking related items I have at my disposal currently. I do not know how to sew leather, and I am not quite sure where to start. All the items I've seen sewn so far have been with very thin leather, and I hardly to never work with thin leather. Can anyone suggest some hand tools for me to use? I did some brief research and though about buying, but I have no idea where to start. I cannot afford machinery, but hand tools might work. I have dyed some leather a fair amount, and I've learned how to smooth edges and backs of leather well enough. So, as far as that goes, I have down the technique, just not the perfection. I can hammer rivets well, and I can cut leather just fine. But what I need now is information on leather weight, proper leather types, and other items needed for making basic armor for LARPing. I've got a friend who wants me to make him some armor. It doesn't need to protect much, and he's seeking form over function. I also want to sell at other LARPing conventions. More details on armor: My friend Geoff has commissioned me to make him a set of armor consisting of: pauldrons (shoulder armor) that go from arm-to-arm over the shoulders, covering the arms up to the elbows; greaves (shin armor) that go up to the knees, but don't cover them too much (I have this part mostly done, should I post photos?); sabatons (foot armor) that cover the instep of the foot, and covers the ankle bone on either side; and that largest part being the breastplate (front body armor), which only needs to cover the chest, the belly, part of the sides, the collarbone, and little to none of the lower back. He also told me that a long term project I could do with him would be a plumed helmet. Another one would be a Romanesque skirt. The overall look he's going for would be somewhat similar to a roman soldier with a mix of some medieval aspects. It does not need to be historically correct, just similar in its look. What I'm not worried about is making the whole project aesthetically pleasing. Geoff said he doesn't mind nicks and damages to the leather, as long as the overall product is good. It can be made of lots of straps and things on it without much worry. What matters is that it looks good, fits semi-comfortably, and is thick enough to protect against foam swords (they can actually hit fairly hard, should I get 7-8, 8-9, or 9-10 oz leather?) For reference, Geoff is a pretty big guy; he's about 6' 2" and weighs around 230 lbs. What I seek to learn: What I really need to know now is what kind of leather I should purchase. To cover the pauldrons, sabatons, and breastplate, I hope to spend less than $175 on leather. I'd like to purchase leather that's bleached or white so I can dye it easily to my liking. So, what suggested weight (oz) leather should I grab, what specific type of leather should I grab (rawhide?), and where should I get it? I have a Federal Tax ID #, so I can purchase from wholesale suppliers, but I don't know if I'd be purchasing enough for the venture to be worth it, or if I should just stick with eBay or wherever you guys suggest. I currently have only a catalog from Weaver (thoughts on the company?), and I'm curious where I should go from here. Overall list of questions: Important: What leather weight do I want for making pauldrons, sabatons, and a breastplate? What type of leather do I want for making pauldrons, sabatons, and a breastplate? What amount of leather would I want for making pauldrons, sabatons, and a breastplate? Where should I purchase my leather? What other leather related items should I purchase? Not as important, but still curious: Should I post pictures of my leather progress and various works? Should I post pictures of the mystery rivets? What tools should I get for copper rivets? When is leather adhesive used? When is stitching used in leatherwork? Is stitching the same as sewing (if not, when is sewing used in leatherwork?)? Any ideas on what the mystery rivets were? (Sorry if some questions seem like they can just be googled; I really prefer to ask people because it allows me to respond for clarification.) Thanks much for reading all this. If any parts need clarifying, please let me know! This is a large project for me, and I hope to learn a lot from it!

Hello! So, this is my first post on leatherworker.net, and I have quite a few questions regarding leather weight, purchase inquiries, leather types, and copper rivets. But first, some background... My name is Caracal Keithrafferty, and I'm located right by Milwaukee, WI. I made my first large purchase of leather tools, dyes, and hardware late last summer. The tools I have are: Knives V-Gouge Awl Edge Beveler (Sz. 3) Parallel Stitch Groover 2 Overstitch Wheels (Sz. 5 + 6) Bone Folder Edge Slicker Wood Hammer (I was considering an epoxy or rubber hammer; can't afford a good rawhide one) 2 cutting mats Dyes and liquids (and related items) I have are: Wool Daubers EvoStik Time Bond Contact Adhesive (haven't used it; not really sure when, how, or where one would use it) Carnauba Creme Gum Tragacanth Tan-Kote Neatsfoot Oil (Never used it, not quite sure what it's for) Leather Sheen 8 different dyes Hardware (and related items) I have are: Lots of scrap leather from Hobby Lobby; mostly small pieces. A couple different hammering tools 2 small anvils (one is damaged) O-Rings D-Rings TIny buckles Various rivets *Note: To describe the rivets and other hardware further might be challenging. I know I have some snaps, and I can set those properly. I have many tiny eyelets (the ones that mushroom out; one piece). I have a couple of grommets (2 pieces, brass look to them), but I don't believe I have any of the necessary setting tools. I have some single cap rivets I believe, but they are missing the male end I believe. I used all my copper rivets; even with improper tools, I made use of them (and I plan to purchase many more in the future. Any suggestions on what I'd want?). Aside from those, I have some other ones I'll call mystery rivets... I've got some that are long tubes (7/16 inch or so) that are unthreaded on the inside. I'm not sure how they're used. I've got other ones that look like grommets, but are non-flowering like the eyelets, and have a short shaft. I don't know if they're part of something. There's another kind that seems similar in for to the snaps, but is missing a 4th piece. They are definitely different from the standard ones; one cap has a little piece of metal lifted up, another part has tiny holes and grooves on it, maybe implying that it's supposed to change shape when tooled. Another kind I have are only few in number, but they're flat-bottomed, have a moderate/small sized shaft, and have a tiny hole at the end of the shaft. Lastly, I've got some solid ones that I have no idea how to set. They have long shafts, end in a dome on one end, and about 2/3 of the way down from the dome have a disc solidly on the item. It may be related to a Sam Brown rivet, but I am unsure. I also have several split pins, but I don't know if they're related to leatherworking at all. Those are all the leatherworking related items I have at my disposal currently. I do not know how to sew leather, and I am not quite sure where to start. All the items I've seen sewn so far have been with very thin leather, and I hardly to never work with thin leather. Can anyone suggest some hand tools for me to use? I did some brief research and though about buying, but I have no idea where to start. I cannot afford machinery, but hand tools might work. I have dyed some leather a fair amount, and I've learned how to smooth edges and backs of leather well enough. So, as far as that goes, I have down the technique, just not the perfection. I can hammer rivets well, and I can cut leather just fine. But what I need now is information on leather weight, proper leather types, and other items needed for making basic armor for LARPing. I've got a friend who wants me to make him some armor. It doesn't need to protect much, and he's seeking form over function. I also want to sell at other LARPing conventions. More details on armor: My friend Geoff has commissioned me to make him a set of armor consisting of: pauldrons (shoulder armor) that go from arm-to-arm over the shoulders, covering the arms up to the elbows; greaves (shin armor) that go up to the knees, but don't cover them too much (I have this part mostly done, should I post photos?); sabatons (foot armor) that cover the instep of the foot, and covers the ankle bone on either side; and that largest part being the breastplate (front body armor), which only needs to cover the chest, the belly, part of the sides, the collarbone, and little to none of the lower back. He also told me that a long term project I could do with him would be a plumed helmet. Another one would be a Romanesque skirt. The overall look he's going for would be somewhat similar to a roman soldier with a mix of some medieval aspects. It does not need to be historically correct, just similar in its look. What I'm not worried about is making the whole project aesthetically pleasing. Geoff said he doesn't mind nicks and damages to the leather, as long as the overall product is good. It can be made of lots of straps and things on it without much worry. What matters is that it looks good, fits semi-comfortably, and is thick enough to protect against foam swords (they can actually hit fairly hard, should I get 7-8, 8-9, or 9-10 oz leather?) For reference, Geoff is a pretty big guy; he's about 6' 2" and weighs around 230 lbs. What I seek to learn: What I really need to know now is what kind of leather I should purchase. To cover the pauldrons, sabatons, and breastplate, I hope to spend less than $175 on leather. I'd like to purchase leather that's bleached or white so I can dye it easily to my liking. So, what suggested weight (oz) leather should I grab, what specific type of leather should I grab (rawhide?), and where should I get it? I have a Federal Tax ID #, so I can purchase from wholesale suppliers, but I don't know if I'd be purchasing enough for the venture to be worth it, or if I should just stick with eBay or wherever you guys suggest. I currently have only a catalog from Weaver (thoughts on the company?), and I'm curious where I should go from here. Overall list of questions: Important: What leather weight do I want for making pauldrons, sabatons, and a breastplate? What type of leather do I want for making pauldrons, sabatons, and a breastplate? What amount of leather would I want for making pauldrons, sabatons, and a breastplate? Where should I purchase my leather? What other leather related items should I purchase? Not as important, but still curious: Should I post pictures of my leather progress and various works? Should I post pictures of the mystery rivets? What tools should I get for copper rivets? When is leather adhesive used? When is stitching used in leatherwork? Is stitching the same as sewing (if not, when is sewing used in leatherwork?)? Any ideas on what the mystery rivets were? (Sorry if some questions seem like they can just be googled; I really prefer to ask people because it allows me to respond for clarification.) Thanks much for reading all this. If any parts need clarifying, please let me know! This is a large project for me, and I hope to learn a lot from it!