Search the Community

Hey leathercrafters of reddit! I'm a complete beginner in leatherworking and my end goal is to make a cute purse for my spouse, watch straps and a dopp kit for myself. I have watched videos and I'm reading about the basics, and I want to set my foot in there. I would greatly appreciate tips, tricks, advice, maybe even links? I have a budget of about 200$ to begin with and hopefully make it with the purse, or at least. In terms of tools, I only own rulers a cutting mat and small knives (like x-acto knives). In geographical terms I'd rather use European suppliers to aid with lower shipping costs to me. To be specific, she likes leather products from the big brands, with finishes like the Saffiano, Epi and Epsom leathers. I know it's standardized leather and I might have to put a good penny on it by itself? I'd like to make a lightweight bag, yet have it hold shape and stiffness. I want to add a lining too, but I went lost in all the options. the watch straps I'd like are simple, yet I want them to be comfortable to wear in terms of material that lays on the skin. I'd like to make a dopp kit that js waterproof (or at least splash proof) lined with something soft. I know I'd need a mallet, pricking irons, needles, thread, probably edge dying and finishing supplies, and probably some more tools and supplies. Is there a type of leather, supply, thread, tool etc to avoid? Anything I can cheap out on? Things that are worth the investment? I'd appreciate any and all inputs! Thanks in advance!

Hi guys, ive been doing leather work for a number of years now and am wanting to take on my first saddle. I live in a country where there aren’t many teachers - or resources. So I was wondering if anyone could recommend where I could buy some patterns/templates? also any recommendations on tutorials etc would be greatly appreciated. I have been binge watching whatever I can find on YouTube for the last few months. again, any tips and advice appreciate!! thanks in advance.

Hi everyone! I am planning to buy a sewing machine for a small business that I will start preferably next year. The sewing machines that have been offered to me are the following: 1. Juki DU 141NH 2. Juki DU 1181N 3. Mitsubishi LY2-300 BOB The machine that I need must be able to handle medium to heavy materials (I’ll be using a combination of canvas fabric and leather), as I’ll be making bags (backpack, small pouches and totebags). Also, the machine must be user-friendly and if changes need to be done, the machine parts must be easy to source. Each of the machine is being offered to me at $650.00. So I really need guys your expertise and recommendations as I am very new to this thing so my money and first sewing machine will be worth it! Looking forward for your suggestions. Have a good day everyone!

I'm a hobbyist who makes reproductions of film, game, and television costumes for attending conventions and entering competitions. I have been sewing for 6 years now and have had a pretty good success rate and am comfortable sewing fabric but want to expand the range of skills I have. The next costume I have my eye on making contains a lot of leather and I know I will need the appropriate sewing machine to get it done properly and work with more leather in the future. I do have machines some sites advertise as being 'appropriate' for leather such as my singer 4423 and my all-metal Bernina 1008S but | really doubt their capabilities on thicker fabric and the number of broken needles that would involve. From what I have read I know I need to be looking at a walking foot machine with a compound feed and a servo motor, for garment sewing I want a flatbed, my issue comes from my student's budget of around £600 (I am from the UK) which I know is not a lot and I am looking at 2nd hand machines. As I am making garments my leather shouldn't be too thick, I have attached an image of the first project I wish to embark on as an example, however, I do need to occasionally work on things such as holsters and belts so I guess a machine with an ability to sew a wider range of fabric would be better. Although I know each machine has a range that it is suitable for so may not be able to do everything I want, I am fine hand-stitching small pieces like bags, belts and holsters if the machine I got couldn't handle it (as I am on my current project: Dolores from Westworld). I have a friend who used to work at a leather store and now runs her own small leather goods business, and the grandmother of my boyfriend who worked making leather goods all her life as people to turn to for advice on choosing leather for my projects as I don't have much insight myself as I'm still learning, I'm sorry I can't offer more information. These are some machines I have spotted on a quick ebay search that I may be able to afford, but I can't really risk buying something that I won't be able to use as I am a student and I'm not going to be able to get more money any time soon, especially with no competitions running currently with the pandemic as I use my prize money to finance my hobby. Some have more details listed in descriptions than others: Juki DNU 1181 £650 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Juki-DNU-1181-Walking-Foot-Industrial-Sewing-Machine/174268045735?hash=item28932f59a7:g:FBMAAOSwvA9eovz9 Highlead GC-0318 £620 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HIGHLEAD-WALKING-FOOT-LEATHER-SEWING-MACHINE-SILENT-SERVOMOTOR-SPEED-CONTROL/263542363354? Jack H2-CZ £600 (this one looks computerized which makes me a bit nervous) https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jack-H2-CZ-Walking-Foot-Heavy-Duty-Direct-Drive-Industrial-Sewing-Machine/173998146449?hash=item2883190391:g:5ZIAAOSwvT1de8j5 Mitsubishi 4400 £650 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mitsubishi-4400-Walking-Foot-Industrial-Sewing-Machine/173922054095?hash=item287e8fefcf:g:ADoAAOSwcchdk3xf TYPICAL 0302 £650 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TYPICAL-0302-WALKING-FOOT-INDUSTRIAL-SEWING-MACHINE-WITH-SILENT-MOTOR-COMPLETE/263531054622 PFAFF 5487 £550+unknown shipping https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pfaff-Walking-Foot-Chain-Stich-Industrial-Sewing-Machine/264648067285?hash=item3d9e4108d5:g:f9gAAOSw07JeVmeF Seiko STW-8B £360 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Seiko-walking-foot-industrial-sewing-machine/133409704886?hash=item1f0fd68bb6:g:75gAAOSw1xZeu8LO Global ????? £400 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Single-Thread-Walking-Foot-Industrial-Sewing-Machine-great-energy-saving-motor/113766756298?hash=item1a7d06efca:g:EmEAAOSwUwtc79Iw Sunstar KM-560-7 £400 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/industrial-walking-foot-sewing-machine-Sunstar-KM-560-7/114090115062?hash=item1a904cfff6:g:IH0AAOSw4tJeMYgq Sorry for the long, winding vagueness of this post and how little information I can provide, I would appreciate any recommendations, advice, corrections you can give me in regards to choosing a machine, maintaining one or leather sewing in general. Thank you for any help you give me! I have also read the pinned 'The Type Of Sewing Machine You Need To Sew Leather' and a couple of other relevant posts

The bug has bit me. 30 years too late. Thank you YouTube for the discovery of my new-found passion. And for putting a sizable dent in my checking account. I have so many questions, so many ideas and a scrap heap of bad carving. But it's great fun and I've already learned so many things from my mistakes. Been a guitar player since I was a kid and the part of leathercraft that intrigues me the most is, like an instrument, the ability to develop ones own style. Look forward to being part of this community and developing my skill to the point of being able to help others. Dave

I am beginner, just starting my hobby craft on leather, got few basic tools and materials including a sheet of leather. There are few things I want to know first 1. leather sheet looks bit old. Surface doesn’t have its original finish it is little dull. How to restore it? Needs to be treated before cut it or after. What kind of tools and materials can be used?

Hello everyone, Brand new to leather craft here. I've barely scratched the surface (no pun intended) and I'm already addicted. My stamping is horrible but it was fun. I'm looking forward to practicing some hand stitching. I'm broke so im.buying tools slowly, but getting there. Thanks for the community!

I'm looking at the following tools to start with. I already have knives,( I'm a knife hoarder,lol) cutting mat from other projects, so these are the entry level items I think I should get. Please give me your honest thoughts gathered from your expierences. Thanks, Chris, the CrazeeOkie https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075R9SNPZ/?coliid=I2A4U775QMFEYO&colid=GWRZ2K5OXYQ7&psc=0&re https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HD3PQTJ/?coliid=I2NNNEMN8OQ3JQ&colid=GWRZ2K5OXYQ7&psc=0&ref_=lv https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074YD8DXY/?coliid=I2GKYR50XU6XCS&colid=GWRZ2K5OXYQ7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Hello everyone I'm brand spanking new to leatherwork, having only ever made stuff (bags & tool rolls) out of canvas up until now. I'd like to progress into leather; making tool rolls and ditty bags to compliment my canvas ones. I'd also like to start making belts too. As with every other newbie I'm totally confused about the tools out there and what I need / don't need. I've read forum posts here, checked out websites and watched YouTube and have a rough idea of the basics. However, I also have a lot of questions and hope to find answer here. I understand the opinion of 'Buy The Best Tools You Can Afford', but I'm not 100% committed to the cause yet, so feel that shopping at Tandy here in the UK could be a good place to start. I read both good and bad things regarding Tandy, but to me the prices are affordable and the convenience of using one shop instead of sourcing tools from all over the world is preferable at this time. Am I making an error with this idea? I'm favouring the use of Tandy's Craftool Pro Stitching Chisels. I like the idea of punching neat, clean holes straight through the leather ready for stitching (and using a stitching awl for single holes in the corners). They had a favourable review from Armitage Leather so think they'll suit me just fine. My questions here are: If I use wing dividers to score a line in the leather do I really need a dedicated adjustable groover as well? Is it a handy enough tool to use elsewhere in projects? If I use a smooth-faced hammer / cobbler's hammer on the stitches afterwards do I need an overstitch wheel? Should I get a diamond awl as well? Just in case? I can't quite justify spending money of strap end punches, even though I can really see the benefit of them; quick, clean cuts every time! I'm thinking of using templates, just for now, instead. Would a head knife be the best choice in cutting the leather, or could I get away with a Stanley knife / box cutter? I think that's the main questions I have for now. Thanks for taking your time to read this far. All the best. Pic attached in the kind of thing I make now and would like to try in leather.

I want to begin sewing leather clothing and bags, in addition to heaving fabric. I've been reading and researching but still unsure of the right machinery. I know I want a walking foot machine with a servo motor, and I think I want a cylinder arm to give me the ability to sew round objects and sleeves, etc. I think a double needle would be helpful, but not sure if it's vital and appears to be difficult to find with a cylinder arm.Also, torn between various brands: Consew, Cobra, Cowboy, Thor and TechSew appear to be good choices. Please share advice on all. Thanks!

Hi, newbie here trying to cobble together my starter kit and need some help! I'm interested in making small leather items like wallets and bracelets for a hobby and as special gifts for friends/relatives, having been inspired recently by Jim Linnell's tutorials. I'm honestly a lot more interested in developing my skills in the carving/stamping part, my end goal is to be able to carve out my own illustrations onto leather, if I ever get good enough. So far, I have these picked out from LCT: Kyoshin Elle Pro Swivel Knife + blade Diamond Awl (Small) Pronged Chisels 2mm 1 & 4 prongs Other tools like needles, wing dividers, dyes, etc. I'll be hunting for in my local area (I'm in SE Asia). At the moment, I really need some help regarding a core stamp list to learn the Sheridan style. I've added the 6 stamping tools listed under the Basic Leather Carving Tutorial stickied in this subforum, and added a few choice picks of my own. Camouflage C431 Veiner V407 Background A104 Mule Foot U858 Seeder S722 Beveler B702F Beveler B701F Pear Shader P233 Pear Shader P206 Beveler B892-C Beveler B60 Is there anything in that stamp list that I can do without? I'm already way over budget and I still need to buy a lot of other things from local shops. I thought maybe I'd need a minimum of 2 sizes of bevelers, 2 of pear shaders, and a few undercut bevelers to start with. Can I just make do with one of each, and if so, which beveler, pear shader, and undercut beveler from the choices on that site would be better? (Preferably around the Y900 range) I'm also wondering if I'm better off just buying one of those budget Chinese stamp tool sets. I hear the quality isn't good and that the tools break or deform, so I've been really hesitant to go that route. Considering I'm still just a beginner though, maybe it's better value for money at my stage? Would also appreciate anyone looking over the rest of my starter kit, if it's not too much trouble: Swivel knife + blade Awl Pronged chisels 2mm, 1+4 prongs Stylus w/ modeling spoon Jeweller's rouge Mallet/maul Cutting mat Rubber mat or poly cutting board Tracing paper Needles Thread Large box cutter X-Acto Blade Wing divider Cobbler's hammer Edge creaser Edge burnisher Metal + transparent rulers Leather dyes + stains Leather finish Dense sponge Leather glue Spray bottle Vegetable-tanned leather 2mm (outer work/carving) Vegetable-tanned leather 1mm (inner work) Leather cords 2mm Would love to know if I left anything out, or if there are things I can remove to ease the budget. I'm pretty excited to get into this, but I don't want to be careless about my first purchases, especially considering my tight budget. Sorry for the lengthy first post! Thanks in advance for any help. (Posted an earlier version of this yesterday on Reddit, but I took down the post and made an updated version here instead. Apologies if this seems a little familiar!)

Hi I'm very new to working leather, like I don't even have any tools yet. I have been given a bag of sofa leather off cuts. I wondered if anyone had any ideas of what to do with it. My goal in leather work is to make wallets craved with my tattoo designs. While I know I'm a long way off from that and this leather isn't right for craving. Could I use it for wallet interiors? Thanks in advance any help would be greatly appreciated

A few relatively recent creations. Concho wallet, Tobacco pouch, axe sheath with my custom made branding iron.

Hello all! I've recently taken in interested in leathercraft and would love some advice from others as to where I should start, particularly when it comes to figuring out which leather I should be buying. So far I've just been practicing carving, stitching, and dyeing and have made a tooled passport cover which some veg tanned leather I bought on Amazon -- which I will never do again! The leather was stiff and very difficult to stamp and carve. It almost seemed like there was some kind of coating on it as it. I see now why it was so cheap... As an avid horse person, my interests are in definitely tack making, so I'd like to start making simple projects such as wither straps, bronc halters, spur straps, and eventually headstalls. I've seen a few people suggest harness leather for projects such as these, I also see "bridle leather" available on several online leather supply stores. Is there much of a difference? What kind of thickness should I be using for these projects? Can anyone recommend the best type (and brand) of leather for projects like this that won't break the bank? Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!

Hey all, Started binge watching some leathercraft videos on YouTube and got me hooked to the point I had to try it. I've made 3 wallets so far, the first 2 based on a free pattern online, one having the outline of a business logo on the back, the card holder was my own design but admittedly its a very simple one! Attempting a vertical wallet tonight for a friend of mines birthday, love to see what you guys think and offer any advice

It's a design from one of those Al Stohlman stencils, I'm not designing my own yet. It's 9oz leather. It just doesn't look right. I feel like I'm doing something wrong. I used to have an issue where I was tooling with the leather way too wet, so I stopped doing that and all my work looks improved, but I still feel like something is not "clicking"? Like I'm missing something about this. I have most of the Al Stohlman books including Figure Carving Finesse. Sometimes it's a bit overwhelming and confusing though, and most of all I wish I could see his work in real life, because I stare at the flat photos in the books and I wonder how deep the cuts are and such...and sometimes it's hard to make out what effect he's trying to teach? I feel like I need to see and touch to really understand, but that's not possible...I don't know any leatherworkers in my area either. I feel like maybe I'm striking too hard or cutting too deep? Beveling too deep? Using the wrong bevelers? Stohlman recommends certain specific bevelers for figure carving, but I don't have those exact ones (yet). I have these straight bevelers, B935 and the bigger/wider version of that one. Will it really look THAT much better if I use the triangle-shaped "figure bevelers" Stohlman says to use? Also I don't know what Stohlman means when he talks about using the modeling tool to "smooth and round off edges" of the beveling. Like, I see this ledge that occurs when you bevel, but I don't really understand how to make it round, when I try to use the modeling tool on it it just feels like I'm making the image less dynamic and pressing the edges down so they don't stand out as much. idk if that makes sense. Obviously the lines inside the animal (supposed to be muscle definition) is a hot mess. Also I suppose I should add some fur texture? So idk. Any and all advice and critique is welcomed. I kinda like how this turned out because I really like working with thick leather, it allows a lot of depth which is fun, but I still feel like I'm not understanding something about it.

This is my first and only leather project so far, used 2 tandy stamps and a swivel knife I had found at a garage sale. I am extremely excited all ready about learning the craft! Also I take criticism extremely well!

hi everyone, I did start to learn leather carving, i do have These Tools 3.day now. I do have over 10years experiences with leather bags, but this is something completely new and exciting for me. I think, i do make somewhere huge mistakes: either with not enough depth of a cut or also this can be using of wrong hammer maybe ? I do sending some Pictures, would be very glad for your help. have a nice Weekend, Sling

Hello, I am looking at buying my second sewing machine and need help, I have never used a machine before so I am looking for something that's user friendly has a servo motor and a speed reducer. I had bought a jack sewing machine over a year ago paid $1850.00 for it and never been able to use it, can't figure out how to thread properly I had it threaded once before and it sewed but the it had a bird's nest on the bottom of the leather never been able to fix that, now when sewing it does about 2 stitches and the top thread breaks so I don't know if it's still bird nest's on the bottom the machine has become such a head ache that it just sits there. There's no youtube video's on it I called and e-mailed the company I bought it from and no help was given from them at all so I e-mailed the manufacturer with no help at all from them either. I know I need a walking foot industrial and I have it figured out down to 2 machines the cobra class 4 and the cowboy 4500 price wise both machines are the same for the package I am looking at. I make a large variety of products mainly use veg tan, english bridle and suede for lining. I need to be able to sew from 2 oz to about 18 oz. I have chosen these 2 machines because they are cylinder base with flat table accessory when needed and have a throat length of 16 1/2 as I make anywhere from wallets, bags, holsters etc. I would like input on these machines and how well they do the job I need. What are the pros and cons and what are the experiences people have with the company they bought it from. Any help is greatly appreciated thank you in advance.

I'm just getting started in leather working and I've got questions about cutting. Some of the shapes I'm needing have curves and angles. I'm using 8-9oz leather and a husky razor knife. I'm having trouble following my trace and leaving little cut "burrs" when I have to re-cut over a line due to thickness or not staying in the line. 1. Can someone recommend a different tool or method? 2. Will an edge slicker sufficiently smooth those cut burrs? Thanks for any help.

I'm not so much a beginner in leatherwork itself. But i am a newb on selling handmade leather goods. I'm looking for advice as to how to start a buisness. I tried selling on etsy and it went ok but it wasn't really a buisness. Does anyone have any ideas on where i could start? There is this farmers market every saturday in my city and i was thinking I could try selling there. Im open to any ideas whether it be online or out in the real world. What worked for you?

Hi, I am new to leatherworking. I have bought an old saddle for almost nothing, and I am taking it apart and refurbishing it, and (hopefully) putting it back together. I need lots of help with types of leather, what glue to use, how to stitch, what type of shearling to use, and I'm sure I'll have more questions in the future. I am happy to have found this community and all of you experienced folks.

Hello everyone, I am a beginner to leather working. I have done some hand sewing, but I am now considering buying a sewing machine, and I am looking for help knowing what to buy. I am hoping to keep the budget under $500, but I really don't know how much one needs to spend. I would prefer to spend less if that is possible. I was looking at walking foot sewing machines and thinking that would be a good idea, but you tell me if you think it's worth the upgrade. I am thinking of buying something used off of ebay or somewhere, but I wanted to ask the experts first. Thank you for your help! -Cole

Does anybody have this stencil or something similar to it? The letters are very small. So I'm just thinking, are you supposed to press these into the leather and then do nothing else, and the words will just stay there even though they're shallow? Even after dying and finishing? They are way too small to cut with a swivel knife. It would make it just look like a mess if I tried. So it just seems like maybe you just press them into the leather and you're done. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I'm going to bind carved leather journals. I just need to know does anybody have suggestions about what type of paper to use, and where to buy it from. They will be a little shorter than your traditional Moleskine notebook but about the same width, idk if that matters. I was going to maybe just use printer paper and trim it to size but idk if maybe I should be using something nicer since they're handmade and all (if you think it's fine to use printer paper let me know though!) Also, if anybody knows of any good tutorials for different binding methods that would also be nice (I already know a couple but I'm always looking for different options). I will not be doing any super involved/advanced bindings though, I'm mostly just interested in the kind where you sew the paper into the spine with waxed thread.