A beginner with a hobby goal!

[DesertLeather]

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!

[zuludog]

Hello DesertLeather and welcome to the fun! ........ here are a few comments, I'm sure other members will come along with their own

Sounds like you already have some ideas, but YouTube will be very useful. Search for 'beginner's leather tools'; there are several videos, each one is similar but slightly different, showing the preference of the individual worker, but overall you'll get a good idea of what is needed

Search for making bags, wallets, watch straps and other item's you'd like and you'll see how other people do things and what they use

Your Xacto knives will be OK for thin leather, but for anything thicker than about 1,5mm you'll need something better/bigger/stronger. There are many different knives available, but to start with a Stanley/Utility/Box cutter will do the job. The blades are disposable, but you can resharpen them on a fine stone or abrasive paper. In fact blades often work better if they have been resharpened as this polishes the bevel of the cutting edge. Also use a strop, there are several YT videos on how to make one

Remember that YT videos are often made by experts, and you'll find that doing it yourself is not as easy as it looks! ...... So start with something simple like a key fob or a simple card holder, and build up from there. 

The leather you have named is very expensive, so learn on something that is cheaper, but still reasonable quality

Here are a few suppliers; there are others, but 1, 2, & 3 are good mid priced suppliers, and 4 has a wide range of leather so even if you don't buy anything from them you can see what is available

1) www.leather4craft.co.uk

2) www.artisanleather.co.uk

3) www.identityleathercraft.com

4) www.buyleatheronline.com

Don't be afraid of the suppliers! They know their stuff and are helpful, so ask their advice if you have a question

There is a tool to avoid - you sometimes see the 4 - in - 1 awl with interchangeable blades; it's not very good and it is expensive. You're better to buy two separate awls - 

A diamond/saddler's awl and a scratch/round awl.  Sometimes a saddler's awl is supplied as separate blade and handle/haft but It's easier to buy it ready assembled, though you will still need to sharpen & polish the blade yourself, there are videos. And a round awl is cheap enough 

Edited August 23, 2023 by zuludog

[tsunkasapa]

I would ask where you are. Rocky Mountain Leather carries some very nice European leathers. If you are Stateside there is no reason to go to all the expense of ordering from overseas.

Leather Tools & Supplies (rmleathersupply.com)

[SUP]

1 hour ago, DesertLeather said:

Hey leathercrafters of reddit!

Ahem. This is not reddit. This is leatherworker.net.

You will find very helpful people here who will give you a lot of guidance. 

[DesertLeather]

37 minutes ago, SUP said:

Ahem. This is not reddit. This is leatherworker.net.

You will find very helpful people here who will give you a lot of guidance. 

That is absolutely my mistake, I'm just reaching out to a few places.

Sorry for that!

[DesertLeather]

1 hour ago, tsunkasapa said:

I would ask where you are. Rocky Mountain Leather carries some very nice European leathers. If you are Stateside there is no reason to go to all the expense of ordering from overseas.

Leather Tools & Supplies (rmleathersupply.com)

I am from Israel so closer to Europe, though Rockey Mountain ships here (although around 40USD for shipping is hefty) and they seem to have really good leathers!

[DesertLeather]

1 hour ago, zuludog said:

Hello DesertLeather and welcome to the fun! ........ here are a few comments, I'm sure other members will come along with their own

Sounds like you already have some ideas, but YouTube will be very useful. Search for 'beginner's leather tools'; there are several videos, each one is similar but slightly different, showing the preference of the individual worker, but overall you'll get a good idea of what is needed

Search for making bags, wallets, watch straps and other item's you'd like and you'll see how other people do things and what they use

Your Xacto knives will be OK for thin leather, but for anything thicker than about 1,5mm you'll need something better/bigger/stronger. There are many different knives available, but to start with a Stanley/Utility/Box cutter will do the job. The blades are disposable, but you can resharpen them on a fine stone or abrasive paper. In fact blades often work better if they have been resharpened as this polishes the bevel of the cutting edge. Also use a strop, there are several YT videos on how to make one

Remember that YT videos are often made by experts, and you'll find that doing it yourself is not as easy as it looks! ...... So start with something simple like a key fob or a simple card holder, and build up from there. 

The leather you have named is very expensive, so learn on something that is cheaper, but still reasonable quality

Here are a few suppliers; there are others, but 1, 2, & 3 are good mid priced suppliers, and 4 has a wide range of leather so even if you don't buy anything from them you can see what is available

1) www.leather4craft.co.uk

2) www.artisanleather.co.uk

3) www.identityleathercraft.com

4) www.buyleatheronline.com

Don't be afraid of the suppliers! They know their stuff and are helpful, so ask their advice if you have a question

There is a tool to avoid - you sometimes see the 4 - in - 1 awl with interchangeable blades; it's not very good and it is expensive. You're better to buy two separate awls - 

A diamond/saddler's awl and a scratch/round awl.  Sometimes a saddler's awl is supplied as separate blade and handle/haft but It's easier to buy it ready assembled, though you will still need to sharpen & polish the blade yourself, there are videos. And a round awl is cheap enough 

Thank you for the elaborate response! 

I do go into this with humility, like I think is right with any new skill. I do have a little crafting background (a little calligraphy and illumination) so my initial thought was to make things to use myself, but I guess starting slow and simple would be the way.

I assumed those leathers wouldn't come cheap, and I guess starting with something more price-friendly would be right here. I still don't know much about the difference in workability, since her bags and purses are rather stiff, I thought it could make things easier or harder (I have no real idea here).

I have not run into those suppliers so that is wonderful to have a few more websites to observe! It helps me get an idea of what's out there.

Regarding the tools, again, really appreciate the advice!

Thank you again, it means a lot to me!

[SUP]

Saffiano is available at a very reasonable rate right now at Springfierld leather but that is in the US.  Since it is otherwise very expensive, you could talk to them and inquire about the rates for shipping to you. The total might still be more reasonable than buying it elsewhere and getting it shipped wherever you are,  in or around Europe. By 'reasonable' I mean that they have some colors at $20 a piece of 10-16 ft. Check their site and look through it. Some Saffiano colors  are more expensive but still cheaper than elsewhere.

[Burkhardt]

Putting your location in your profile will help for future questions. And if you are willing to spend money for expensive leather I'd suggest buying some cheaper leather to make a practice one. You would have a tough time finding anyone on here that did a first anything without a lot of mistakes.

[DesertLeather]

8 hours ago, SUP said:

Saffiano is available at a very reasonable rate right now at Springfierld leather but that is in the US.  Since it is otherwise very expensive, you could talk to them and inquire about the rates for shipping to you. The total might still be more reasonable than buying it elsewhere and getting it shipped wherever you are,  in or around Europe. By 'reasonable' I mean that they have some colors at $20 a piece of 10-16 ft. Check their site and look through it. Some Saffiano colors  are more expensive but still cheaper than elsewhere.

That sounds great! I will reach out, thank you!