Where To Start?

[dogguy]

What would an easy first attempt be? and any video tutorial showing an easy first attempt?

Also what tools should I order for my first try?

[Tugadude]

I would suggest you not invest in too many tools to begin with. You probably have many already that you can use until you decide whether you want to progress in the craft/hobby. Do you have a Tandy store near you? They can be of help to beginners.

Tandy sells small bags of leather trimmings. You can buy them cheaply and have lots of pieces to craft small projects with.

As far as a first project, how about a key fob? Or a bracelet? There are a lot of easy to make leather projects featured here. Search the various sub-forums.

Even a simple key fob can teach you cutting, edge finishing and stitching skills.

I assume you might already have an X-acto knife or other razor knife? Edging/burnishing can be accomplished with many items found around the home. Stitching holes can be spaced with a common fork and holes made with a nail or drill bit.

If you want to purchase tools, Tandy and Springfield Leather Co. Can help.

I just caution against buying a bunch of tools that a few months from now you decide you didn't really need or aren't happy with.

Youtube has tons of beginner leatherworking videos. Search around. Good luck!

Edited July 29, 2015 by Tugadude

[club49]

I would suggest you not invest in too many tools to begin with. You probably have many already that you can use until you decide whether you want to progress in the craft/hobby. Do you have a Tandy store near you? They can be of help to beginners.

Tandy sells small bags of leather trimmings. You can buy them cheaply and have lots of pieces to craft small projects with.

As far as a first project, how about a key fob? Or a bracelet? There are a lot of easy to make leather projects featured here. Search the various sub-forums.

Even a simple key fob can teach you cutting, edge finishing and stitching skills.

I assume you might already have an X-acto knife or other razor knife? Edging/burnishing can be accomplished with many items found around the home. Stitching holes can be spaced with a common fork and holes made with a nail or drill bit.

If you want to purchase tools, Tandy and Springfield Leather Co. Can help.

I just caution against buying a bunch of tools that a few months from now you decide you didn't really need or aren't happy with.

Youtube has tons of beginner leatherworking videos. Search around. Good luck!

The above is great advise, I found myself getting in way over my head. I became addicted with purchasing tools.

[dogguy]

I'm in the UK so dont have those stores, I really have no idea, ill go watch some videos

I really want to make bags

[Tugadude]

http://www.armitageleather.com

Watch Nigel's videos on Youtube, he covers all of the basic skills you need and his stitching explanations are superb.

You might want to purchase his patterns, especially the small shoulder bag. It is a beautiful, basic case that teaches a lot of processes including measuring, cutting, edging, stitching and how to fashion gussets. He has a video up, but if you can, purchase his instructions. Helps repay him for the useful work he publishes that is available to the masses.

In addition to the bag, he also has a video on a basic wallet. Great starter project!

There are some great leather outlets in the UK. Lots of leatherworkers here that live in the UK and hopefully they can help with various sources.

Good luck!

[Tugadude]

BTW, Nigel is on Facebook. Perhaps you could reach out to him and ask about sources?

[johnv474]

I don't know of a UK source besides Abbey England. There are certainly others. Look up the 20 minute tote (which is made of fabric, but gives you dimensions etc. Buy 4-5 ounce leather or so. You will need something to poke holes (a Saddlers awl in a handle), a few harness needles (John James #2 or so), some 0.6mm waxed nylon or polyester thread, a razor knife with many spare blades (change every day or so of work), a scratch awl, and a metal carpenters square. Some leathercraft glue or contact cement iis nice. Then you will need about 1 Sq meter of leather, but you may have to buy the entire piece. Pockets can be patch pockets, just a rectangle any size sewn on three sides in a straight line. To make the pockets open more, make the rectangle about 1 cm wider at each of the top two corners, but still stitch in a straight line. Test out your dimensions and designs with lifesize paper templates and tape/staples before cutting your leather. You'll probably want to mark your stiitch holes about every 4 mm apart (be consistent and go in straight lines using a ruler). Sew your pockets on first before sewing the body of the bag.