For Christmas one year, I was a gifted a beautiful tool belt that was sold by the popular flower farm Floret. In the cut flower world, Erin Benzakain is “the bee’s knees”, so if she’s going to sell a custom belt that holds your floral snips, or any other tools you may need while harvesting flowers, then you’re going to want one.
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I treasured this belt because it did indeed house my Felco clippers quite nicely. Also, it had a slim design, unlike the (much cheaper) nylon gardening tool belt my husband had gifted me that same year.
Unfortunately, the dog we had at the time decided it would be fun to chew up my prized toolbelt. I was so distraught! This belt was beautiful, functional, and expensive. How in the world could I afford another one?
So, I came up with a solution. I purchased a cheap leather sewing awl from Hobby Lobby and decided to bust out that old scrap bag of leather pieces I had previously bought from an online jewelry supply store for $5.00.
The results were… meh. But it worked! My belt was not beautiful, but at least it was functional once more. I’ve been using it since then. I do lose items out of the bottom sometimes because its not exactly secure, but my sewing skills have improved since then. A new toolbelt is in my future!
This whole experience was the starting point to my interest in leatherwork. After the dog’s destruction, I asked for a small leather kit for Christmas the next year. Then, the Christmas after that, I decided it would be fun to make some things out of leather for my friends and family.
Getting Started in Leather Work
I’ve learned that there is much to learn about leathercraft. Stitching, lacing, cutting, choosing the right leather, where to order from, hardware, tools for the hardware, tools for lacing, tools for cutting, tools for making holes… It can be quite overwhelming when you’re getting started.
First off, I think it is best to start cheap. Quality tools are quality tools, but if you’re unsure that you’ll stick with leatherwork, I think buying a cheap kit like this one is the way to go. It has almost everything you may need to get started.
Choosing Leather
Next up, it is time to choose some leather. Now, it depends on what kind of project you’ll be undertaking.
- Are you making moccasins?
- Are you making belts?
- Are you making a knife sheath?
- Are you making a tool belt?
Each of these items will require a different weight of leather.
Leather is usually measured and sold in ounces, which corresponds to the thickness of the leather.
- 2 to 3 oz – lining for bags, wallets
- 4 to 6 oz – moccasins, shoes, purses, aprons, chaps
- 7 to 8 oz – belts, sheaths, dog collars, holsters, straps
- 9 to 11 oz – heavy duty belts, halters, gun belts
- 12 oz & up – soles, heels, bridles, harnesses, other tack
Keep in mind that the type of animal and the way it is tanned will make a huge difference in the softness and pliability of the leather, too. Sometimes you may purchase a few different leathers with the same thickness and they look, act, and feel completely different.
Cutting Leather
Once you have your leather, you’ll want to cut out your project. There are all sorts of fancy leather knives, but all you’ll needs is a utility knife with some extra blades. Replace the blades as they get dull.
You can purchase patterns for all sorts of things through places like Etsy, independent leatherworkers, or leather supply stores. I like to either draw or print my patter on cardstock. Patterns help you cut straight lines or smooth curves. It is not foolproof, but it will be much better than free-handing it.
Stitching Leather
Whatever you’re making, you will likely be handstitching. Forget the sewing machine that’s in the back of your closet that you use to sew the occasional apron or dress or shirt. A machine like that will not be able to handle the thickness of the leather you will likely be sewing. Of course, it depends on the project, but more than likely you will end up damaging your machine or damaging the leather.
Handstitching works just fine, but you’ll have to use pricking irons or an awl to make your holes first before you sew with a needle and thread. If you’ve already bought your cheap kit, you’re in luck! It usually comes with pricking irons and an awl.
Most projects require the saddle stitch. If you want to learn more about the saddle stitch, watch this video from Weaver Leather Supply. Chuck Dorsett is a fantastic teacher!
Leather Hardware
You may have to purchase some additional hardware like rivets, grommets, eyelets, snaps, buckles, or rings. These are all easy to find or easy to order. A word to the wise: cheaper is not always better! I’ve wasted a lot of money on cheap grommets.
Get started in leathercraft and build from there.
Everything I shared here will help you take the first step. You have to take the first step in order to get to the end result–a handmade, heart-driven, one-of-a-kind leather piece.
Remember, beauty does not always equal function and function does not always equal beauty.
Are you a leather crafter already or are you just getting started?
What leather projects are you eager to try? Have you worked with leather before?
Let us know in the comments!
