Open workshop reference
Tutorials
Follow along step by step. Several tutorials embed a video from an experienced leatherworker alongside the written instructions.
15 results
Applying a Top Finish or Sealant
Seal dyed or bare leather with an acrylic top finish to add water resistance and protect the color underneath.
Basic Swivel Knife Carving and Basket Stamping
Cut clean guide lines with a swivel knife and learn the basic basket-weave stamping pattern on cased veg-tan leather.
Beveling and Burnishing an Edge
Round over a raw cut edge and burnish it to a smooth, glassy finish using friction and a gum-based burnishing agent.
Dyeing Leather Evenly
Apply leather dye in even, streak-free coats using a sponge or wool dauber, building color gradually.
Edge Painting a Leather Edge
Apply edge paint to a flat leather edge for a smooth, colored, water-resistant finish as an alternative to burnishing.
Installing a Snap Fastener
Set a four-piece Line 24 snap fastener into leather for a durable, reusable closure.
Installing Chicago Screws and Attaching a Buckle
Use Chicago screws to attach a belt buckle or join leather layers with hardware that can be removed and reattached.
Making a Paper Pattern and Transferring It to Leather
Draft a paper pattern with seam allowance and transfer it accurately onto leather before cutting.
Making a Simple Leather Card Holder
Build a basic two-pocket card holder end to end, tying together cutting, gluing, saddle stitching, and edge finishing.
Saddle Stitching by Hand
Learn the two-needle saddle stitch, the standard hand-sewing technique for durable leather goods.
Setting Rivets in Leather
Punch holes and set double cap rivets to join leather layers quickly and permanently without stitching.
Skiving Leather for Folds and Seams
Thin down leather at folds, laps, and seams so they bend cleanly and stitch without excess bulk.
Squaring Up and Cutting Straight Lines
Learn to square a hide corner and cut clean, straight lines with a straightedge and rotary cutter or head knife.
Wet-Molding and Casing Leather for Tooling
Control moisture in vegetable-tanned leather so it holds crisp tooling impressions or a molded three-dimensional shape.
Whip Stitching an Edge with Lacing
Lace over an edge with the whip stitch, a decorative and protective wrapped stitch used on wallets, pouches, and bag edges.