Getting Started in Leather Work
If you're curious on how to start learning leather work, I can help you with that.
First, you will need some tools. I started with cheap kits I got online. Most of the tools are junk, and you will waste your money. So buy what you can afford, but don't buy the cheapest. Here's a list of tools I recommend, starting out, and leather:
Utility Knife - get the knife with replaceable blades (the knife on the right). The other x-acto type knives will work as well. Available at most stores and online.
Metal ruler - with cork backing. Or buy a metal ruler, and some cork tape, and do it yourself. Necessary so the ruler doesn't slip when cutting.
Natural vegetable tanned leather - 2-3 oz, which equals 0.8 – 1.2 mm in thickness. Buy the "C" grade, as it is the cheapest, and you won't feel too bad ruining a piece.
Scratch Awl - Used to mark the leather, plus many, many other uses. Choose the smaller style.
Needles - John James, originally from England, now China, but still good. I recommend size 0 (1.1mm); you can use with 1mm sized thread or smaller.
Thread - I only use Ritza, start with a big spool of black, 1mm. It's not cheap, but it is some of the best waxed polyester thread you can buy. I buy the 1mm or .8mm. The smaller diameter is easier to stitch when you start out. You can also buy a tan or cream color to use with natural vegetable tanned leather, as it will blend in. Use the black thread mostly for practice, it will reveal your jagged stitching immediately.
Glue - There are many types, some hazardous. Start with the cheaper non toxic glue, you only need to put glue on one side. Later, Aqualim is a better choice comparable to rubber cement, but without nasty vapors.
Stitching Punch - I buy the six hole and two hole punches, 5mm size, my favorite. These two will work for nearly everything. Also buy a single hole punch, 1mm, for all those patterns where the spacing isn't even.
Self Healing Cutting Mat - These can get expensive, try to buy the biggest size you can afford. I shop at auction sites that sell Amazon returns; you can get a mat that is 4' x 3' for about $20 if you're lucky. Sewing or Hobby stores have these but they are not usually cheap. Minimum size, 24" x 18" in my opinion.
Wing Divider - Almost forgot this. Use this to measure things, and also to draw your stitching line. For me, I use pre-made patterns, so I don't often use the wing divider to create stitching lines, but it works to center holes as well. Buy one that is lined up correctly, read reviews before purchasing. (AI image for this one)
I am not an affiliate yet, so I'm just providing images of my own tools. You can do a google image search on my images if you like. Or find something similar on Amazon, Rock Mountain Leather Supply, Tandy Leather, and so forth.
Let me know if you have any comments. Open in new tab