Leather crafting and leather goods have long been an important part of the fashion industry. If you’re interested in trying your own hand at leather craft, keep reading! Like any new skill, leather craft will take time to perfect, but these tips will help you on your way to finishing a successful leather crafting project.
Decide What You’re Going To Make
Before you rush to the store and purchase your materials, you’ll need to decide what you’re going to make. You don’t want to overbuy materials or forget an essential clasp or bracket and have to make a second trip.
Items like belts or leather bookmarks make good first projects, as they are simpler in nature. But if those aren’t sparking your interest, maybe these five leather crafting ideas will.
Gather Your Tools and Materials
There are many different leather crafting tools out there, and what you’ll need depends on what project you have in mind. Some essentials include an awl, cutting tools, sewing tools, and a maul.
An awl allows you to punch or sew through the leather. A maul is a tool similar to a mallet, and you can use it to set rivets and more. Cutting and sewing tools portion the leather into the correct sizes and stitch it together.
You’ll also need to purchase the leather you’d like to work with. Be sure to purchase enough material to allow for mistakes in measurements and cuts.
Ask for Help When You Need It
As you’re learning a new skill, there may be moments when you aren’t sure what to do next. Remember that it’s perfectly OK to ask for help!
As leather isn’t as common of a crafting material as others, you may not have any friends who can help. Fortunately, the craft stores where you buy your materials are often brimming with other crafty individuals. It’s worth inquiring if the staff have any experience with leather working. Some craft stores even host classes that you can take!
If that doesn’t work, the internet has hundreds of videos available. There are plenty of experienced leather workers who document every part of their process, ensuring you can follow along and complete the same project.
With these tips, your first leather crafting project is sure to be successful.
