Leather crafting has been one of mankind’s oldest skills. From hunting for food to using animal hides for body covering, rudimentary tools were always man’s necessity. Early homo-sapiens used chiselled rocks and the likes for crafting leather. With the advent of technological progress, modern tools have been developed to make better, faster, and more economical leather goods.
However, it is important to emphasise that age-old tradition skills and craftsmanship of manufacturing hand-made leather accessories, remains the pinnacle of leather working. Learning which tools to apply and how to use them is vital for any student inclined into making new styles and designs of leather accessories.
Leather
If you intend to make small accessories like designer wallets and card cases, we recommend you use Vegetable Tanned full-grain leather to create a strong and durable product.
Thread
From synthetic to natural, there are multiple thread options available for leather crafting. Our personal favourites are linen threads which are run through a wax pot. Their high strength, low elongation, great sheen, and their resistance against effects of heat, light, and climate, linen threads are the most popular for leatherwork.
Cutting Tools
Professional leather artisans use standard cutting tools such as a utility knife, a rotary cutter, or a round knife. However, regular cutters could in cases be handy and applied. Special knives and box cutters are also used in most factories. Be mindful of your tools. Use them wisely and cherish them always.
Cutting Mat
For creating samples and prototypes of leather goods, a cutting mat is necessary. It helps you to make precise and clean cuts, and to protect your workbench. Cutting mats of different sizes, which are also self-healing are easily available at most stationery stores.
Chisels and Hammers
Using diamond chisels, you can punch the stitching holes through pieces of leather. Such tools, which come in a variety of sizes, can help you punch perfect holes for hand sewing as. If you want to make them slide in and out of the leather smoothly, you can apply a bit of beeswax to these chisels.
Leather crafting requires precision work with hammers to deliver concentrated force to a location. Hence, to protect your kit against possible scratches or damages caused by punches and rivet setters, a plastic hammer could ensure clean strikes in basic leather work.
Miscellaneous Tools
Quality premium hand-made leather goods require experienced pairs of hands with an exceptionally creative vision. It is thus imperative to have all the different tools in your arsenal and use them wisely. You will need Stitching awl, Leather Stitching Needles, Leather Skivers, Edge Bevelers, Groovers, Edge Burnishers and Hole Punches too.
