How do I get started with leatherwork?
If you follow my blog, you’ll know that I’ve been writing more about leatherwork. This is one of my hobbies… or should I say obsessions.
Sometimes, usually on my Smith Bros Instagram account, or as part of the Smith Bros Ultimate Leatherwork Fundamentals Mentorship people want to know how to get started.
If you’re interested, here’s a partial answer below but also click the link here for a PDF checklist that you can download and tick off.
Download QuickStart Checklist
The Smith Bros QuickStart tools and materials list
If you’re interested in how to get started with Leatherwork, here’s a list of what you’ll need in terms of tools and materials.
This is the “Must Have” quick-start list but I’ve also got a “Nice to Have” and “Pro List” as well.
If you’ve got everything on here, you’ll be able to get underway. Having said that, not every project will use every tool here.
Also when you’re starting out it’s fine to go with some of the cheaper options so you can get underway quickly.
This is better than spending hundreds of dollars on expensive tools but then failing to get started.
Tools and materials
Ok… here’s the basics of what you need. Some of these you might even have lying around your house, office or workshop.
- Pencil and pen
- Steel ruler
- Notebook
- Thin card for pattern making
- Sharp craft knife
- Cutting mat
- Mallet with nylon head (or a leatherworker’s maul)
- Edge beveller
- Burnisher or slicker
- Saddle soap
- Beeswax
- Contact glue
- Pricking irons (Stitching chisels)
- Leatherwork needles
- Waxed polyester thread
- Lighter
- Stitching pony or clamp
- Round punch
- Leather
Getting a starter kit on Amazon
Rather than buying all of your tools separately, Amazon sells starter kits for leatherwork.
I haven’t bought any of these myself, so if you are looking at one, in particular, please let me know and I’ll see if I can help you.
Here’s one example that looks pretty good as it includes the clamp that you’ll need. Click the image to see more detail.
And here’s another good option, although you’ll need to get the clamp – otherwise known as a stitching pony, separately. Again, click the image for more details.
Here’s a cheap clamp or stitching pony if you need to buy separately. Click the image to see more.
Learn how you can kickstart your leatherwork hobby with the right tools for cheap
If you’re reading this it’s might be because you imagine what it’s like to make your own cool stuff out of leather. Just think of it… wallets, bags, all kind of accessories… There’s so much cool stuff to make. Here’s what you’re thinking right now:
- What’s something creative I can do that won’t break the bank?
- Do I really want to get started with leatherwork?
- What tools do I need to buy?
- How do I avoid spending too much money before I know whether I’ll like it?
Pay what you want for this short guide and I’ll answer all your questions. Read more here and check out SMITH BROS on Instagram.
CHECK OUT SMITHBROS LEATHERWORK QUICKSTART TOOLS GUIDE BY GRAEME SMITH
Click the link below to find out more about Smith Bros Leatherwork Quickstart Tools Guide
Using Medical Scalpels for Craft and Leatherwork
Because an insanely sharp knife doesn’t have to break the bank
Everyone has their own idea about what to use for cutting leather and other materials. But we can all agree on one thing – a craftsman needs a good blade. Whether you’re starting out or not there is nothing worse than blunt tools.
- Are you tired of sharpening blades?
- Are you sick of snapping the tips off Exacto knives?
- Have you been wondering what to get to replace that rusty Stanley knife?
Pay what you want for this short guide to using medical scalpels for craft and leatherwork. Read more here
CHECK OUT USING MEDICAL SCALPELS FOR CRAFT & LEATHERWORK BY GRAEME SMITH
Click the link below to find out more about Using Medical Scalpels for Craft and Leatherwork
How To Make Cool Stuff – 50 Minute Craftsmanship Masterclass & eBook
Embrace the Way of the Craftsman
Do you remember what it was like to hang out in your grandfather’s workshop? Do you want to know how to literally MAKE meaning in your life and the lives of others? Do you want to get in touch with the idea of doing a job well for its own sake?
Making, building and creating ARE thinking and you can learn to do it. You can learn a craft and even make the nice things that you want to have. Embrace the Way of the Craftsman and discover how today.
NEW – How To Make Cool Stuff now comes bundled with FREE 50 Minute Masterclass
- As well as this ebook and some other freebies, you’ll get my 50-minute masterclass – Exploring Craft and Craftsmanship
Read more here
CHECK OUT HOW TO MAKE COOL STUFF – LEARN NEW SKILLS, DO A GOOD JOB AND EMBRACE THE WAY OF THE CRAFTSMAN BY GRAEME SMITH
Click the link below to find out more about How to Make Cool Stuff – Learn new skills, do a good job and embrace the Way of the Craftsman
Follow Smith Bros on Instagram
Follow Smith Bros projects on Instagram
Follow Smith Bros projects step by step on Instagram. I make all kinds of stuff from short, fun Sunday afternoon projects to much longer more involved work.
You’ll be able to see the exact tools and techniques that I use to create cool stuff that I love to make and use.
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