Leatherworking

The leatherworking equipment can be used for a variety of leather craft projects. In the Maker Lab we have hand stitching start sets, punches, stamps, and tools for a range of leather craft projects.

Quick Reference

Training Required: Basic Training

Material Fees: We have some consumables available in the Lab for limited use. Need to provide your own leather.

Leatherworking Tools and Purpose:

• Adhesive Tape- Used to adhere/bond pieces of leather together. Alternative to cement/bond glue. Best used for sewing machines, not hand sewing.
• Beveler- Used to round the edge of the leather.
• Burnishing Agent- Apply to edge before burnishing to seal and smooth the edge.
• Cotton Canvas Fabric- Used to give a glossy finish to the edges of the leather.
• Fine Mist Sprayer- Used to dampen the leather to soften it. Can be used to spray diluted dye for a different pattern.
• Hole Punches- Used to punch a hole in the leather.
• Leather Conditioner- Protects the leather to help it last longer
• Mallet- Used to drive the chisels, stamps, punches, etc.
• Needles- Dull needle used for stitching leather.
• Poly Cutting Board- Used when punching the stitching holes to protect the stitching chisels from breaking.
• Rubber Cement/Bond Glue- Used to adhere/bond pieces of leather together.
• Sanding sticks- Used to sand edges.
• Scratch Awl- Used for marking the leather.
• Snap Setter- Used for attached rivets and snaps to the leather.
• Sponges- Used to apply dyes, finishes, or dampen leather.
• Stamp set- Used to deboss a design in leather.
• Stitch Groover- Make groove in the leather at an adjustable distance from the edge to mark stitch lines.
• Stitching Chisels/ Pricking irons- Used to mark and then punch holes for hand stitching.
• Strap Cutter- Used to cut strips of leather at set widths for straps, belts, etc.
• Thread Burner- Used to melt the thread ends after sewing.
• Thread Cutter- Used to cut the thread close to the leather.
• Waxed Nylon Thread- Used to stitch/sew the leather.
• Wood Slicker/Burnisher- Used to slick the edges of the leather.
• Wool Dauber- Used to apply dyes and other finished to the leather.

Common Terminology: Skin Side: The smooth and glossier side of the leather; Flesh Side: The rougher side of the leather.

Manufacture Information

Tandy Leather Website

Sample Projects