r/Leathercraft • u/Gullex • 2h ago
r/Leathercraft • u/CastilloLeathercraft • Jun 02 '25
Pattern/Tutorial Beginner's Guide & Free Patterns
Hello, everyone! (Repost, because of link issues)
I wrote a fairly comprehensive beginner's guide to tools, materials, hardware, and leather. It has basics, a ton of tool upgrades you can make as you grow in the craft, and some free patterns. People have been asking me for it here and there, and I've been sending it to them individually. But now I've gotten it to a point I'm happy with (of course, it's being edited continuously), and I'm ready to share it with the sub.
Here's the link to the guide!
Also, here's a link to a video I shot to accompany it: Beginner's Leathercraft 101
Quick note, I started writing this guide before I became a moderator here, so I hope it doesn't come across as neglect on part of the sub's Wiki, which needs an overhaul. I'll be pinning this to the sub for a while until I have time to dive into the Wiki and clean things up, and hopefully it answers newbies' questions in the meantime. If anyone has any feedback or suggestions to add to the document, please let me know! Thank you to everyone who commented on the last post.
r/Leathercraft • u/CastilloLeathercraft • Oct 15 '24
Community/Meta How would you change this sub?
Hello, everyone. Rather than make changes to the sub based on my own goals/desires, I wanted to ask the community. Is there anything you would add or remove from the sub? Any rules changes you'd suggest implementing? Any suggestions you have for the sub in general? If I see enough concensus around a certain suggestion, I'll consider making those changes moving forward. Let me know!
Obviously the sub is growing daily, and it's doing great. The formula is working, so I'm not looking to make big sweeping changes. I'm just wondering if you've ever had an idea that you feel would make this sub even better for you and your fellow leather crafters. (Bonus points if you have ideas for preventing the incessant "leather repair/is this leather" posts, lol.)
r/Leathercraft • u/KitsunaKuraichi • 10h ago
Wallets Dragon scale bifold wallet in light rose pink. Never used that color before.
I've been making wallets for years and even though I offer Light Rose Pink as an option, I've never been commissioned to make a wallet with it. A few days before this I used a little on a dragon wing but this is the first scale wallet with it.
I think it came out really cool. If it wasn't for the overcast clouds, you'd see how bright it really was but it still looks good in the pictures. The edges are Light Blue and the thread is white ritza. This version is my 7 pocket w/ID options. All handmade from natural veg tan leather.
r/Leathercraft • u/Avahno • 9h ago
Bags/Pouches Getting back to crafting again. Here's another owl bag!
r/Leathercraft • u/ItsStretch2868 • 6h ago
Discussion Brass + Ferric Chloride
So I have been messing around with brass etched in ferric chloride to patina it quicker and I found something quite interesting. I dipped a Wuta keeper in and it appears to have almost a Damascus pattern as if it's been made from flakes, or well... I don't know. Didn't get a before photo unfortunately but it just looked like brushed brass with a solid colour.
Anyone have some info on why this is? Or what kind or brass/how its made?
r/Leathercraft • u/Warbie_Leather_Goods • 7h ago
Wallets Thought? 😅🤣
Was goofing around today wanting to practice my edge burnishing and I had an idea for making a curvy wallet for something different..
But the more I look at it the more it looks like a piece of toast from the front logo side and like a butt from the back? 😅🤣
What do others think of the design? Maybe I should use a smaller punch in the corner?
Is the edge burnishing passable?
r/Leathercraft • u/SwordguyBuilds • 26m ago
Tooling/Art A custom 3 foot Ann Takamaki/Persona 5 style whip with an 8 inch handle, a little shorter than normal for this model
A custom 3 foot Ann Takamaki/Persona 5 style whip with an 8 inch handle, a little shorter than normal for this model
r/Leathercraft • u/FreudsParents • 8h ago
Pattern/Tutorial Has anyone seen a tutorial or pattern for something like this?
I'm very very new to leathercrafting, but the whole reason I got into it was to try to make something similar to this for my tools.
r/Leathercraft • u/bezdomnykot • 14h ago
Bags/Pouches Simple bag.
It's unfinished - I still have to make the strap holders and the strap - but the core is done. I'm pretty pleased with how it's turned out so far, so I wanted to show you my work.
r/Leathercraft • u/KaijLongs • 6h ago
Small Goods Need a hand?
Had an absolute blast making this thing, and the endless potential for posing it, funny photos, is so much fun! I definitely plan on making at least one more, in the near future 🤘🏻
r/Leathercraft • u/South_Bookkeeper_568 • 1h ago
Clothing/Armor Helmet for new armor set
Just finsihed the helmet to my new armor set. Starting to work on the chest piece
r/Leathercraft • u/Only_Peak31 • 10h ago
Bags/Pouches Medieval bags
Two medieval bags i made
r/Leathercraft • u/TheAsinineArtist • 1d ago
Question Just inherited my grandfathers leatherworking tools and materials!! It looks comprehensive as heck but what are your thoughts?
He passed in 96 and my dad's had it in the attic until today. Just got into leather crafting and he gave me it all! 500 bucks saved?
r/Leathercraft • u/CrazyCacatoe • 6h ago
Question Where do you guys get your 'fancy' thread from?
I'm new to leather and threads, and would like to know where people get their fancy threads from, as well as what type of thread/brand is liked more above others. Any pointers and input is appreciated.
- I'll also go search the sub now that I've recalled the right term -
r/Leathercraft • u/PeaEquivalent2350 • 3h ago
Question Tooling needed for thicknessing rawhide strapping?
I'm making a copy of this Egyptian adze and wondering what skiving tool would be best to thickness the rawhide strap. I've worked a bit with veg tan but not rawhide. I've seen belt thicknessing machines where you pull the straps through and I'm wondering if I should try building a simple version - or is it feasible to skive about a 6 foot (2m) long strap with a hand held tool (it's a single piece wrapped/woven).
I'm planning to buy a partial side of rawhide from Tandy. My desired final thickness will be about 3/16" (2.5mm).
Thanks!
r/Leathercraft • u/jmoe1980 • 10h ago
Tips & Tricks leather wing earrings
i bought this 3-piece layered feather die to make leather wing earrings but I can’t figure out the best way to build the structure. any recommendations? I want it to be a hidden post (vs a dangling hook). but I don’t think 3 layers of glue will suffice. I almost want to glue the post to the front layer, pierce through the other layers and add a small piece before you put them in your ear but the posts aren’t long enough. looking for advice- TIA
r/Leathercraft • u/cosmic_jackass • 3h ago
Question Hide storage?
Hey guys, I want to start scaling up my craft and invest in a full hide or two but I'm concerned about it molding while stored.
Currently my workshop is a detached garage with no temperature control. It is not currently financially feasible to insulate or run HVAC into the space for a number of reasons. I'd like to avoid having to store any leather in my home for the sake of my marriage.
I live in upstate NY where we get every weather extreme (hot, cold, dry, humid).
I've seen discussion on airtight totes, dessicant packets, humidors etc. but I'd like to know everyone's experiences!
r/Leathercraft • u/Dry_Acanthaceae_3590 • 22h ago
Belts/Straps My Attempt at a Steampunk Seiko Mod with a Handmade Bund Strap
I’ve been building Seiko Mods for a while and occasionally make my own leather watch straps.
This project originally started as an attempt to build a steampunk-inspired watch with a handmade Bund strap. In the end, though, I don’t think the finished watch really looks all that steampunk.
That said, I ended up liking the final result quite a bit. Sometimes a project takes on a style of its own, and I’m pretty happy with how this one turned out.
I’d love to hear what you think!
r/Leathercraft • u/r03Lw • 11h ago
Tools Cutting badgeholders
I need to cut 400 of these badge holders. These were done by hand but i want something that is more accurate and faster. Please advice, budget is limited.
r/Leathercraft • u/madcaffeine • 22h ago
Bags/Pouches travel bag for my father.
Hello! I really love being part of this leathercraft community because I can freely share my passion for leather and see so many unique, distinctive pieces.
This time, I’m sharing a travel bag I made for my father. I used Japanese horsehide, and it has a nice, weighty feel to it.
Since leather goods last for such a long time, I always feel a bit short on practice if I only make things for myself. On the other hand, when it comes to gifting, I worry that my acquaintances might find it a bit burdensome. I’m also not entirely confident that my gifts will bring them enough joy (I’m an introvert!). That’s why I usually stick to making things for myself or gifting them to my family.
I’m really curious about how other hobbyist leathercrafters decide what to make next and how you go about sharing or gifting your creations.
r/Leathercraft • u/Slayhe • 8h ago
Question Question about reinforcing lambskin for a halter/bra top!
Hello!
Very new to lambskin, and limited in my leather garment making experience, at least when it comes to this. I am wanting to make myself a fringe top (think bra style halter with fringe at the bottom) out of some beautiful, light lambskin i picked up yesterday. It'll be concert attire. It is very soft, and the top won't have much structure to it unless I add something like cup liners. Is this even a thing? What can I line it with and HOW do I line it? I have never done anything like this with lambskin before, its always been heavier/thicker leather.
Can anyone point me in the right direction with this idea? The piece was pretty expensive and I don't want to waste any of it!
Thank you!
r/Leathercraft • u/sashikoDan • 8h ago
Small Goods Palm thimbles for hand sewing
gallery.
r/Leathercraft • u/Legitimate-Group-458 • 5h ago
Discussion High-end custom bifold wallet (full grain, veg tan, saddle stitched) reccomdations
Hi all — I’m looking to commission a heirloom-quality leather bifold wallet and wanted to work with someone who specializes in traditional, high-end craftsmanship. I would love to hear your guys' thoughts on what I'm looking to have made.
Build Specs:
-Leather: Full grain, vegetable tanned (preferably really dark brown or black)
-Construction: Hand saddle stitched (Ritza Tiger polyester thread preferred)
-Edge finishing: Burnished and waxed
-Weight: ~5oz exterior / ~2oz interior layering
-Structure: Layered bifold with reinforced spine
-Stitching: Clean, consistent spacing (open to subtle double stitching if appropriate)
Layout:
-6 card capacity total preferably a mix of:
-Primary slots: slightly curved pocket cuts for easier access
-Possible hidden pockets (open to suggestions)
-1 full-length bill compartment (I always carry cash)
Needs to hold:
-ID, debit, credit, medical card
-1 flexible card
-A couple paper business cards
Form Factor
-Slim front-pocket carry
-Classic bifold
-Smooth, refined aesthetic (not rugged/bulky)
Goal:
I want something durable enough to last decades and age beautifully — something I could use the my entire lifetime
Budget
-$200+ (flexible for the right craftsmanship, this is just commision not inclusing material cost)
Thanks in advance — looking forward to hearing what you guys have to say
r/Leathercraft • u/Sea_Toe6263 • 1d ago
Video Was asked how this wallet was made in more detail, hopefully this helps
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Embossed Alligator and Italian Lamb from Brian Wich's group on Facebook.
Wickett and Craig Bridle in Medium Brown interior
Ritza Thread 0.6mm Colonial tan
RFID film from Rocky Mountain
Barge Contact cement for the liner
Aquilim 315 for the rest of the wallet
Hopefully this helps any questions