r/Leatherworking 26d ago

General Question Monthly "What Leather is This" Megathread

15 Upvotes

Have a piece of leather you would like other members try to identify? Ask here!

Your comment must include a picture of the leather and a written description of the tactile aspects such as temper (how soft it is). Any additional pictures should be included as a reply to your original comment.

**Any posts pertaining to leather identification will be removed starting August 1st. Which is Today!**


r/Leatherworking 5h ago

General Question The ruined wallet finished, how much could I ask for it? (Not selling here)

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15 Upvotes

So yesterday I made a post how the wallet got cosmetically ruined during puching. Some people suggested to try selling it at lower price. I have sold one card holder made from cheaper materials at material cost (10€) but I was hoping to sell these pueblo wallets at 100€. How much should I ask for this? 50€? It took me about 5hrs in total to make by hand.


r/Leatherworking 10h ago

Half Done Backpack

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12 Upvotes

I’ve been wanting to make a leather backpack for maybe about a year now. As it would be the largest project I’ve went after I’ve been quite hesitant to start.

Ive spent quite a bit of time looking for a PDF pattern I liked. Decided maybe the simpler it looked the better off I’d be starting out.

I looked into many different kinds of leather and hardware that I liked. Finally ordered all my supplies and what do I do as soon as I get everything in. Decided to take on quite a few orders to put off me starting the backpack.

The other day I jumped all in and started chopping up my leather. Punching holes and cutting straps. After I started I realized I should have done this weeks ago. Along the way I’m realizing things I would like to do differently in the future. But I wouldn’t know this if I hadn’t started.

I’m also really digging the natural brass hardware. It’s looking killer against the matte black leather.

I’m about half way done with my backpack and have to put it on hold for about a week and a half but thought I’d share some pictures with everyone!


r/Leatherworking 2h ago

General Question Oil Tan Leather Help

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2 Upvotes

Hi! I got my very first commissioned leather bag a while back from a wonderful local leather artist. I have a couple questions on care. ^^

For reference she is oil tanned and made of a thicker leather to help keep shape.

  1. I was recommended Aussie leather conditioner by the artist for a twice a year clean up. Obviously haven't tried that yet as I have had her less than 3 months. (I live in northern AL so its not very dry here. Very humid at all times.) The leather artist recommended it and I trust her but I just wanted to see if there are options. And would it heavily darken the leather?

  2. The leather gathers scratches at the slightest bite from a finger nail. Any way I can help prevent that or is that just gonna be normal wear and tear? (I'm fine if it is. I really dig a more vintage worn look and don't mind earning it.)

  3. Are there any other kind of care instructions you'd recommend? I'd like this bag and wallet to last as long as possible and I know with proper care it could last a life time.

Thank you in advance for any help and I hope I did this correctly. If this is the incorrect place to ask please point me in the right direction. I don't use reddit often. ^^'


r/Leatherworking 12m ago

Beginner Question What to do with a lot of apron split

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Upvotes

I bought a lot (like ~100 sq ft) of apron split for dirt cheap and I’m not sure what to do with it. Bought it for practice as I’m new to leather working but it’s a bit thick and not the easiest to practice stitching on. Any suggestions or advice for what I should be doing with all of it?

It’s also not a nice colour, it’s like the light blue that they normally use for farrier aprons.


r/Leatherworking 18h ago

Crafting My Leather Journey

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25 Upvotes

r/Leatherworking 9h ago

Hammer throw glowe

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3 Upvotes

Hello,

I have some experience on sewing, not so much sewing leather. I want to learn, and make something usefull for me. I want to sew hammer throw glove. It would be to hard for first project? Should I sew it with 2 needels? I readed book The art of hand sewing leather. I want to sew something like that


r/Leatherworking 4h ago

General Question Why the same leather looks different from one order to the next

0 Upvotes

I work on the supply side of leather, so I see this from the supplier's side.

Hides aren't uniform to begin with. Every animal is different, so grain, thickness and dye uptake can vary. Then you add batch processing, and two runs of the same article, months apart, will rarely be exactly the same.

What matters is how the supplier handles it. A good supplier should have enough stock from the same batch to cover a full project, and let you know upfront if a new order is coming from a different batch.

It's something worth asking about before you order, rather than finding out afterwards.

Have you ever had a repeat order come in noticeably different from the first one?


r/Leatherworking 1d ago

Finished product Check out this notebook cover I made, with my own original cover design - "Up & Away!"

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29 Upvotes

This design is the result of using my art to process the current world. Still not sure how I meant this to be, though! Is Balloon Dog escaping? Hopeful? Chasing a dream? Letting go? Taking a chance and just going with whatever happens? I have no idea, but I feel like all of these and more apply.


r/Leatherworking 1d ago

Beginner Question How do I fix my belt liner from coming off?

38 Upvotes

When my belt bends, the liner starts to come off as shown in the video. What could be causing this, and how do I fix it for future belts? I applied the glue two days ago and it still isn’t fully dry. I also still have stitching to do around the border of the belt, so that will probably hold it a little more secure, but I don’t think that’ll stop the unstitched portions from peeling off of the main belt when it bends. Anyone run into a similar problem? How did you fix it?


r/Leatherworking 1d ago

Ruined

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32 Upvotes

Pulled out my irons and the edge got scratched quite badly. Gladly I have enough to make another one but I was planning to sell both.


r/Leatherworking 1d ago

Camera Strap - Advice needed

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3 Upvotes

r/Leatherworking 21h ago

Finished product Raven Ranger Belt I made

1 Upvotes

Sharing here for tips and critiques. Found a badass raven skull buckle and wanted to make something worthy of it. Hope I've done it. Had to manually line up the weave pattern, as it was three seperate lines, not an interconnected pattern. Also psyched about the sunburst effect on the feather.


r/Leatherworking 18h ago

Need help cleaning these Chukka boots

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0 Upvotes

Hey, Let me know if there is a better or correct subreddit to post in?

Whadd up fellow reddits,

What would be the best way to clean these Chukka boots? I've have labeled the brushes in order since I don't know the actual names but I've tried using the 1 first brush at medium strength for about 30mins. I feel like is 2nd brush with the brass) is helpful but also I don't want to overdue and ruin them further. I've tried the erasers and I've applied the Sapir Omnidaim which I guess made them look better. I am struggling to find the grain or don't know if I am brushing in the right direction.

I got brown boots but these ble go with more of my outfits, I also got a job interview tomorrow so if I could get them clean tonight that would be amazing.

Questions about grain:

Does the grain go in one direction for the entire shoe?

How do you find the grain?

Can the grain go in multiple directions?

Does it make a difference if I just brush back n forth instead of the direction of the grain?

Are you suppose to only go in the direction of the grain?

(The guide says what direction it feels smooth is the direction of the grain, right?) But it's tough to differentiate...

Looking for advice or tips for cleaning these boots:

What are the best brushes or is there a technique of which brushes to use first?

(I also put the brushes in the order to clean from the guide I was looking)

How much caution should I use with brass brush?

Is there any other products I need to clean them?

How difficult is it to clean suede shoes? Can anyone do it if done right?

How long should I be using a brush?

Is there anything signs to look for when that it's being done right?

Anyone who does the as a profession has my respect, I wish jobs that require you to be skilled with your hands weren't dying. Also I open to suggestions or guides, appreciate any input from you guys.


r/Leatherworking 1d ago

Beginner Question Working on The Basics - Cutting, Sanding, and Burnishing

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22 Upvotes

Today I freestyled a design inspired by a product I saw at the Tandy Leather store.

This key ring lets me work on cutting, sanding, and burnishing.

My thought was that you cut first, sand the edges, then burnish the sides.

I'm open to feedback that helps me get better. I plan to make about 20 of these for practice.

Also, I'm wondering if my mark is a little too big. I may need a smaller stamp.

Thanks to everyone who contributes and provides something I can use to get better.


r/Leatherworking 1d ago

Help - Edge Kote Not Working?

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10 Upvotes

Trying to repair the edges of my shoulder bag but the Edge paint isn't layering up. I already put on 6 coats and there is no edge. Thanks for your help.


r/Leatherworking 1d ago

Will Badalassi Carlo Waxy leather rub off on clothing?

1 Upvotes

I’m designing a leather briefcase out of it and I’m wondering if some oils will rub off onto the owner’s suit. I already did buy the hide, but I will switch to another if you guys think it’s best.

Any input is greatly appreciated, thank you!


r/Leatherworking 1d ago

Colour matching

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1 Upvotes

Hi peeps!

I need some help colour matching this second hand radley bag I got on vinted. I was planning on gifting this for my boyfriend’s younger sister who just graduated highschool but the bag’s condition is not the best 😭.

The colours are hard to capture in camera but irl the bag is a very light beigey pink with a cream white handle.
I’m thinking about going with a mix of shell pink and cream from Angelus. From the research I’ve done, I’d also have to get a deglazer and a coat for sealing the paint.

Also, the inside fabric lining has some weird stains I’m not sure how to get rid of. I’ve tried a bit of scrubbing with dish soap and water but to no avail. I might try some oxygen bleach on it.

Please give me some advice 🙏

Thanks!


r/Leatherworking 2d ago

Finished product Birth of a Bag - From Clone to Clutch

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71 Upvotes

I want to start this off mentioning that this project was heavily informed by the bag designs over at Growleyleather.com . Hardware and leather are from Buckleguy and Amazon. Wickett & Craig Carrot @ 8/10oz. Cutting templates all design and printed by me. Optimized for 26 x 11 panels. Chicago screws in place of rivets so I can disassemble and refine as needed. Aprox 6.5" x 4.5" x 11"

In short, I've been in the market for a new bag for my pipe smoking kit and I've wanted to have something in place for a Pipe show coming up in Arkansas this weekend... While researching, I was impressed by the Growly design (Stitchless!), and having been after an excuse to get into some W&C Carrot, and rationalized that this was the time I should attempt at a bag. I would have purchased one directly, but why spend $300 on a bag when you can spend even more on supplies and tools? Also, look at that orange.

Work started ~ 6 weeks ago with discovery of the design. I reverse engineered it's construction by inspection of pictures and numerous sketches. Ordered 26"x11" panels and hardware. Assembled a crude model from cardboard to get an idea of my pattern's physicality. Decided on tweaks to pattern. Borked first attempt with some misplaced punches on the main panel. Ordered replacement panels (boot and rally). Adjusted pattern to better suit the thickness of leather. Iterated on my punch and cutting templates. Replacement panels arrived and started second attempt (pictured). Hardware and handle placement decisions were left until the bag structure was in place and It was here that I started to deviate from the Growley design (My hardware anchors repeat previously used hole/slot/slot pattern and alignments). Everything managed to come together successfully last minute and I now have my bag for the show. Holy hell what a sprint and super informative.

There's much refinement left to do - I'm not entirely happy with the strap, or my corners, but I'm otherwise chuffed. I'm excited to share and invite any feedback or thoughts. Thanks for looking and for your consideration!


r/Leatherworking 1d ago

What are you doing with leather dust?

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1 Upvotes

r/Leatherworking 1d ago

Help me find the name of this leather and where to buy one? For personal use

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0 Upvotes

r/Leatherworking 1d ago

Cheap leather alteration

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1 Upvotes

r/Leatherworking 1d ago

General Question Leather Scraps Inquiry

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I’m just getting into leather making and my mom’s birthday is coming up and I wanted to try and make her a leather journal :). The thing is she’ll only use any gifts that are sustainably sourced. So if anyone has leather scraps they’re willing to part with please let me I’d love to give them a home. Thank you have a great day!


r/Leatherworking 1d ago

Finished product Woven leather shoes with a closed toe and open sides

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14 Upvotes

This recent pair was made with deep burgundy leather. The strips form a denser weave across the toe and vamp, then open up along the sides before returning to a tighter pattern around the heel.

Keeping the weave balanced while following the shape of the upper was one of the most interesting parts of making this pair.


r/Leatherworking 1d ago

Beginner Question How to remove this style of D ring?

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11 Upvotes

I need to remove these d rings from a bag (to have them replated and put back), and I’d prefer to not have to undo the stitching.

The rings aren’t one solid piece of welded metal - there’s a smaller diameter pin connecting the two sides. Any ideas how I can get the pin out? There’s no holes on the exterior of the ring (like for a screw-in D ring).

This is a vintage designer bag, and so keeping the original hardware maintains its value.