Leathercraft for beginners and hobbyists

Make it by hand. Leathercraft, step by step, from first tools to finished projects.

Plain-English guides to the tools, leather, stitching and finishing that take you from a starter kit to a wallet or belt you're proud of.

What will you make first?

All projects
A bifold wallet A belt A card holder A tote bag A key fob

Learn the craft, in order

New to leather? Start with tools.

  1. ToolsStarter kits, punches, knives, edgers and the tools worth buying first.Guides coming soon
  2. Leather and hidesVeg tan, chrome tan and how to choose and buy hides.1 guide
  3. StitchingSaddle stitch, thread, needles and sewing machines for leather.Guides coming soon
  4. Dyeing and finishingDyes, edges, burnishing and finishes that last.Guides coming soon

Care and repair

Make it last for years

Cleaning, conditioning and repairing leather goods. Leather lasts longer with the right cleaning and conditioning.

Care and repair guides

Latest guides

How we make our guides

  1. We explain every step. No skipped steps and no jargon without an explanation.
  2. We keep it current. Tools and prices change. The "updated" date on each guide is real.
  3. We're upfront about money. Some links earn us a commission. Here's how that works.