Leather Craft Tools List

Essential Leatherworking Tools

Written by Lew Amicone

Anvil: An anvil is a heavy, solid object that provides a firm work surface for hammering, punching, shaping, etc. Awl: This sharp tool is used to punch small holes or draw guidelines in leather. Chisels and Pricking Irons: These are used to make small holes for stitching or decoration. Creaser: As the name suggests, this tool puts a crease in leather to help it fold or for decoration. Creaser/Folder: This smooth tool, often made of bone or horn, helps work open stiff pockets and other touching pieces of leather. Cutting Board: A board or mat protects the work surface, and specialized boards with measurement grids makes crafting and cutting easier. Deglazer: Leather deglazer removes wax and other products from leather. Edge Slickers and Burnishers: These tools help give leather products a finished, smooth edge after cutting. Edgers: An edger cuts a smooth, squared edge. Gouges: These tools cut grooves for folding and stitching lines. Hand-Press: Used for stamping and sometimes with leather dies, this tool uses a lever to apply extreme pressure to a specific area. Knives: Knives are used to cut leather into the shapes needed. Leather Dies: Shapes with a cutting edge, these metal designs function much like patterns or cookie cutters for individual pieces in larger leather projects. Leather Dyes: Dyes and stains give crafters power to change the look and color of leather. Leather Wax: Wax adds an attractive finish to leatherwork while locking in dye and providing a smoother surface. Mallets, Hammers, and Mauls: Specialized hammers and mallets for leatherworking work with stamps, awls, and more to mark, cut, or pierce leather. Needles: When individual pieces of leather need to be sewn together, specialized needles large enough to hold waxed thread come in handy. Punches: Punches are sharp tools used with mallets or hammers to cut specific shapes out of leather, often for rivets. Rivets and Setters: Rivets are tiny pieces of metal used to link pieces of leather together. They are often used as decorative studs as well. Setters help set individual rivets in place. Rotary Cutters and Scissors: These serve the same functions as knives but work for larger cuts. Rulers and Squares: These tools help crafters measure, mark, and make correct cuts. Sewing Machine: Some types of leather are soft or thin enough for a sewing machine with a powerful motor to stitch them, and these machines can save a lot of time and effort. Skiver: This tool helps to thin out leather for folded areas, like the end of a belt that folds into a loop to hold a buckle in place. Spacing/Overstitch/Pricking Wheel: This tool marks where to make individual stiches or punches by lightly perforating the leather. Stamps: Used to imprint and image or cut out certain shapes, stamps work with hammers and presses. Stitching Horse: This tool holds separate pieces of leather together to make them easier to sew by hand. Strap Cutters: These tools can be set at different widths to cut long straps out of large pieces of leather. Stitching Groover: A groover cuts a narrow trough along lines that need to be stitched so the thread doesn't stick out. Thickness Gauge: This tool helps crafters tell exactly how thick a piece of leather is and measure accurately while working with tools like a skiver. Wing Divider or Compass: Like a ruler, this tool helps measure leather pieces. Unlike a ruler, it measures and marks circles and arcs. Workbench: A quality workbench with a sturdy surface that isn't easily damaged is essential to leatherworking. A workbench with storage space for all of the necessary tools is a bonus.

Additional Resources

• How to Start Leatherworking: Get your thoughts, budget, and skills together before starting a new hobby. This guide has everything you need to know.
• Essential Tools for Beginning Leatherworkers: Hobbyists and craftspeople add tools to their collections as they take on new challenges, but which tools are most important for beginners to own?
• Leather Craft Safety: Working with sharp tools and presses come with risks. Learn how to keep yourself safe as you craft.
• Leather Buying Guide: Find out about the many different types of leather and which you should buy for your project.
• Leather Tips From a Modern-Day Cowgirl: Get advice from the best before jumping into leather crafting and tooling projects.
• Basic Tooling Steps: Discover how to make the beautiful patterns that appear to be engraved in gorgeous leather goods.
• The Best Tools and Sources for Real and Faux Leather: Wondering how to work vegan leather? Where do you even buy leather? This guide can help.
• The Tools You Need to Get Started in Leatherworking: Read more about the different types of tools used to work with leather on this page.
• Top Six Places to Buy Leather for Jewelry and Crafts: Learn from an experienced crafter where to get leather for projects.
• 25+ Different Types of Leather: Crafters need different leather for different projects. This guide walks users through critical names and terminology.
• Six Ways to Dye Leather: Discover the best ways to get great results when dying leather crafts.
• How to Harden Leather: Not all leather projects end up soft. Some of them need to be hardened, and this guide will show you how.
• DIY Leather Jewelry: These simple projects are excellent for beginners as they get comfortable with new tools.
• Rustic Leather and Bead Necklace DIY: Make something fun to wear or great to give to your significant other.
• How to Make a Rounded Braided Leather Bracelet: Fashionable for both men and women, this trendy bracelet is easy to make with this quick guide.
• How to Make a Leather Wallet by Hand: Make a practical accessory with this clever guide.
• How to Make a DIY Leather Belt: Another essential accessory, a leather belt can be a fun, straightforward project for beginners and experts alike.
• How to Make a Leather Journal: Sleek, stylish, and sturdy, a leather journal is a traveler's best friend. Learn how to make your own with this full guide.
• Making a Hardened Leather Mask: Step up your look next Halloween with a hand-made mask. This guide will show you how.
• Make a Leather Tote Bag: Sturdier than many alternative fabrics, leather makes a stylish, tough base for everyday totes and purses.
• Making a Leather Jacket: This multi-video series walks crafters through every step of designing, crafting, and tailoring their dream jacket.
• How to Make Leather Watch Straps: If your old watch band is ugly or uncomfortable, a DIY leather replacement may be an excellent first project.