Also known as leather crafting, leatherworking is the process of making leather into practical objects or artwork by carving, molding, hammering and stamping. The fundamental skills required for leatherworking are cutting, stitching and finishing. Most basic projects require a ruler, knife, hammer, chisels, needles, thread and glue.
If you are new to leatherworking, you might want to start with the AMPSEVEN 20-Piece Leatherworking Kit. This basic set has all the tools you need to get started creating your own designs on leather bags, belts, wallets and more.
The trick to buying any kit is to get all the items you need without overpaying and getting stuck with a lot of items you don’t need. No leatherworking kit will have everything, but make sure you have what you need to get started.
To learn even more about leatherworking kits, take a look at the full leatherworking kit buying guide from BestReviews.
Most quality leatherworking kits cost between $20 and $40. Kits over $40 start to include some of the optional tools that are valued by serious leatherworkers.
A. Yes. As with all tools, if you don’t hold them correctly, you will not get the results you hope to achieve. Take the time to learn the proper way to hold and use each tool.
A. The process of softening leather to make it more pliable and easier to handle is called casing. Traditional casing involves completely submerging the leather you will be working with in clean water. When the leather is fully soaked, allow the excess water to drip off and seal the damp leather in a trash bag from which you have removed as much air as possible. Start working the leather when it has almost returned to its natural color.
BAGERLA 273 Piece Leatherworking Tool Kit
What you need to know: This kit has 273 leatherworking tools.
What you’ll love: This leatherworking kit contains all the tools you need. The punches, knives, scissors, pliers and awls are easy to grip and use. This kit includes a letter and number stamping kit for personalizing belts, wallets, key cases and more.
What you should consider: This is a pricey leatherworking kit.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
AMPSEVEN 20 Piece Leatherworking Kit
What you need to know: This is a basic set of nicely made leatherworking tools for the beginner.
What you’ll love: These are all the tools you need to get started creating your own designs and artwork on leather bags, belts, wallets and purses.
What you should consider: The stamps could be of higher quality.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
BUTUZE 34 Piece Leather Repair Kit
What you need to know: You can repair the stitching on all your leather goods with this simple leatherworking kit.
What you’ll love: This is a good leatherworking kit for beginners. All tools in this sewing kit are made with premium-quality materials. In addition to making small repairs, you can use these tools to do small leatherworking projects.
What you should consider: This kit has no stamps for decorative work.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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David Allan Van writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.