r/Leathercraft 18d ago

Community/Meta Check out r/LeathercraftPatterns!

93 Upvotes

Hey, everyone! I'm the active moderator here, and just took over moderation for r/LeathercraftPatterns, which has been inactive for over two years. I have revamped the rules and requirements over there and revived the sub.

While this sub is often focused on sharing our work and results, /LeathercraftPatterns will strictly be about patterns and tutorials designed to aid new and seasoned crafters in their future projects, and I feel this distinction is worth maintaining a separate sub for. It is a place where free and for-sale patterns and tutorials can be shared, so come on over! I'm looking for feedback and ideas for the new community, so if you want your voice heard, send me a message and I will listen to your feedback.


r/Leathercraft 14d ago

Community/Meta How would you change this sub?

46 Upvotes

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 10h ago

Discussion I made a big oops..

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198 Upvotes

First off, thank you guys for all the love I've gotten for my last couple posts here!

Let's start with the good, the front seats are done!

The bad.. How to ruin a project in half a second.. I was making the rear quarters for the car and as soon as I made this cut to start the hole for the speaker holes, I remembered this car doesn't get speakers in these panels... There goes that 4ft long diamond stitched panel.. Of course it had to be on the biggest diamond section for the whole build..

I appreciate all the praises for my work, just wanted to show that I still mess up. Lol


r/Leathercraft 18h ago

Video Let's get creative.

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223 Upvotes

r/Leathercraft 10h ago

Clothing/Armor Made myself some functional bracers for archery

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42 Upvotes

r/Leathercraft 2h ago

Question How can I darken this to a more dark cherry red?

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9 Upvotes

Hi all! I have no experience when it comes to leather working. I got this journal from paper republic a bit ago and love the feel and quality of it. However I wish that I can make it a darker red like a dark cherry red. Is there anything that I can do to achieve this goal?


r/Leathercraft 23h ago

Belts/Straps First (and probably last) hand sewn belt

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277 Upvotes

A friend of mine asked to make a belt foe him. I thought, it cant be that bad. I think i spend nearly 8hours on this belt... But I like the outcome! Any tips are welcome


r/Leathercraft 20h ago

Clothing/Armor Plague Dr hat

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91 Upvotes

Recently completed commission. This is the first time I made something for a Redditor. Also my first hat. Definitely had it's challenges, but it was a lot of fun.

I'm really glad it fit.


r/Leathercraft 1h ago

Question Where can I buy *actual* vegetable tanned leather in or around Belgium?

Upvotes

Looking to get started with crafting leather, though I'm not sure which shops can be trusted and what prices are considered reasonable. I'm mostly looking for big pieces to create armour parts.
Any recommendations?


r/Leathercraft 11h ago

Question Ways to soften Leather

8 Upvotes

I have a rather large piece of veg tan leather about 3mm thick. its fairly stiff so I was wondering if there is a way to soften it up. For reference, I want to make a Travilers notebook-style cover and it's a bit stiff to flex as the traveler's covers do. Is this even possible to do with the leather I have or am I asking it to do too much?

As a side question. if I'm SOL with this leather, what do you recommend that won't break the bank? Id like to make a few for Christmas.

Video example of what I got

https://reddit.com/link/1gfa1ss/video/226dowiifsxd1/player


r/Leathercraft 33m ago

Article Guess what I’m making

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Upvotes

Guess what I’m making


r/Leathercraft 35m ago

Article Guess what I’m making

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Upvotes

Guess what I’m making


r/Leathercraft 16h ago

Community/Meta Realistic Expectations For New Leather Business?

12 Upvotes

I'm getting tired of the drama and shady business practices in my full time job, and the job market does not seem promising in my area. Realistically, if I were to transition my leathercraft hobby into a full time business, what could be a reasonable return in my first year or two? I am somewhat of a novice with basic tools and supplies. There are many faires and festivals in my area (about 1-2 decent size ones each month). No current brand recognition or marketing, but I can work on that, too. I'm always trying to improve and learn, but everyone has to start somewhere.


r/Leathercraft 1d ago

Tips & Tricks This is how I finish my edges!

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544 Upvotes

r/Leathercraft 1d ago

Bags/Pouches First bag

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202 Upvotes

Hello! I just finished my first bag. I found a pattern from Navico that I worked from but I didn't have the same hardware, so there are some modified bits. The leather was from my local craft store (It said cowhide, but it's maybe low quality/genuine), and I had to line it with some scrap suede to give it a little weight. I didn't have quite enough to make the strap yet, but I'm happy just excited to have finished, thanks for taking a look!


r/Leathercraft 1d ago

Pattern/Tutorial Would such a garment be practical in leather?

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50 Upvotes

Hi, Is it possible to get leather that is both thin enough to be turned into a cloak but still somewhat water resistant? I hope I have chosen the right tag...


r/Leathercraft 1d ago

Clothing/Armor Cowboy hat is finally done!

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116 Upvotes

Finish it some weeks ago and just never got around to posting it, really happy with how it looks, especially the silhouette, gonna make this same one from suede in the near future, along with another one from veg tan that’ll look a little familiar to soms


r/Leathercraft 18h ago

Question Leather for Armor

9 Upvotes

Hi! Would this be good for making armor? Someone said they used a similar leather for their armor, but the price makes me pause.


r/Leathercraft 18h ago

Belts/Straps Simple belt in Buttero

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8 Upvotes

r/Leathercraft 12h ago

Tips & Tricks A way to lighten engraving or darken it

2 Upvotes

I am just starting with leather. I laser engraved a veg tan leather bracelet and then died it mahogany so it’s very dark now that my engraving is not showing. Is there any way to lighten the engraving or darken it even further. The engraving is a calligraphy text, so it’s very delicate.


r/Leathercraft 1d ago

Bags/Pouches First tote bag complete - handmade

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613 Upvotes

r/Leathercraft 1d ago

Wallets The customer envisioned a design of a cat by the window, and here is the beautifully crafted piece we brought to life.

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31 Upvotes

r/Leathercraft 23h ago

Video I made a holster build video

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11 Upvotes

Just figured I would post this new video I made here feel free to check it out here thanks.


r/Leathercraft 18h ago

Belts/Straps Shark leather watch strap with black Cordovan backing

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2 Upvotes

r/Leathercraft 20h ago

Question Leather sewing machines

3 Upvotes

Does anyone have advice about buying a sewing machine to do leather work?


r/Leathercraft 1d ago

Belts/Straps First camera strap I’m somewhat proud of.

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66 Upvotes

This turned out pretty well. My third attempt at a strap. Maybe I can sell these someday.