LEATHER SUPPLIES
Leather working requires unique tools that are very different from sewing fabrics. I hand stitch all my project for my machines cannot handle the thickness of leather seams and thick threads. As well as I love the look of hand stitched leather!
Here is a list of my leather supplies. Affiliate links are provided for your convenience!
ROTARY CUTTER
This is the only tool I use to cut out pattern pieces from fabric and I also primarily use it to cut straight and wavy edges of leather. MUST be used with a self healing cutting mat.
JOANN
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ROTARY BLADE REFILLS
You’ll be so happy to have extra blades around! Too often I have accidently tried to cut over a pin and chipped my blade. A chipped blade causes skips in your cutting.
JOANN
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UTILITY KNIFE
I use this to cut around curves. There are curve punches available to make the job easier.
JOANN
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SELF HEALING CUTTING MAT
There are many sizes and colors to choose from. It all depends on your work space and how large of pieces you intend to cut. I have a small and an extra large for my work space.
JOANN
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METAL RULER WITH GRIP
I use a metal ruler with a cork grip to cut straight and wavy edges of leather. It gives such a crisp line!
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DIAMOND CHISELS
This is one of the most common way of piercing stitching holes. There are several different sizes available.
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To learn the differences between the diamond chisels and the stitching hole punch to pick which one is right for you check out my blog post:
STITCHING HOLE PUNCH
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Prong Punch Tool Set- 4mm- 2/4/6 Prongs
Prong Punch Tool Set- 5mm- 2/4/6 Prongs
Prong Punch Tool Set- 6mm- 2/4/6 Prongs
Prong Punch Tool Set- 8mm- 2/4/6 Prongs
TANDY LEATHER
Mini Punch Set- 0.08 in. (1.98 mm), 0.09 in. (2.38 mm), 0.13 in. (3.18 mm, 0.14 in. (3.57 mm), 0.16 in. (3.97 mm), 0.19 in. (4.76 mm)
To learn the differences between the diamond chisels and the stitching hole punch to pick which one is right for you check out my blog post:
RUBBER MALLET
Tp punch stitching holes you’ll need a hammer of some sort. Using a rubber one creates less noise.
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BEVELERS
These are used for the first step in leather edging.
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4 Pieces Beveler Set- (#5- 1.5 mm, #4- 1.2 mm, #3- 1.0 mm,#2- 0.8 mm)
STITCHING GROOVER
This tool marks where your stitching holes will go. It also allows for the thread to sit in the groove to prevent it from rubbing and wearing down.
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EDGE CREASER
This is another option for a stitching line. I use this on thin and/or soft leathers.
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SANDPAPER
This is an optional step for you edges but one that I choose to always do.
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NEEDLES
It’s good to have an assortment of needle sizes and styles.
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WAXED THREAD
There are 2 types of threads, round and flat, that come in different sizes and colors.
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FINGER GUARDS
After hours of hand stitching my finger pads get sore from clutching the needle so these help serve to stop the pain. Also, when using very sharp needles they come in handy to prevent pricks.
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BEES WAX
Used for a few purposes in leather work. I apply it along paper pattern holes before I punch to help glide the cut holes through the tool better as well as it sticks them together for easier clean up.
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MASKING TAPE
Used to tape pattern pieces to leather.
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GLUE
You’ll need to use glue to flatten your seam allowance. Also, for sticking 2 or more layers of leather together.
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PAINT BRUSHES
Used for apply glue to leather. A variety of sizes is good to have for small seams to large surface areas.
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WIRE BRUSH
Used for roughing up the grain side/top side of leather for gluing.
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ROLLER
Used to open seams and press down when gluing. Alsoo to secure bond when gluing layers of leather together
JOANN
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SLICKERS
Used to burnish leather edges. They are inexpensive so I would recommened getting a few for different color leathers.
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LIQUID CONTAINER
Used for water when edging leather and/or for glue.
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CANVAS
This is my main slicking tool. It’s great for thin and soft leathers. If you have a canvas tote not in use just cut that into strips!
JOANN
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GLYCERIN SOAP
Used in conjunction with water for slicking leather edges. It is not necessary but helps soften the leather and speed up the slicking process.
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DYE
Used to dye the cut edges of leather. Available in a variety of colors (not limited to what is listed below).
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BURNISHING GUM
This is not necessary as slicking finishes the edges enough but I like to add as it gives it a more polish look.
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LEATHER CONDITIONER
Not necessary but a good step to recondition, moisturize and waterproof your leather.
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MICROFIBER CLOTH
Used to clean leather and for applying creams.
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AWL
Helps widen stitching holes for getting your needle through easier. Also used to poke holes in leather.
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