How to Improve Leatherworking
Leatherwork is a craft that takes some practice to master. Though the repetition of practice will help improve your leatherwork, so will learning a few tips and tricks to improve the overall work. Even with the best tools and skills, it is always helpful to know a few tips and tricks of the trade. These tips and tricks can help you not only improve the overall look of your leatherwork, but also make the entire process a bit faster and easier.
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Things You'll Need
- Awl
- Beeswax
- Natural linen thread
- Scrub brush
- Neatsfoot oil
- Vegetable-based dye
- Swivel knife
Instructions
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Punch holes into thicker leather using an awl. This applies to any size hole, as it will make sewing much easier and prevent damage to the leather from needles that can't pierce the thick leather.
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Apply wax to thread to prevent fraying. Simply lay down a bar of beeswax and draw the thread over it to coat it in the wax. You should also use natural linen threads instead of artificial ones like nylon or polyester.
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Clean leather with water and a scrub brush should it get dirty while you are working with it. Let it air dry naturally. Coating it in neatsfoot oil will prevent the water scrub from drying the leather out.
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4
Tan leather using natural vegetable dyes instead of synthetic ones. The natural dyes won't damage the leather like most chemicals can.
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Turn the leather over and trace any patterns or cut-outs onto the back of the leather instead of the front. This will ensure there are no pencil or ink marks on the front of your finished product.
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Coat a piece of leather in several coasts of neatsfoot oil instead of dying it brown. Dying is a process that, if done improperly can ruin a piece of leather. Coating it in neatsfoot oil gradually turns the leather darker and can be done repeatedly instead of using brown dye. All other colors will require dye.
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Use a swivel knife for the beginning and end of your project. Swivel knifes at the beginning give the smooth lines and curves needed to make your design flow. It also makes a good finishing knife to complete the final details at the end of the project because it brings out the definition in your carving.
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Tips & Warnings
Swivel knives and other sharp leatherworking tools can be dangerous. Make sure to use the utmost care when using the tools. If you should cut yourself stop working immediately and seek medical attention.
Even natural vegetable dyes can leave residue on your work surface and even your skin. Cover your work surface in plastic when dying and make sure to use gloves to prevent staining of your hands or fingernails. An apron or smock can help protect your clothing, though you should try to wear old clothing you wouldn't mind getting stained, just in case.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
