Making a Quiver From Leather

You just learned archery and feel very cool about it. But you also look like a total dork carrying your arrows around in a disposable, plastic shopping bag. You need not fret, nor do you need to give up archery. All you need to do is make a quiver from leather. This handy, tube-shaped item will hold all your arrows in a neat container, while also making you the coolest archer on the block.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leather Leather needle and cord Snips Beads, feathers and paint pens (optional)

1. Measure your arrows. Take a handful of arrows, or how many you plan to place in your quiver, and wrap a twine around them to keep them in place. Measure the length from the arrows' tips about two-thirds up the arrows' base. That is the height of your piece of leather. Measure the width around the arrows; add a few inches. That is the width of your piece of leather. Place a piece of paper at the bottom of the arrows and draw a circle. That is the diameter size needed for your quiver's base.

2. Cut your leather pieces. Use snips to cut one piece of leather the length and width of your measurements. Add an extra inch to each measurement for good measure, so to speak. Cut a round piece of leather for the base, adding about half an inch extra. Cut a strip of leather that is about the same length as your flat piece and about an inch wide.

3. Stitch the quiver's sides together. Begin by bending the rectangular piece of leather into a long tube. Use a leather needle and cord to stitch the open ends of the piece together, overlapping a bit for reinforcement. Use stitches in the shape of an "x" for a durable, stylish look. Knot well at the edges, leaving a little extra cord for adornments.

4. Sew on the bottom. Place the round piece of leather at the base of the quiver tube you created. Stitch with the "x" stitches around the circle to secure it to the base. Knot well.

5. Attach the strap. Stitch a very thick and firm "x" at the ends of the strip of leather. One of the ends should be stitched at the top of the quiver, right inside the lip. The other end should be stitched about three-quarters of the way down the quiver. Stitch the strap to the area where your seam is so the front of your quiver is smooth.

6. Decorate as desired. Thread a few beads through the leftover cord. Attach a few feathers to the cord with wire wrapped at their bases. You can also use paint pens to draw designs on your quiver as long as you spray your finished product with a leather protector and sealer to protect the paint.

Tips & Warnings

• You can purchase leather pieces at fabric and craft stores, use an old jacket or pants part or see Resources below. If leather bores you, use the same technique to make a quiver out of suede.
• Don't try to stuff too many arrows in your quiver. It may bulge and break.

Resources

• Leather pieces and more