How to Design Leather Shop Templates

Leather templates can be reused over time.

Designing a custom leather template to be used overtime in a classroom environment or for personal use can be done quickly. This creative process should be thought out carefully and executed with the proper tools and planning. Using standard design principles of placement, balance and texture, you can create the perfect leather template for the right project application. Durable leather templates are ideal for transferring a beautiful concept to a wide variety of themes and projects, without the hard work of designing and preparing individual templates each time.

Things You'll Need

• Tracing paper
• Transfer paper
• Leather swatch
• Pencil
• Artist's knife

Instructions

1. Measure the dimensions according to your intended design. From belts to bags or boots, it must be clear when designing a leather template as to what the application of the design will be.

2. Create a mock drawing of the design idea on sketch paper, including all accessories or other features that will be involved in combination with the leather template design. This will determine how best to design in the space available.

3. Using the tracing paper, create the exact design you desire for your template. Once the design is finished, transfer the design onto a leather swatch with transfer paper. This will create the lines of your design on the leather swatch. Use an artist's knife to cut out the exact design of the leather template.

4. Use the cut leather shop template in class or studio for future uses, as leather is durable and can be used in a wide range of projects over and over again. A leather template that has been measured and cut for a specific use can streamline the reproduction of the item, eliminating the time spent on design and measurements. Use the design to trace onto leather, rubber stamps or for use in etching. Create as many variations as you would like to have available for easy access.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a quality, durable leather hide when creating a leather template to be used over time.

References

• Tandy Leather Factory: Leather Patterns
• S Bears Trading Post: Leather Templates