Material:Leather

MaterialInfoBox Leather
Synonyms:	DE: Leder
Suggested Tools:	hole punches, punch pliers, laser cutter

Leather is made out of animal skin. It is available in different colors and as full-grain or smooth leather (DE: Rau- und Glattleder). It can be used for e.g. sewing and for cutting or engraving with a laser cutter.

There are also synthetic "leathers" mimicking this material's properties.

Shaping

The classic choice for cutting leather are various kinds of knives, e.g. Japanese leather knife, box cutters or half moon knife.

Leather can also be cut with a laser cutter but you will end up with charred edges. Soaking the piece in warm water immediately afterwards is supposed to improve the look and smell of these burnt areas ^[1].

Thickness

Leather can be "shaved" with skivers or a sharp knife.

If you want a sharp fold, you should cut a V- or U-groove on the inside line.

Sewing

Prior to punching or poking holes with a hole punch or awl, you should mark the hole distance with a pricking iron or pricking wheel. You may also want to glue the pieces together first.

You can then simply sew with waxed thread and a sewing awl or, a little more complicated but resulting in a more durable seam, use two needles for a "saddle stitch".

Video tutorials:

• How to hand stitch leather (EN)
• Die Sattlernaht - Leder von Hand nähen (DE)

Ideas for Scraps

After most leather projects you'll end up with a bunch of small leftover pieces. Don't just throw those away! You could make...

• stacked leather knife handles
• small lettered/decorated circles for jewellery or clothing
• protective faces for clamps or other metal tools touching wood
• ...or many other projects!

Further Reading

• Lederhaus: Wissen Lederkunde (DE)