I would like to see some of your leatherwork projects. Any and all. From clothing, quivers, tabs, armguards, A-Z. I would like your comments re: DIY helpful hints. Where/how do you obtain materials? What tools are necessary? Can an amateur handstitch w/o a large tool outlay$$. Thanks in advance and remember: Its all about the pictures!

I just posted a thread about my first leatherwork project. My first effort at hand stitching. I learned an awful lot along the way on this one. I did not outlay a huge amount of money for the necessary tools. But I also learned about things that just didn't work well for me and felt I bought a couple of things I really didn't need. And wound up adding a couple of tools that proved to be a big help in the end.

I don't know for sure but I wound up spending a little over $200 just on tools and supplies other than leather. But it was spread out over several months from when I started and as I said, in hind sight, there were at least a couple of things I decided I didn't care for using. At least not yet. Maybe as I progress I will learn to use them better. In particular was the overstitch wheel and a stitching groover.

Here's a couple things I stitched, a quiver and belt sheath. Simple saddle stich, two needles and I actually used son B50 bowstring...

Glad you started this thread, been wanting to try this leather craft. Lloyd

I have been making “stuff” for many years. It was a mater of outfitting 4+people with quivers and belts and pouches. I got most of my tools from Tandy. Leather from them as well as on line stores.

old quiver I made about 30 years ago- got measurements form Saxton Popes book

still use it alot for hunting

I make all of my own stuff. If you are not going to do tooling on the leather you don't need much.Two needles and any tough waxed thread for sewing. A very sharp knife & or good leather scissors. I use both. A leather punch comes in very handy. I use an awl,solid ice pick,a stitching chisel,or a tiny drill bit,& drill or Dremal, to pre-punch stitching holes. I can't poke the needles through with my hands anymore. Bill you will find the over stitch wheel is very handy for marking the stitching holes evenly. The groover is very good for places where you don't want the stitches to wear or be cut. I use both. You need a good leather glue/contact cement. Tooling is another thing. There is no limit. However you can do most any pattern with 7 to 9 tools,a mallet and a swivel knife. have fun. >>>----. ken

I see scraps at Fleet Farm and on Ebay pretty reasonable prices. When I went to a local Tandy's I was shocked at leather prices, unimpressed with tool prices when not on sale.

cobra,

Check out Springfield Leather Company, Weaver Leather Supply and Zack White Leatherworking Tools on line. I have bought from both Springfield and Weaver and received good service.

Bill ... thanks for the contacts. Much appreciated

Ken,

The reason I have been frustrated with the overstitch wheel is because I have had difficulty keeping it moving along the desired stitch line in any place but along straight lines and even then I wobble slightly sometimes. I went to using stitching chisels which I can place exactly how I want and keep a good hole spacing. The stitching groover I did better with and can see its usefulness. But even that I sometimes struggled to keep it on the desired stitch line.

I did use contact cement to anchor things in place prior to stitching. Worked great.

Tooling will come eventually but I want to do some other simple stuff first that doesn't involve tooling.

I got my last side from the “buckle guy” . I wanted English Bridle leather and he had best price. These guys sell pieces of various leather on EBay. Might be a better option than buying a whole side. I suggest you google leather for sale. Sure you will find plenty to choose from. Some of these suppliers also sell tools. Of course with tools you get what you pay for. You want good punches for making holes Weather you lace or sew.

Tandy, Leather Guy for leather and there are some others. Drill press, for holes, stitch wheel, needles, waxed thread, and a coule stamping tools. Most can be had from Amazon.

Made this one for my son-in-law.

Bill does the wheel have any wobble in it? I guess it did take little practice. I always use the chisels for lacing but like smaller holes for sewing thread. I use the wheel and drill or punch. Something else I use for small areas or tight curves is an old pair of sharp pointed dividers. Just walk them along always leaving one point in the last hole and swing it around to the next. You can set the spacing for any size you want.>>>----> Ken

Ken, I believe the wheel is a decent one. The problem is most likely just me needing practice working with it. I chose to use the chisels because I struggled with the awl in the thickness of the leather. I wasn't doing any really fine thread work so I was OK with the hole size and spacing. I used a fairly heavy waxed cord from Springfield Leather. Interesting idea about the dividers for hole spacing in curvy areas.

You will adapt to a lot of different things that work for you. I listed awl in the tools because it is a popular tool. My hands are to arthritic to use it or push needles through any more. Chisels for lace and the little drill bit for sewing. A dab of wax on your chisels will make them pull out a lot easier. I drag the needles across it once in a while too. Keep up the good work.>>---> Ken

Saxon style like Robin Hood, I made about 20 years ago

Celtic fighting dog with stag I designed and carved. John

Celtic fighting dog with stag I designed and carved. John

I'm a novice at best nice work guys.

Some talented people on here.

You guys have REAL talent

A project I'm a little stuck with at the moment .... trying to make a leather version of a classical Greek marble statue of Diana the huntress .... any suggestions would be hugely appreciated as I've been scratching my head over this for over a year

Another set.

Cheap leather can be had buy finding free leather sofas and chair on Craigslist. I found two this weekend and cut all the good leather off of them. I have some 40sf of very nice leather . Every piece is big enough to make a quiver. Total cost $12 for the dump fee. There is also some lamb leather on Amazon for $25 to $40 in 3 to 7 sf tanned pieces. Many colors to choose from.

First try with snake skin, I also made the knife.

David- Love that snakeskin knife sheath! Really nice.

There’s a lot of nice examples of fine leather work displayed here. Thanks for sharing your talent with us. Lance

Celtic Fighting Dog and Stag very cool. If I were to get a tattoo, I think it would be like that!

Nothing fancy, in fact I'm not done with the trim yet. Cross shoulder side worn, out the front quiver. Had the antler for the buttons from drops. Handily, or unhandily, here's a Tandy leather store just down the street from me for just about any leather I want.piece of foam in from for broadheads.

Very nice!

This is bottom of my quivers, I've made 4 so far different sizes. I'll show what I use to get this.

In the process of finishing fly rod tube, 100 more holes and stitching.

Been doing leather work for over 20 years now. I used to teach folks how to get started now I work fulltime in my leather shop as a career. Life is good!

Keep your eyes open at boot sales and garage sales ... picked up this little lot for next to nothing. The Pricking wheel is nice quality but need a bit of work.

The knives all have excellent quality blades. especially the George Barnsley skiver at the bottom. Like the wheel, they all need some work, but once re-shaped an sharpened they'll be superb

Stagecoach ... any possibility of a photo of your jigs in use? Quiver bottoms are always tricky

PS excellent work BTW

Nice work everyone , lots of talented folks around here!

My version of a Bowhunters Kit Puma Trail Guide, File, Leatherman tool Nothing fancy but it works

I make my own gear. I get most of my supplies from either tandy's or Springfield leather. It's a neverending money pit but I enjoy it!

Knife and sheath I made. Knife is made from a concrete cutting saw blade with 90 year old wormy chestnut handle.

Side quiver.

My my...you fellas do beautiful work, all of you. I envy your knowledge and skill. Don't ever stop!

Small hatchet and sheath.

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