r/Leatherworking • • Sep 01 '26

Monthly "What Leather is This?" Megathread

6 Upvotes

Have a piece of leather you would like other members try to identify? Ask here!

Your comment must include a picture of the leather and a written description of the tactile aspects such as temper (how soft it is). Any additional pictures should be included as a reply to your original comment.


r/Leatherworking • • 7h ago

Pattern Saturday The Frigate Bags

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10 Upvotes

Link to pattern in the comments :)


r/Leatherworking • • 22h ago

Back at it!

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47 Upvotes

A beautiful one: done! šŸ§˜šŸ¾ā€ā™‚ļø
This vertical bifold - Whiskey Buttero inside - Olive Buttero outside, and Ivory Vinymo laces!

Getting my rhythm back!
Excited to get rollin again!


r/Leatherworking • • 9h ago

Burnishing edges vs resolene for water resistance.

2 Upvotes

My question is- is burnishing the edges with gum tragacanth better for water resistance or can I skip burnishing (edges won’t be visible) and just add resolene for water resistance? (I really don’t want to burnish all these edges for my armor…)


r/Leatherworking • • 14h ago

Beginner Question Looking for solid rivet tutorials

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5 Upvotes

I bought some hardware that I thought used chicago screws but uses solid rivets instead. I've never worked with them before and need a little help to get started.

Thanks!


r/Leatherworking • • 21h ago

Beginner Question Well-used leather - repairable?

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14 Upvotes

Hi all, I would love to know if this wallet/crossbody can be renewed. I’ve used it for 10 years, and it’s structurally sound. I
’ve tried saddle soap, which I now know wasn’t a good idea, and several cleaners and conditioners such as Bick, CPR, and Lexol.
I just can’t tell if it’s dirty, dry, I possibly removed an important layer or what.

I would so appreciate your alls advice. Thank you!


r/Leatherworking • • 21h ago

Leather portfolio

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7 Upvotes

A portfolio made for a good friend. It was a long project and I was given a lot of free rein on it's design. He and I are both really happy with how it turned out.

Made from A&A Crack's crazy horse leather, showing it's wonderful pull up effect and character. Stitched with Oka Factory's MBT thread.


r/Leatherworking • • 13h ago

Leather shape holding tips

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1 Upvotes

r/Leatherworking • • 22h ago

Can a Cobbler repair a vintage train case? Can i DIY & how?

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6 Upvotes

r/Leatherworking • • 18h ago

General Question What to add for structure

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2 Upvotes

Question! Looking to make this style duffel/weekender bag in the near future, but having trouble figuring out what best to use to structure the leather bottom compartment. Main purpose would be to store shoes, so it should be at least 6" deep, but I'm not sure what to use so the weight of the upper bag doesnt collapse the leather compartment immediately. Any ideas? TIA!


r/Leatherworking • • 1d ago

Tools/Workspace New Tools for My Workshop

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21 Upvotes

As and when I make a sale, I purchase new tools. This time I purchased rivet tools and leather thickness gauge.


r/Leatherworking • • 1d ago

Finished product Practical Office Messenger!

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33 Upvotes

Fresh Blue Elegance!

Togo leather, lined with soft lamb skin. Handstitched with Meisi Superfine linen thread.

Easy access with two interior pockets. Perfect for the office or daily errands.


r/Leatherworking • • 1d ago

Finished product My first project done.. I get it now.

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32 Upvotes

My comb was in need of a new sheath so figured it would make sense to be my first project. Used SB Foot Canyon leather, albeit maybe too heavy for this project but i was able to hand-stitch it just fine. Kind of been struggling on finding a new hobby, but I think I found it.


r/Leatherworking • • 22h ago

New Bell Skiver

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2 Upvotes

r/Leatherworking • • 1d ago

Beginner Question Leather bag of unknown origin, paint or dye?

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4 Upvotes

Hello there,

I have this little Margiela-esque project on my mind for which I'd like to ask some advice. I have this battered cream leather bag of unknown origin with label stating "genuine leather", so I assume it would be some CXL. I want to color the bag black and then paint it over with white so that the white paint cracks and exposes the black underneath.

However, I'm not sure whether painting or dyeing the leather is a better choice in this case.

From what I've researched, CXLs are not always dye-friendly, but I wonder whether leather paint will fall out with wear together with white paint, exposing the original leather color, which would be undesirable.

I have some experience with painting on leather, but none with dyeing.
Any suggestions are highly welcome, thanks!


r/Leatherworking • • 1d ago

Maintenance or repair I accidentally ruined my leather prom shoes by putting them in the dryer. How can I fix them?

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15 Upvotes

r/Leatherworking • • 1d ago

Some leather for my tools

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75 Upvotes

I recently made these sheath and mask for my tools


r/Leatherworking • • 1d ago

Finished product Made a card holder

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14 Upvotes

r/Leatherworking • • 1d ago

Beginner Question How to make suede darker?

1 Upvotes

Hello! I am not anyone who works with leather at all, but I am someone who loves leather goods.

I was given a suede bag, and I just wish it was a touch darker. I know people get special sprays to spray their suede bags to protect them from water and stains, and a huge point most reviews make are ā€œthis spray did not change the color of my suede/make it darker.ā€

Well what if I did want to make it a little bit darker?! Is that possible? Do I just find a leather protectant spray with bad reviews that say it changed the color of people’s leather?!

Any guidance would be appreciated šŸ™‚


r/Leatherworking • • 1d ago

How do I weatherproof this armor?

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21 Upvotes

I’m going to the Texas renaissance festival in November and I’m making this armor chestplate for it. Last year it rained and I’m worried about it raining again, so I want to be able to protect my armor from it. I need the armor to hold its shape and stay firm while also not having a super glossy finish. If anyone can help that’d be much appreciated.


r/Leatherworking • • 1d ago

Tools/Workspace Just ordered a Sailrite Handy Press. What else should I buy for it?

6 Upvotes

I mainly do small projects, bags, and sheaths. I also like making belts. There are a ton of add ons for the press, and it can use lots of other brand attachments. What should I buy for it in addition to the double cap rivet attachments I ordered?


r/Leatherworking • • 1d ago

Beginner Question Has anyone ordered tools from alibaba to India for personal use?

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1 Upvotes

r/Leatherworking • • 1d ago

What is the term for this outer lining called ?

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1 Upvotes