Craft on a Budget: Smart Buys & Skips for Leathercraft Beginners

For beginner leathercrafters wondering what to buy and what's unnecessary, here's a guide to the most cost-effective tool combination strategy for newbies.

1. Hammer (Must-Buy)

Searching for "leathercraft hammer" will reveal a variety of options.

• Wooden Hammer: Light but requires multiple hits for effective impact.
• Leather Carving Hammer: Precise but demands skill for accuracy.
• Rubber Hammer: Anti-slip grip, well-reviewed, but overall heavy. The soft rubber face cushions too much impact, leading to excessive rebound. Avoid using metal hammers directly on chisels or punches.

2. Needles (Must-Buy)

There are several types of hand sewing needles, with leathercraft needles being thicker and rounded at the tip for safety and utility.

• Recommended: Jonh James No. 4 hand sewing needle.

3. Thread (Must-Buy)

Common hand sewing threads include waxed linen, hemp, round waxed, and flat waxed threads. The method of finishing ends varies by material, typically involving glue for hemp and flame for nylon.

• A thread diameter of 0.45-0.55mm is recommended for most styles. For use with pricking irons, pair with a thicker thread. When in doubt, white thread is a versatile choice, or match the thread color to the leather for a conservative approach. Round waxed thread (average price $2/roll) is a good start.

4. Cutting Knife  (Must-Buy)

Cutting knives broadly refer to utility knives, leather cutting knives, and craft knives, with the craft knife being the top recommendation for its affordability and convenience. 

5. Chisel(Must-Buy)

For beginners, a standard white steel oblique flat chisel with polished tips offers a good experience without breaking the bank.

6. Ruler (Must-Buy)

Choose stainless steel (to prevent cutting damage) rulers, around 30cm in length.

7. Flat Nose Pliers (Optional)

Useful for reinforcing glue bonds during assembly.

8. Awl (Must-Buy)

An inexpensive tool with multiple uses, from marking to applying edge paint.

9. Skiving Knife (Must-Buy)

There aren't many options, but for beginners, any sharp, wide blade will do. Regular sharpening is key.

10. Leather Weight (Optional)

Not strictly necessary, with many crafters using alternative or modified items.

11. Glue Spreader (Must-Buy)

Opt for a larger size for convenience.

12. Glue Scraper (Must-Buy)

Essential for removing excess glue and dirt.

13. Spacing Wheel (Must-Buy)

A small spacing wheel suffices for most tasks. No need for specialized leathercraft tools; a "sewing gauge" with markings will do.

14. Sandpaper (Must-Buy)

A fast-depleting supply, especially for refined works. Quality sandpaper affects the finish and efficiency of your project.

15. Bone Folder (Must-Buy)

An inexpensive tool is sufficient; high-end options like deer bone offer slight improvements but aren't necessary.

16. Thread Snips (Must-Buy)

The cheapest option works just fine.

17. Wood Clamp (Optional)

Prices range from a few dollars to hundreds. Beginners should opt for the more affordable options.

18. Glue (Must-Buy)

Italian water-based white glue is recommended for its environmental friendliness. Other options include yellow glue and anaerobic adhesive, with yellow glue being flammable and toxic but useful for temporary bonds.

19. Cutting Mat (Must-Buy)

Choose a mat specifically designed to protect your blade. An A3 size (A4 is too small) is recommended, with OLFA black cutting mats being highly regarded.

20. Chisel Mat (Must-Buy)

Also known as a rubber or tendon mat. The best experience comes from Japanese imported green mats, but affordable options around $10 are also suitable.

21. Edge Beveler (Optional)

Different from a spacing wheel, it's used for decorative lines. Adjustable models are recommended for versatility.

22. Thickness Gauge (Must-Buy)

Surprisingly, this tool hasn't been made into a high-end version, so prices are generally consistent. Choose a flat head with a 1cm range.

23. Burnishing Stick (Must-Buy)

Used for wet sanding and shaping edges on vegetable-tanned leather. A simple round wood stick will do.

24. Edge Beveler (Must-Buy)

Essential for finishing edges on vegetable-tanned leather.

25. Cotton Swabs (Must-Buy)

Cheap and used for applying edge paint or dye.

For beginner leathercrafters, navigating what tools to invest in can be a bit overwhelming. But remember, while the right tools can make a difference, it's your passion, creativity, and dedication to the craft that truly bring your projects to life. Starting with these essentials will set you on a path to discovering the joy and satisfaction of creating something beautiful and functional with your own hands. As you grow in your craft, you'll find which tools suit your style best and perhaps even venture into customizing your own. Welcome to the rewarding world of leathercrafting – where every stitch and cut brings you closer to mastering the art.

Happy crafting!❤️