How to Start Leather Crafting

[@mattstorero3472]

Another good tip is that u can go to a thrift store and find things that are made of leather like bags and like brief cases, they sell them for like 3 dollars and it comes with a ton of leather, I’m still a beginner and I just made my first wallet and honestly it looks horrible but it brings confidence in the way the leather works

[@tcmr5775]

great tip!

[@t33lossin]

Killer tip!

[@shoffy01]

the best part would be it’s naturally worn leather… great call

[@JS-fh4xm]

Excellent tip. Thanks!

[@LuzDeMariposita]

That is an amazing tip. I’ll add there are many second hand shops online as well, also fb marketplace and such:)

[@SocialScrapper]

This is EXACTLY how I was taught to sew. It seemed lame at the time, but it made me a better seamstress in the long run. No thread Just a needle in the machine following the lines (straight, circles, zig zag, etc) on plain paper then hold them up to the light. Thank you for teaching the fundamentals of leather work.

[@ianallen1819]

By far the most informative and realistic intro to leatherworking video on KZbin. No gate keeping, no flashy unrealistic expectations, simple and clear instructions. Fantastic.

[@kirrahmae6650]

“You’re paying for your education in material costs” I think that cured my 20 years of mental blocks feeling like I was wasting material

[@bradarcher5324]

Bud, you were born to be an instructor! Thank you for your help.

[@paulaysabellemedina5260]

1. Chisel 2. Stiching needle 3. Wax thread 4. Leather 5. Cutting mat, mallet, ruler, xacto blade

[@akindeletitilayo4998]

Thank you so much for listing them. ❤

[@calebelkins217]

The best beginner video I have seen so far. You stuck to the tools you said you were gonna use and showed how to use them without bringing other tools into it. Every other video I watched I it felt like there was another thing I didn’t have.

[@johnnyregs2378]

Holy cow I was literally searching for starter guides and kits today and then my favorite leather work channel releases a video. Thank you!

[@AMINE-yy3zb]

John Regan Exactly the same feeling. You are desperate in skillshare and blueprint for courses with a limited budget in your pocket and then suddenly your best guys release one for free. Very happy

[@tsbda]

Holy cow me too, thats so weird lol holy cow

[@riosd0905]

Add me to that list

[@diojibarker9892]

@@tsbda FUN FACT: The Pope’s red shoes are made from top-grain, holy cow leather.

[@SM-qo5qn]

@Johnny Regs Thank you Sir 🙂

[@maxpower001]

I have a goldmine stock of FREE leather in every type and style from the very clean secret "dumpster" tossed out by a custom leather shop next door to my automotive shop... I have massive variety and sooooo many boxes of rolled up sheets and learning a new material to craft gives me so many ideas for holsters and bandolier slings to hold lots of shotgunshells kept on the ol scattergun, ready to roll.. i use rotary cutters with my selfhealing mats i used for making slingshot bandsets and now more leather pouches then one person should ever need...

[@Iam35plusvlogs]

I'm from india, I literally do not find any Indian videos for my business , you the one saved me and gave me money saver education 🙏 tqsm

[@billkingsbury4667]

were you a teacher? Perhaps in a previous life? As an educator, this is how you teach for a lifetime of success. Start with the basics, and the most basic tools before you KNOW you want to do this a lot. Great job and keep up the great videos.

[@stephenbrown3395]

I love how you talk about failure. I’ve been woodworking most of my adult life, I came to you to prepare for a tool vest project, I am tired of things that don’t work for my tools and how I use them. Thanks for reminding me I’m probably going to suck before I get good at something.

[@DestinysFa11en]

This video legit just made me so relaxed and happy. Just the "no pressure" to it kinda thing is amazing.

[@Helm-w1q]

I got introduced to leather working by an uncle back in 1960. Been having fun with it ever since. I thought that I would make a couple suggestions for you upstarts. The cost of everything is sky hi these days and leather and leather working tools cost big time. I can't do much about the cost of leather except this. When you buy leather at the big leather store, consider buying craft cuts. There about the size of a school note book and I've found I can make alot of projects out of one cut. Even so, if I need more a craft cut is alot cheaper than a hide,half hide. This is leather you can stamp or carve. Tools. My first tool is a good old table fork. Four prongs. You can use this to strike a sewing line around your project. Slip one tine into the leather and rest the next time against the side of the leather. . Also you can use the fork to space sewing holes. I like this better than anything you can buy. The next few tools are a good rawhide mallet. Not only For stamping but can be used other places. I suggest three stamps. A veinier, a seed and a basket weave stamp. This is a good start. The veinier can be used to stamp a border, and the seed stamp can be used along with the veinier. Now the basket weave stamp may seem out of place, but. A lot of finish leather products will be stampped with a basket weave pattern, it looks good and wears good, but it take guite a bit of practice to get it down pat. This why I suggest this tool to be among the first. You will have scraps left over after making a project. Use this scrap to practice basket weave stamping. You can throw it out after you are done or find something to make out of it. Sissors. For the cost, the big box store that sells home remolding stuff sell electrician scissors. Super sharp and cut leather clean. Not cheap but cheaper than leather scissors. Razor knife, rulers, squares these can all be found at the dollar store. Burnisher can be made out of a spring style cloths pin. Just take it apart. All kinds of grooves you can use. And lastly. Don't be afraid to make your own tools. If it works you will feel real good, if it don't look at why it didn't and make another. I worked as an engineer and we had a saying"Keep it simple stupid" It's always worked for me.

[@ResoluteGryphon]

I've been looking everywhere for a leatherworking tutorial to make a Blockbuster Video membership card holder. Thanks!

[@crisfer22]

😂😂😂

[@idhatemet00]

I was like am i the only one who noticed that? Had to do a double take to confirm I wasn't hallucinating. That thing belongs in the Smithsonian. lol

[@pattiepepper6217]

AMAZING video! This is how Illustrators begin as well. First, drawing lines, then circles, then 3D shapes. Then, we translate the shapes to forms like body parts, buildings, etc. Thank you so much for your time and sharing your expertise of leather work.

[@bananapotatonaaa]

I love your approach how you're recommending alternative tools for when starting out. As someone who wants to start on leathercraft, it's overwhelming how many kind of tools and products there are. I do want quality tools but the cost can get steep when you buy them all at once. Also love your recommendation on practicing the very basics first. You're a great teacher. Thank you for this :)

[@forrestthroughdatrees]

Did you ever start? I just bought a crossbody bag and I’m like.. I want to make these! So, pondering it and I usually invest in hobbies! Exciting stuff! I like the handcrafted work.

[@Ameylynn]

I am so grateful for your video! I want to sew myself a Birkin style bag, but hahahahahahaaaaaaaaa, it will be taking forever!

[@cititattoo]

Can't tell you how generous and kind and useful that video is! Can't thank you enough!😊

[@timsquires4705]

I’m amazed by the quality of both the video and audio found in this ancient recording from the Blockbuster Era. Hands down the best to date.

[@aidarondilla1784]

This is the only video that did not discourage me from doing a leather project because of his practical tips and simple tools. No need to buy all those expensive tools that others are requiring yet the quality of product is produced. Thank you!

[@diana.isidore]

This has to be the best tutorial to leather I’ve come across. Been looking to start making handmade bags and couldn’t find any channel talk about the basics. Kudos

[@kyleespinoza3369]

This video was truly enjoyable to watch. As I was watching I started saying to myself "This guys approach to teaching a new skill is exactly how any intro to a hobby should be." Thank you so much for all the thought and effort you put into this 🙏

[@Handmade365day]

I find this video very useful for those who are just starting to make leather wallets, because it not only gives technical instructions but also shares important notes when making them.

[@Camroc37]

I got excited to make a few things and before knowing anything I had ordered 2lbs of ostrich scrap, a box of exotic scrap, 8 sq ft of navajo deerskin, 4 ft of veg and some cheap pigskin. Once it arrives I'll stop at the store and get some basic tools (I have been hand sewing without a punch, which is really awesome...) I'll definitely be using the pigskin as practice and then trying a few wallets with the more expensive stuff. Great video!

[@speshedtv]

Thank you very much!!! Greetings from GHANA 🇬🇭 (West Africa)

[@genecarden780]

After watching your video on buckleguys wet forms, I bought the pill shaped form and immediately realized that I suck at trimming the curved end. I came back to this video, followed your simple instructions for practicing cutting curves and improved immediately. I bought my first leather crafting tools probably fourty years ago and learned through books. (KZbin videos didn’t exist) life got in the way and I stopped leathercrafting for 20 years. I just started again recently. My point is even if you are not just dipping your toe in leathercraft this is an excellent video and the concept of learning and practicing the basics is very effective. Thank you

[@dariangoodness3037]

He’s 100% right when he talks about learning the fundamentals of cutting and hole punching like obviously practice makes perfect but when I first watched all these guys on KZbin do silent leather craft videos and tried to mimic it it just wasn’t the same and I kind of thought I wasted my time and money but I kept trying and like he said with the movies I even put on the Star Wars series or some days just listened to music and enjoyed and I did end up getting better but I’m far from perfect or knowing everything about but for something as simple as a wallet it has to look clean and the little details matter it’s a craft for a reason and a really good hobby as well

[@dwarvinicus]

So, this is the best guide that i would have loved a couple years ago. I am now gonna start over with these items. Cheap leather; Old school bags. The nerdy ones. They are cheap and have pretty big panels.

[@emirhancalskan1581]

Scrap leather bundles sold by pound in amazon is a great way to get your hands down to cheap leather. You don’t only get leather for cheap but also you get a variety of leather in variety of qualities and are able to get a better feel of the trade

[@nancymcreynolds6796]

Thank you! I have a horrible tendency of “jumping into” a new hobby then getting discouraged b/c it turns out bad, b/c I didn’t take the time to learn the basics of the craft! So thank you again for this video!

[@christopherengland7245]

Oh wow a blockbuster card?! The small amount of nostalgia I got from seeing that both made me happy and a little sad.

[@chimera91977]

I plan on travelling to Bend, OR to visit the last blockbuster

[@sakuraake5167]

i saw your vid how to make laptop leather sleeve. This makes me wanna try leather craft. Thank you

[@annagizziatlas62]

I’ve been sewing for years but want to add leather to my craft. This is the perfect introduction. Thank you!

[@jafowler85]

This video is such a big help. I just finished making my first card wallet from watching this out of simple piece of scrap leather I got in a bundle

[@guitarsz]

Woah, was that a Blockbuster card? Cool. Old skool.

[@NoOne-bp2jw]

Wow. I'm looking for a new hobby, perhaps even one that can eventually make a little money. I love my full grain leather purses, belts, wallets and accessories, so I thought this might suit me. Can't wait to try it. Thank you.

[@BBsheepy]

This is a true legit "how to start leather working video" the other video I saw told you to get 50+ amount of things

[@josephsanders9181]

If you are thinking of getting a granite block, check your local counter top outlet. I got a great piece of granite for free. It was a sink cut out that they were gonna throw away.

[@coltonyoung9932]

For people starting out on veg tan, the "finger" on a cap of BIC pens, makes a really solid impression. It's a cheap and available alternative. But Corter Learher has a great guide, I've been doing it for years and still check in. Best of luck, make great things!

[@johkonut]

i'm starting my journey and i think this is the best beginner video out there. 90% of the others list a lot of unnecessary tools when you just want to try it out.

[@gerardolramos]

Hi. I've started buying some basic tools and materials for leather crafting. Your informative and instructional videos are helping me a lot to understand leather crafting. You have a very pleasant voice which makes it easier to listen to. Thank you so much.

[@lordzero2379]

I'm basicly about to start dipping my toes in leatherworking and for starting material i can mess up with, i got tons of leather from my late grandgathers shoemaker workshop. I don't know about price ranges, but i think free is hard to beat

[@davidchivatero4306]

Excellent video, thank you for taking the time to share.

[@demolitionwilliams7419]

Blockbuster card. Nice throwback

[@Koffent]

I've wanted to get into leather work for quite some time but money has been tight. This tutorial was exactly what I was looking for. You break down the bare necessities and how to use them. I'm also amazed by the condition of that blockbuster card. I haven't seen one in 20 years and that thing looks brand new. Thanks for the info.

[@coreywilson3479]

You can still get Blockbuster cards from the last remaining blockbuster in Oregon

[@CombrinkPierre]

You are a great teacher. Please make more teaching videos. Thanks

[@d.i.a.5392]

I tried this out. I made a different type of stitch. It looks good. Thank you for this video.

[@SwapneelGhosh95]

This is undoubtedly one of the most essential videos on Leathercraft for beginners like me. Thank you!

[@psode27]

I have no clue why this video was prompted. I've never wanted to work leather in my life. After watching, I'm looking at tools and thinking of a project! Thanks!

[@buildinginspectorsnewcastl7654]

Your passion for what you do is evident in every upload. Keep shining!

[@TheMarionetteKitty]

A perfect holder for the blockbuster video card. Preserve that antique!

[@itsover9008]

Excellent video and didn't make me think I needed a bazillion tools to be any good at it. I was encouraged by this video and made my own midori traveler's notebook successfully, and it came out beautiful. Thank you!

[@phuzzygreene]

I appreciate your approach. Reminds me of one of my favorite middle school teachers. He spent most of the first grading period teaching how to study, how to learn. THEN, he taught us what to learn. Great reminder to put first things first,

[@joemartin6536]

This is a perfect starter video for learning about leather tooling. I looked at a couple of others and they were over my head in the first couple of minutes. This is straight forward and actually starts with the beginning and completes a project at the end using the lessons learned. Thank you. A+

[@johnshrader1655]

A well done crafting video for at least a dozen good reasons.

[@shhtormie]

This video is what made me dip my toes into leather working. I'm an art student doing 3D work and I found all of the tools I needed to get started already in my tool boxes(other than the leather needle and thread). Some of them are substitutions for leather specific tools and they make the process a bit longer but it gives me the opportunity to practice without as many start up costs.

[@rexromana]

Omg the block buster card, I love it

[@andrewgold7494]

Saw your goods on Pinterest about seven years ago and purchased two iPhone cases and cardholders they no longer fit new phones but now they are in daily use as glasses cases and have all improved with age.

[@drak1071]

This is the first video I've watched on leather crafting and it's awesome. Straight to the point and informative. Doesn't make it too intimidating for novices. Subscribed!

[@rico6445]

Thank you, your channel inspired me. I found my new hobby. I made 4 wallets and 2 handbags for my family. This channel is the best!

[@georgewolf7063]

Yay! I really enjoy your tone and attitude towards learning leather working! My first boss who trained me in traditional jewelry work won me over with a similar approach. If nothing more, this has helped motivate me to get a little more serious about learning leather crafting! Thank you!

[@felipevillarrealsilva3053]

I'm very grateful for this. This is the best video ever

[@JT-mx9xq]

This is perfect - for once the algorithm didn't fail me. Thanks for putting this together. I'm looking forward to checking out the rest of your videos

[@WallesWillerWalla]

For someone looking to get into leatherworking as a hobby, this was a truly great video!

[@natminame3092]

Someone said a great tip is to go to a thrift store and find things made out of leather to use as scrap. Another tip is to take apart the seams that make up the leather item, that now becomes your new template to create the same bag, wallet, shoe, or other leathercraft item in whatever style you want

[@AndreasSippus]

This is may be one of the best tutorial / teaching video on entirety of KZbin. Love how you tell the essentials, show how you do it but also proceed forward in a fast enough pace. And neither do you repeat yourself. Thanks for making this video 🙌

[@handygote]

I've watched a number of 'intro to leather craft' videos. Yours really strips it down to the minimal basics. Very helpful! Thank you!

[@back2basics902]

Beautiful throughout the whole video. Just rolls of the tongue BEAUTIFULLLL .. he knows how to explain this well.

[@blaireshoe8738]

Took me a second to realize the answer to "I wonder where he got the cover for that lighter, it's pretty neat" (5:50) was probably "Thanks I/we made it" 😂 For anyone else wondering, the pattern for it is actually available on their website linked in the description! :D

[@natethegreat1306]

When your punching your stitching holes I use a carpet square I have used it since I started works excellent

[@jeffpharr2752]

As someone who has wanted to try my hand at this for awhile now, this is a perfect introduction/how-to video. I've been looking for alternatives for starting tools. Thank you for this video 🙏

[@XchelRocks]

Basic Set Up - Weaver Leather Stitchers - Needles - Wax Thread - Leather - Self Healing Cutting Matt - Mallet 24oz - metal ruler with corked back - xacto #2 blade and handle - lighter - couple grits of sand paper 80 and 400 - bees wax - little bit of canvas

[@kevinmonceaux2101]

I like your approach on getting started. KZbin keeps trying to find more hobbies for me than I could possibly have time for. I tend to cycle through them, focusing on one or two at a time. Often with a new hobby I watch a lot of videos, collect some tools and/or supplies, then get sidetracked on another hobby before actually getting started. Such was the case with leather. This year I'm trying to at least get started on hobbies I've already collected tools and/or supplies for. Hopefully I can find some hobbies I really enjoy that inspire me to make more time for then, and weed out others that aren't a good fit. I have a beginner kit from Tandy with pre-cut pre-punched pieces. But knowing I wouldn't do those pieces justice was a big reason I got side tracked onto other hobbies. I think your approach might help me actually get started this time.

[@PoppaKev19]

I just order some basic tools to get started with leather making and this video is amazing. Thank you for taking the out to show us beginners the simple tools and best practice.

[@jamespool4751]

This was a well made video, I started some years ago. Got busy and had no time for it. I am now getting back into it and needed a refresher course. This one did it for me. Thank you for your work and I'm looking forward to watching the next video.

[@s-volt9814]

I have never learned more in a video, that was so calm and digestible, thank you so much!!!

[@jolier1313]

I just want to echo what others have commented, but this is an excellent starter video for leather working. I don't recall a channel that I ever subscribed to on the first video that I watch, but I had to hit that subscribe button. 😅

[@79sketches]

Great introduction to the craft. I am thinking about trying this. I have not decided yet but sound fun to work

[@commonsensecorner7275]

BLOCKBUSTER!!! 🤣🤣👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I am absolutely new to this, I only bought some $20 scrap piece of leather to make a pouch for my iPhone, one chisel, thread and needles. The upside, my background is design, so I already have blades, rulers and self healing mats. Plus, I’ve learned a lot from my mother being a seamstress!!! I did learn from another video about not using a metal hammer, so for now, I covered the head with a piece of leather until I buy a mallet! 👍🏽👍🏽

[@Kyletamblyn]

I'm in a weird part of youtube today where EVERY video is excellent! Thank you for this!

[@assadn5082]

Love your teaching philosophy. I haven't started yet and this was my first video. I've been obsessing over leather goods - shoes, boots, bags, wallets, watch straps, etc - for so long and I finally wanted to see if I could just make my own. I'm glad that this was my first video and looking forward to learning from you. Thank you!

[@Shadow0fd3ath24]

big 2 to 10+lb bulk leather scraps online from some of the better places come with REAL nice leather and usually 2-3 LARGE pieces you can get a bunch of proj ects from!

[@micheleskinner3565]

I wish more people taught by focusing on the basics and learning good technique before jumping in! I take the same approach in anything I have taken on - sewing, dance, etc. and it is always a good idea to go back to the basics every once in a while to reinforce good technique.

[@stefanbelcher8307]

Really great video. Has certainly changed how I was going to start with leather craft.

[@Jukithesuzuki]

The algorithm gods are at it again! Thanks @youtube and THANK YOU @corterleather!!!

[@Terry-7]

I am looking to get into leatherworking as a small hobby right now. This is a wonderful video and has answered several of my newbie questions. Thank you for taking the time to put this video together, it's a tremendous help. You have helped give me more confidence to try the craft and feel like I can be successful at it.

[@CurtEdwards86]

I have all the tools I need to start. I practiced a few times on scrap leather. I just got my first piece of real 2-3oz leather in the other day after Weaver has been sold out for several weeks. I think this video is exactly what I needed to get started! Thank you!

[@GoldieJoRv]

Trying to find tools to start do you have any suggestions?

[@btroupe4371]

Made my first bag ever using techniques from you and weaver leather.

[@Nelagon187]

I’ve recently been interested in picking up a new hobby and was thinking of leather working and this video sent me over the top

[@Kez_DXX]

Joann Fabrics, Michael's Hobby Lobby have small bags of scrap leather in with their leather craft supplies. Also, if you have a compass tool, that works for a divider as well.

[@crachead34]

But do they have vegetable tan for tooling and stamping? Most of the time, no.

[@shaunmichaels6801]

Very good explanation of how to start leather craft.I love your calm demeanor, thank you for sharing your knowledge and inspiring me👍

[@gotshpilkes]

Good tip on wasting materials when learning skills and techniques. I probably could have filled up a couple of dumpsters with scrap steel before I got good at welding. You'll generally even waste more materials if you are teaching yourself. Edited to add: even before you start cutting leather, learn to sharpen and care for your tools. I was washing dishes in a restaurant and told the chef I wanted to move up. He said: "When you can sharpen knives, we'll talk". He showed me how to make my tools perform properly.

[@chuckaltvater4506]

I am using a DeWalt trigger clamp as a beginner stitching pony for my little project; a sheath for the file I carry in my firefighting line pack for sharpening hand tools. 13:16

[@miheervaidya]

Thanks for such a nice illustration!!!

[@dominiquehanika]

Thank you so much for this video. You explain it really well with focusing on the basic and good techniques. I'm going to give it a try.

[@Jeroentje-K]

i loved this video! the only thing i missed was that you skipped over for you maybe logtic things like, how long to wait for the glue to dry before using the piece again or how to apply the wax or the starting of the stitch. but that said this was the best beginner video out here!

[@dannyonsaturn5458]

I really love how you went about this, its 100% for beginners and that's perfect! I'm looking to get into leatherwork for cosplay and I'm not looking to do anything complex and it feels a lot more achievable now.

[@AineTaiki]

Thank you for the simple, clear and straightforward explanation. It’s really useful for someone that has never worked with leather before

[@Gilroben]

I really liked your approach! I tried to do this training before my first project, but now I see I kinda messed up on the hole-punching step. I punched the holes without glueing, but got the holes reasonably aligned. Gonna give it a shot, but definitely gonna pratice in your way before the next project. Thank a lot man!

[@CorporalAnarchy]

Getting the new Corter video alert always makes the day better!