How to Wet Form Leather // Three Easy Techniques

Wet forming leather can be very useful for many different applications (plus it looks cool) and can be way easier than you might think! In this video I show you three different easy techniques to achieve great results no matter what you’re wet forming!
Preparing the Leather: 0:19 Minutes In
By Hand: 1:01 Minutes In
Foam Technique: 1:55 Minutes In
Vacuum Seal Technique: 2:54 Minutes In
Result Comparison: 3:47 Minutes In
Help Support My Channel (Includes Member Rewards):
Patreon: www.patreon.com/EthanCarterDe...
Materials Specific to This Project (Affiliate Links):
• Foam for Forming: amzn.to/3AXEOnu
• Vacuum Seal Kit: amzn.to/3PFlzTG
• Rivet Set: amzn.to/3uWhsuM
• Tokonole Burnishing Gum - amzn.to/2NvnEEl
• EcoWeld Adhesive - www.tandyleather.com/en/produ...
• Edge Rougher - amzn.to/2SxCcWP
• Hole Punch: amzn.to/3zgJS4Y
Leatherworking Tools (Affiliate Links):
• Leather Working Starter Tool Kit - amzn.to/2uGPGG7
• Leather Rotary Cutter - amzn.to/2uTr1yd
• Inexpensive Mallet - amzn.to/3ada6Xv
• Leather Marking Pen - amzn.to/30pEEAV
• Craft Sewing Scissors - amzn.to/2RkHlQ9
• Bone Folder/Creaser - amzn.to/2QXqeVO
• Edge Dye Roller Pen - amzn.to/2st8YOF
• Straight Slot Punches - amzn.to/2TpvYsK
• Leather Circle Cutter - amzn.to/38bS32h
• Sinabroks Pricking Irons - sinabroks.com/
• Variety Shape Punch Set - amzn.to/2Ry4pez
• Arc-Shaped Cutter Punch - amzn.to/2u2SgGa
Leatherworking Materials/Supplies (Affiliate Links):
• Thread - amzn.to/2NvIdAf
• Disposable Foam Brushes - amzn.to/2QWAD3X
• Leather Weld Adhesive - amzn.to/35Vims6
• Cricut Strong Transfer Tape - amzn.to/30lzk1k
• Cricut Engraving/Etching Accessory - amzn.to/35YuKaK
• Cricut Maker Machine - amzn.to/2NHUXEb
Recording/Filming Equipment (Affiliate Links):
• Lav Mic - amzn.to/2Rn7AW6
• LED Video Studio Light - amzn.to/2Rej5QT
• Voice Over Mic - amzn.to/2GmXe3H
• Camera Slider - amzn.to/36VANPI
Follow:
• Instagram: / ethancarterdesigns
• Instructables: www.instructables.com/member/...
THANK YOU FOR WATCHING!
Music: Epidemic Sound
#wetmolding #leatherwork #leathercraft

[@littleeaglewoodworks]

Great video as usual. I really like how you showcase each process in a way that is very approachable for any skill level.

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much Scott, that's definitely what my goal was!

[@UnstoppableKJ]

God I love short, sweet, and to the point instructional videos! Well done! And a thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much!

[@azsaddledoc]

For those that want to try the "Foam" pressure molding technique without leaving marks from the foam, cut a piece from a heavy freezer bag large enough to cover the wet leather then put the foam over it and clamps to press. I use the clear plastic from a fabric store that is used for Jeep windows but, heavy plastic bags will help as well. You can also take it out of the clamps after 30 minutes and work in some details with smooth tools then place back under pressure. Great video!

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much Rick, that is an awesome tip that I will definitely use moving forward! Learning something new every day!

[@Dubya1886]

I’m mad at KZbin for never recommending your channel, as I’ve watched 30+ hours of leather videos on here before finding you. This is great stuff! -Rivarone Leatherworks

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Haha! I'm glad you finally found it! I really appreciate it!

[@LRRPFco52]

Short, sweet, to the point, all necessary information easily-viewed. Love it.

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much! That's exactly what I strive for!

[@silversmithclasses]

Very cool thanks for sharing!! Cheers Ellen

[@TheGrantAlexander]

I tried to use some of that foam on my harmonica and it started to bend it!! That's why I ended up making a 3d printed form and clamped it in place (which you should have made as your bonus technique) I think a vacuum bag is the way to go if you are going to be making lots of these things.

[@betford2]

Ethan, your video tutorials are very helpful... Thank you for sharing them!

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much for that, I truly appreciate it!

[@Sky-Frogs]

Very neat, thanks for sharing sir.

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

You are so welcome, glad you enjoyed it!

[@user-neo71665]

I use a food saver on my gun and knife hosters. You can take a bone tool and go around the part in the bag while vac forming to get sharper detail. You don't have to just rely on what the vacuum leaves.

[@AName-sq2wb]

Awesome. Thanks!!

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@desmondehoppie4758]

Very Informative. Thank You for taking the time to make this video

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

It's my pleasure, I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@blendraphi]

Thanks!

[@glennfrey5021]

This is incredible! Thanks for the video.

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you liked it!

[@chanbarnard6926]

Love your ideas! Thank you so much. Going to try it.

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much for that! Appreciate it! Go for it and reach out if you have any questions!

[@chrisgenovese8188]

awesome ideas, presented perfectly!

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you liked it!

[@Everythings_Adjustable]

Really great comparison video, Thanks! 🥃 👍 😊

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you liked it!

[@g0ddam]

Really good video Ethan, thanks.

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

You are so welcome, thanks for checking it out!

[@garagemonkeysan]

Nice video. Useful comparison of tecniques.. Mahalo for sharing! : )

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much as always! I really appreciate it!

[@TheWoodPastor]

Great video bro. Love seeing what you’re up to and what I can learn from you and your videos. Now I need to form some stuff!

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much bud! You totally should - it really is super simple!

[@andrewoperacz7427]

That’s absolutely fantastic!! Thanks so much for sharing duder!!!🤘🏼💀🤘🏼💀

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much, so pumped you enjoyed it!

[@andrewoperacz7427]

@@EthanCarterDesigns fur sho!!!!💀🤘🏼💀🤘🏼

[@priority2]

Awesome tutorial! Subscribed ❤

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the support!

[@MakerBeach]

Great job on this! All your stuff is so good. I need to make one of these for my Leatherman!

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much bud, I really appreciate that! Yes you totally should!!! Let me know if you do!

[@koybuscho5880]

Holy dang, didn’t even know I wanted to try leather forming till I saw this!!!!

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Haha I know, right?! It's so simple and so rewarding! I hope you give it a shot!

[@Mlenski_restorations]

Very nice and useful. Thank you.👍

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much! Glad you found it useful!

[@garethmarks6016]

Neat use of a vacuum bag. Great video.Ethan

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much!!!

[@UVJ_Scott]

Nice! Thanks!

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you!

[@Canadian_Craftsman]

Too funny you're my first up when i searched this thanks for the info!!!✊️🔥✌️💚

[@migueldemelo3570]

Great vid!

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much!

[@DanielParadis-sr5nh]

Thank you for the informative video. As someone who is getting back into leather crafts after 20+ years, I'm impressed with the ease of wet forming that you demonstrated! I happily subscribed to your channel, and look forward to more informative video's!

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

You are so welcome, I'm glad you found it helpful! And thanks for the sub and the support, truly appreciate it!

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Very nice job. Very nicely completeled. Keep making. God bless.

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@SchysCraftCo.]

@@EthanCarterDesigns your very welcome.

[@lawriealvos7418]

Good stuff, well done 👍😊

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much, I appreciate it!

[@Commandodesigns]

Awesome. I'm working on a custom steering wheel and these techniques are hard to find... Because they are so cool.

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you! I've never wrapped a steering wheel but I can imagine it's not easy!

[@Commandodesigns]

@@EthanCarterDesigns I'll let you know how it goes. Dudes do it for Sim racing wheels. So it's not new but it's hard to find techniques.

[@robertthecollector2229]

yo m8 :D wow well done :O super nice channel!!! :)

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much!

[@DeadriseWoodCrafts]

Great info! I want to try wet forming something l!

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thanks bud! You totally should - hopefully this showed how easy it can actually be!

[@user-wm6op9ku8k]

Супер!!!

[@malsurvives]

Can someone explain to me how a piece of wet leather kept in a sealed vacuum bag "dries" overnight?

[@BruceAUlrich]

Fantastic video, bud! Interesting to see the differences between the different methods. I kind of do like the softness of the hand-formed one, but you're right about how cool and rugged the vacuum-formed one looks.

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much Bruce! I've done all three methods before, but never for the same item, so I agree, it was fun to really compare the different results. I totally agree, the softness of the hand formed is a really nice look too!

[@MakerCuisine]

Wow so cool ethan i think i like the foam method the best though you're right the texture left is not the greatest if you're not already going for it, i wonder if some plastic wrap, a silcone mat, or wax paper would help that?

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thanks bud! Yeah agreed and funny you should say that, someone recommended placing it in a heavy duty zip lock bag to help with the texture which I tried last weekend and it definitely helped a lot!

[@MakerCuisine]

@@EthanCarterDesigns that's awesome 👌 can't wait for the next video

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

@@MakerCuisine Thanks bud! Just dropped another quick one actually - different format, will be interested to see what people think!

[@bryanmciver845]

Love the video. How thick is that leather and would you say that thickness is the best for everyday tools like that box cutter

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much! In this video I was using 3-3.5oz which is easy to form, but if you are going to make something for heavy use, I would probably use something a little thicker like 4.5oz

[@steveblair1969]

Word of advice... avoid using Chrome tanned leather for wet forming anything that will be holding metal... knife sheaths, holsters, multi tools and so on.

[@garrettwillis8774]

why is that? Im new to leather crafting and im trying to learn as much as possible :)

[@huizachedeoro3784]

But why??????

[@sethwinters3556]

Yeah why does it trap moisture? Does the chrome oxidize and affect the metals?

[@DONK0]

The chromium reacts with the metal and causes rust.

[@synwannleathercraft8506]

👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍

[@dark96744]

Great comparisons! I was looking at easier ways to form leather for knife sheaths. Not sure if it was intentional or not but there is some audio distortion that makes you sound sped up a bit

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you found it helpful!!!

[@Leib33]

At 75% speed he sounds like a normal person LOL

[@markus4732]

What stops the leather from "de-forming" when it gets wet again?

[@alessio5713]

What thickness of leather would you typically recommend for such projects ? :)

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

For fairly lightweight sheaths/holsters like this I'm using 3.5-4oz leather which molds really well. With that said, heavy duty holsters are closer to 5-6oz typically I think and it take a little more effort to get a good mold, but it's definitely doable. Hope that helps!

[@adamrobertson2048]

Are the vacuum bags reusable? I feel like that's the way I'd want to go. I have a ton of that foam at my work though lol

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Yep, I've been using the same one for over a year. I'm sure it will wear out eventually, but good so far!

[@mikesandoval5296]

What thickness of leather would you recommend?

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Depends on the project - in this video I'm using 3.5oz leather and it molds really well, but depending on what you're making you might want something a little thicker which may hold up better over time with heavy use.

[@purvaharlalka2529]

Hii, doesn't the leather get spoiled by water ? Or gets moulded ?

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

I have never run into that issue personally. I think as long as you don't leave it in the vacuum bag too long it will air dry quick enough that no mold will form.

[@purvaharlalka2529]

@@EthanCarterDesigns can i dry it in sun or it needs to be dried in shaded area

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

@@purvaharlalka2529I just leave on my workbench in the basement to dry, but I doubt the sun would hurt anything...

[@TheRav87]

It’s possible to do it with a finished chromed leather ??

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Yes it's possible, but works better with some than others. With chrome tanned leather, I've found soaking it in hot water helps, whereas with Veg tanned leather you only want to soak it in room temp water. At least that's what I've experianced.

[@eross21]

cool. does this work with any leather? or just vegtan ?

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

It works better or worse with different kinds of leather, so I always recommend trying it with a small scrap first. I've found that for chrome tanned leather it helps to soak it in warm water and room temperature water for veg tan.

[@eross21]

@@EthanCarterDesigns very cool. thanks for the help

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

@@eross21 Anytime!

[@marcallen1246]

Can you please tell me where you got your utility knife from I can't seem to find it

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

It's called a Maker Knife from placedatoms.com/ but unfortunately I don't think they are selling them anymore.

[@sampapageorgiou5165]

One question if anyone cares to answer, so, I went to the only leather store that exists in my town, and they had some leathers 25euro the meter, but there was not even one piece that was one meter, they were all small patches of leather, thin leather I might add, not like those cow leather etc.. so my question is, can this leather be wet molded? Thank you very much

[@michaelbrock6222]

what tool do you use to make the holes for hand sewing

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

They are called stitching chisels or pricking irons

[@Leib33]

Link to that knife - I just can't have enough knives LOL

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

It's called a Maker Knife from placedatoms.com/ but unfortunately I don't think they are selling them anymore.

[@preacherman9018]

One thing that I'm having a hard time finding are instructions on how to prevent leather from getting white mildew/ mold. I have an extensive leather collection of coats, high end belts, sheaths and some get it overnight and others over the winter. They are stored in the open for air circulation and dehumidifier used year round to try to keep it below 70%. I usually wipe it off outside with a soft brush and damp rag with 6% vinegar to kill the mildew. Is there a product that will prevent mildew/ mold without making the stiff leather supple? I already ruined some belts by making them too soft to offer support. A soft sheath/ holster is not much good either since they listen and lose form.. That's my delema and appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Hey! That does sound like a very frustrating situation! To be honest, I have zero experience with removing/protecting leather from mildew/mold, but I did a quick search and found a couple videos that may help. Here are the links: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aH-4o2mvaLdqg8k kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4TdhaxnfK53eJY

[@preacherman9018]

@@EthanCarterDesigns Those are exactly what I need. My search was not so good as yours. Thanks for being so helpful friend. ☕🙂👍 I hope you have a blessed day. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKSyk4iQgpd-epYsi=jxR4buFSrvDd5ewB

[@ItAintMeBabe99]

Nice But. . . . . How does the leather “dry” when it’s sealed inside a vacuum bag ? I would think the bag would hold all the moisture in.

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Its a great point, but for whatever reason is does seem to dry out. Either way though, you can take it out of the bag after a few hours and let it finish forming as it air dries

[@escapetherace1943]

What chisels are those mate? looks clean

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

They are amazing - not cheap at all but if it's something you're going to do a lot, it's worth it. The set I have came from a company called Sinabroks

[@escapetherace1943]

@@EthanCarterDesigns yeah those are damned expensive for a set... ouch edit: you know any cheap french style chisels if I'm on a budget?

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

@@escapetherace1943 I haven't used these, but this set off Amazon get's pretty good reviews - amzn.to/3ObQZSL

[@escapetherace1943]

@@EthanCarterDesigns I dont have hole chisels so I may pick those up, I tried finding cheap slanted chisels it seems they don't exist. I plan to twist a fork's tongs, file and then change the temper for some delicate work and for a "free" pair. So far I'm making pretty great looking stuff with just my simple diamond chisels, came across your videos yesterday and I like them man, I appreciate it.

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

@@escapetherace1943 Awesome, sounds like a good plan! Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!

[@sofiaolivia8922]

Please let me know if this works for faux leather ! Can’t find an answer anywhere

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Hi Sofia - I honestly don't know and can't seem to find the answer either. You could always try with a small piece as a test. I would try soaking it in room temp water and also hot water because I have found that can make a difference between veg tan and chrome tan leather.

[@rasmusfridstrom2651]

Whats the thickness of the leather used ? 😊

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

In this video I'm using 3-3.5oz leather

[@j.r.millstone]

What weight of leather did you use?

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

For these I used 3.5oz leather

[@cbarber4178]

You should wet mold a cell phone case

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

That's a great idea!

[@cbarber4178]

@@EthanCarterDesigns Please do it. It'll probably get 100 trillion views. All the videos I see for phone case are just gluing leather to a cheap case

[@adamrobertson2048]

I got the vacuum bag but my leather didn't dry after 3 days

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

I've found recently that as long as I leave it in the back for a few hours, I can remove it from the bag, leave it on the object while it finishes drying and it works just as well.

[@tfildaed]

Link to the maker knife?

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Unfortunately they don't make them anymore but here is the link to the company that did placedatoms.com/en-us

[@tfildaed]

@Ethan Carter Designs thank you I subscribed anyway

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

@@tfildaed Thank you so much, appreciate it!

[@forheavensskateministry]

What thickness leather did you use?

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

I used 3-3.5oz leather in this video

[@forheavensskateministry]

@@EthanCarterDesigns thank you i loved your video its what made me order my tool kit and begin this journey

[@forheavensskateministry]

@@EthanCarterDesigns im in Australia and apparently we work in millimetres in leather 🤦‍♂️. What would you use 3.5mm leather for?

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

@@forheavensskateministry Thank you, that means so much! That's exactly why I do all of this!

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

@@forheavensskateministry Here's a link to a really good conversion chart for leather thicknesses and uses www.weaverleathersupply.com/pages/leather-thickness I hope that helps!

[@TNT-km2eg]

KZbin university students featuring Google college light undergraduates

[@ilyamuromtsev1167]

Wet forming leather after youtube removed dislike counter

[@Mid-Knife-Crisis69]

Holy craps! Talk about wasting leather 😢

[@Handles-R-Lame]

This may be the first video on record that I had to actually slow down lol you speak ridiculously fast! Good video nonetheless.