Leather Crafting Basics | With and WITHOUT special tools

Today we are going over some Leather Crafting Basics! To add a little "extra", though, I'm going to show you how to do it with and WITHOUT special tools.
GIVE AWAY!
Make sure you watch until the end to see how to enter for a chance to win the bag featured in this vid! The winner will be announced on Monday (5/18/2020)
GIF CHALLENGE!
Also, In celebration of reaching the 5K subscriber mark, we were thinking we could have a little fun. The challenge is to make a SkillTree gif! The best/funniest will be featured on my 5k celebration episode. Just post your gif in the "gif-challenge" channel on my discord server ( / discord ), or leave a link below! Have fun with it and try to make your fellow skill monkeys laugh (at my expense, I am sure, lol ).
If you are unsure of how to make one, I like to use giphy.com/ . In the upper-right, there is a "create" button. Then you just enter the URL to the youtube vid you want to steal a clip from and add any text or effects you like.
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Steps:
Edge Treatment: 01:40
Setting The Stitch Holes: 03:27
Dyeing: 07:14
Stitching 08:20
Eyelets 09:46
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Some tools/materials that can help you get started in this skill!
Tandy Leather Rapid Rivets Medium Nickel Plated 100/pk
amzn.to/35BLhlT
Tandy Leather Wing Divider
amzn.to/35xwhpf
Deep brown Leather Sewing Waxed Thread 150D 1mm Leather Hand Stitching 125g
amzn.to/2MOijH3
AMPSEVEN 20pcs Leather Carving Working Saddle Making Tools Set DIY Hammer Swivel Knife
amzn.to/2oBEYyf
Sold_By_Cheapnwork 6 Sized 9" Heavy Duty Leather Hole Punch Hand Pliers Belt Holes Punches
amzn.to/35CvCmr
Outus Large-eye Stitching Needles for Leather Projects with Clear Bottle, 20 Pack
amzn.to/2Brpr6Z
Tandy Leather Eco-Flo Gel Antique 8 oz Med. Brown
amzn.to/33FAqWt
FYI! As an Amazon Associate, I earn $$ from qualifying purchases. :)
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Special thanks to my Patreon Members
Vortex
Nordw26
Support the show by joining my Patreon
www.patreon.com/Skilltree?fan...
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Skill Tree Discord
/ discord
Cl3ver's IG @kitcl3ver
All Gifs are from giphy.com
All sounds are from epidemicsounds.com koi

[@JaguarBST]

I don’t have access to any of the stuff required, nor do I intend to make these things. I just like to see people making stuffs and understand how it is done. Loving this channel so far, keep up the good work.

[@SkillTree]

Thanks for the love!

[@pedroimiranda902]

JaGuaR where do you live? I have leather- you live USA?

[@danielcox7629]

Probably not if they don't have a fork.

[@RunningWolf13]

I just wanna say how much I love this channel and I am so glad I stumbled upon it a few months ago! And as for some tips for leather dying and tooling, you can actually mix various sugar free Kool Aids together to make leather dyes!! (The sugar free packets/the packets you have to add the sugar to, work best to save you from a sticky, gummy piece of leather after it's been dyed!) (If you Google: "Can I dye leather with Kool Aid" and go to an image search, it will pull up the recipes for assorted colors within the first few results! As well as how to get the best results!) And for leather embossing tools, I find a good cheap option are clay working tools! The comments won't let me post a picture as proof, but when I first started leather work I embossed the Supergirl/Superman Crest on a pair of gauntlets and with a little advice from my more experienced leather crafting friends, they came out beautifully!! Your hands might cramp up a touch and get mad at you from the extra bit of force you have to apply to get a good, clean embossing, (kinda like Cl3V3R's pen embossing trick) but it's totally worth it in my opinion, especially if you are just starting out and don't want to invest a ton of money in a skill you've never tried before!! Also I would highly suggest a spray bottle of some sort to dampen your leather in-between the more intense sponge soakings! (Especially if you only have a little section to finish, and it's not worth deeply soaking the entire piece to finish it, the spray bottle works well to evenly dampen the entire piece without completely soaking it again!!)

[@SkillTree]

Great tips! I will have to give them a try. I totally have clay tools too. I didn't even think of it. Thanks for the help!

[@RunningWolf13]

@@SkillTree Happy to help!! I hope they work as well for you as they have for me!!!

[@NeonLightedDreams]

IT'S MY HELMET I CAN'T EVENNNNNNNNNNNNN THANK YOU!!!!

[@SkillTree]

You did a great job!

[@LANSCE]

How does this not have more views? Thanks a lot for helping beginners like me.

[@demonspawn5967]

Just starting with leather work and your channel is really helpful! Thanks for all the tutorials and workarounds. Can't wait to level up my leather crafting skills!

[@creatureris]

This is F*kn excellent! I love your videos - and showing tool alternatives on a simple project is the BEST! BEST. Money is my most limited resource, so finding home tool alternatives is what I needed to get into leatherworking! Thank you!

[@csifan52]

I absolutely love this video! Thank you for making this accessible!!!

[@richardruiz3654]

I have been binge watching your videos. Great work my friend!

[@SkillTree]

Thank you for watching!

[@hippo1701]

Clever, I love the purple shirt. It works with your skin tone.

[@doloressims5677]

I originally learned to burnish edges by using a piece of fine sand paper first and then finishing with some water and a piece of canvas to slick the edges.

[@Knektarna]

I've worked a little with leather before, and now you have inspired me to come up with some new ideas and improvements (in other words; To level up my skill!) I'm so glad that you started your channel! Keep doing your thing! - Charlie H. from Knave Entertainment. :D

[@SabreMc]

Thank you so much for making this video. I got into leathercraft in no small part because of you and now have a small but functional business going with it. This would've brought my startup cost for practicing the hobby from $100 for tools and a huge sheet of leather to about $30 for some offcuts, a ruler and an awl. Thank you for introducing me to the craft and for everyone else this will help bring in

[@TheMorganator5000]

This is an amazing video! I've been trying to find a way to bevel my leather without having to buy the tools. Thank you so much!!!

[@thescholar9145]

Helmet, cuirass, gauntlets, greaves, pouches now all that is needed are some nice styled leather boots

[@cernstormrunner7263]

i've just been using brown shoe polish for my leather instead of dye and so fars its worked fine

[@its_sylvanaa3908]

I Love this video! Definitely helped me realize I can do some leather working after all. I would love to see a version of this but for Woodworking projects. I live in a very small space and don't have a garage for woodworking tools. I want to make cool furniture for my larp tent/camp. I've trie thrifting and I haven't found much that doesn't take up up lot of space when packing so if i'm able to collapsable furniture like tables, stools, beds, etc. it would be sooo cool.

[@oldshatterhand1984]

Also I am working on making a bow following your instructions and a video about making a leather quiver would be awesome! And thank you!

[@TheLeathersmithShop]

When I started, 5 or 6 years ago, I used a fork lol. If you get a solid one you can hammer it flat, bend the handle over, and hammer on it just like a stitching iron. I also had an ice pick before I got an awl XD Man, good times hahaha

[@AnthonyQuade]

#monkey I love that you explain things in more detail than most of the other crafters.

[@ordnaelshideout]

I just finished crafting a pouch just like those 2 today, I went with some Celtic knotwork for the decoration. I can consider it my first time of intensively carving and stamping on a project that's not just some scrap leather for testing purposes, hell if I'm not quite satisfied with it! 😁

[@SkillTree]

Awesome! You should share your work over on the discord some time. I would love to see what you come up with!

[@ordnaelshideout]

@@SkillTree I will tomorrow, once I can take some pictures with good lighting! 😁

[@danielstevenson1216]

I have been wanting to get into leather working for awhile and this helps give me a good way to start. Keep up the great work. #monkey

[@supermario7956]

Pure awesomeness good luck to everyone 😎

[@williamhale8162]

Once you start leather working you cant stop with ideas. Nor can you stop investing in rafting equipment. #monkey

[@SkillTree]

So true. It's such a fun material to work with.

[@nickbrown9895]

That was good, thanks.

[@donaldmcdaniel1773]

Looks like fun

[@mohryfire15]

Always a great watch. Keeps me busy during quarantine. Keeper goin! #monkey

[@crackerjack010101]

Cool alternate tool options ;)

[@edwardnammur5962]

#Monkey I've seen your leathercrafting guides as my intro to leatherworking!! Thank you for guiding myself and my LARP Guild along with some great crafting! Hope to win that bag.

[@SkillTree]

Glad you have found the show helpfyl! Good luck!😁

[@Phantomick]

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on the basic tools, go to hobby lobby buy the starter kit-it has all the stamping tools you need(not sure if the swivel knife is included) and use the 40% off coupon!

[@AzraelThanatos]

As a major note, with waxing the thread, it also helps keep a seal so it's more resistant to weather. You also tend to want a heavier duty thread than with cloth stitching

[@renza481]

Hey great video. Extra tip instead of using the knife you can use a flat screwdriver

[@garyrhea4811]

Great content!

[@SkillTree]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate the kind words.

[@silverrain6098]

Another great video. Also, congratulations on passing the 5k mark. Keep up the good work. #monkey

[@shannonbailey4317]

My buddy at Tandy leathers show me that you could actually use canvas and canvas works really well and will last you a long time in burnishing your edges

[@timmehwimmy]

Did you ever do the video on the 5 stitches for leather work? Great videos, by the way.

[@lucywarner1580]

I want to plan a cosplay thing with my D&D group, and with the number of leather props our characters have, this is SUPER helpful! #monkey

[@bryanmotto7372]

I just found your videos and their awesome. I've been looking to get into leatherworking and this is great. I'm curious where you get your leather from and which ones did you use in the project? There are so many ones out there and I'm confused.

[@SkillTree]

Thank you! I usually get my leather from Tandy's. As far as the different kinds, a good place to start is a 6oz vegetable tanned leather. A single shoulder should give you pleanty for a few small projects and won't break the bank while you figure out if you like it.

[@j_reithur]

Thanks for the shout-out!

[@SkillTree]

Thanks for the support!

[@scottybryant]

Absolutely amazing! Always good to have inspiration and to even know how to Jerry rig the craft. #monkey

[@SkillTree]

Where there's a will there's a way! Thank you for watching!

[@djmccathran]

Been subscribed since your very first video! It’s been awesome to watch you and the channel grow. Congratulations on 5,000+ subscribers! #monkey

[@SkillTree]

WOW! Thank you so much for the ongoing support. It really means a lot to me♥

[@jeffstiles7850]

Hmm, I saw some really nice Rabbit skin at my local hobby lobby that might make a good bag.

[@jasondawn1095]

So.glad I found your channel. Very cool, you know for D&D stuff. I'd #monkey for that sweet leather work.

[@dylanc7317]

I love this bag and I'm glad I found your channel I've been getting really into leather work recent and these videos are super helpful! #monkey

[@SkillTree]

Glad you find them helpful! 😁👍

[@calebjensen1560]

#monkey Inspired me to make my very own leather bracers! Thanks man!

[@DebJSydAus]

#monkey. Thankyou so much for your tutorials.

[@timothyneiswander3151]

Good video as always. I just need some free time to do some of your projects. As much as I want to do some leather crafting, I think I will do the bow and arrows first. #monkey

[@starzander]

Could you try your hand at making a leather coat? Like a long coat. I've been looking around like crazy for ANY tutorial on how to make a long coat without finding any at all, let alone making them in leather. Like.. what kind of leather should you use to keep it from getting too heavy? What kind of pattern and stitching is the best? So many questions, but no answers anywhere.

[@SkillTree]

Yeah, that stuff can be hard to find. Honestly, costume patterns in craft shops like Michael's work pretty well. You can find just about anything you like. As for the leather, I would use a chrome tanned. It is the most "fabric like". I will definitely give this a shot😁. Though, I can't be completely sure how soon. It is on the list now, though!

[@xASHBLADEx]

What a great way to go over the basics #monkey

[@SkillTree]

Thank you! These little tips were fun to figure out.

[@bjornstacy9590]

I have been working with leather for a while. since high school actually when Walmart used to sell the pieces of suede, anyway I have experimented with making my own leather dye and it's not that difficult, 95% isopropyl alcohol and acrylic paint, in a glass jar shake the crap out of it till all the paint is dissolved into your alcohol and bam leather dye, just wet the leather and instead of dobbers i used the foam paint brushes and it works just fine, you just have to put three or four coats on

[@markdayton7055]

Now I NEED to make something out of leather this summer (maybe a hat). Thank you for giving me an inexpensive way to try a new hobby. Found your channel earlier this week, and I was shocked to see that you don't have millions of subs. Keep up the great work!!! #monkey

[@SkillTree]

Thanks for the love! I hope you get a chance to share what tou make with us over on the discord server😁

[@temurnariashvili7526]

With his attitude it's just a matter of time.

[@temurnariashvili7526]

Disassemble cap 😉 you will have templates for leatherwork.

[@thequestionabledrhobsquabb8798]

Making do will simple tools is a skill in it self mate nice one #monkey

[@SkillTree]

Thanks! It was fun to try and figur out all of those workarounds.

[@natelickers4046]

Congrats on passing 5k👏 #monkey

[@SkillTree]

Thank you so much!

[@zilyanna7819]

#monkey and great stuff by the way always love to see the other crafty ways to craft stuff with you lil craft3r

[@SkillTree]

Well I will try and craft som more crafty crafts for you!

[@DebbieBuckland]

this definatly helps heaps... but guessing that light coloured leather is what you need. I got some that has a bit of a finish on it. but I was given that leather so I had no choice in the colour/type. This has caused me not to be able to "tool" leather as it won't let me.

[@SkillTree]

Yeah, it sounds like you have chrome tanned leather. It tends not to hold tooling well. What you are looking for is veg tanned.

[@TheMariusDarkwolf]

#monkey Great video, always good to show how to go without proper tools,

[@cathyrhea557]

#monkey Love it.

[@andregoldstein9686]

I just love pouches #monkey

[@alexyue5948]

Very nice tips on the alternative tools! #monkey

[@SkillTree]

Glad you like them!

[@derSchnitzelwirt]

Awesome projekt again! #monkey

[@mr.mohawk4190]

This was awesome. I've always wanted to try working with leather but tools are tricky #monkey *Fingers Crossed*

[@SkillTree]

I hope you can give it a shot now!

[@triyancrafter]

Love your videos, and will soon start on my Plague Doctor mask. Keep leveling us up :) #monkey

[@SkillTree]

Thanks for the love! Hop on the discord sometime and share your projects. We would love to see what you come up with!

[@megatron247]

#monkey this was pretty nifty neat!

[@bigbeast589]

It's so awesome #monkey

[@nonenoone7567]

What about adding a light to the bag to make it look like there is something magical in the bag

[@whatbuttondoipush]

Amazon has a few great starting kits for like $60 and stitching ponies for like $25ish. I just need a place to get some good leather.

[@SkillTree]

I have had good luck with Tandy leather but a lot of my friends swear by Weaver as well.

[@whatbuttondoipush]

@@SkillTree Thanks!

[@tiffanylawson9978]

#Monkey This is amazing!!!

[@asab2787]

This was really helpful. Thanks. #monkey

[@SkillTree]

Glad it was helpful!

[@baelathlas]

Great build and love the idea I could try without buying all the equipment. #monkey

[@Isheian]

I know im not winning but #moneky... and a 101 series would be awesome.

[@ilanflame]

#monkey been watching your vids and getting into trying new things

[@SkillTree]

That's what we're all about! Keep leveling up and thank you so much for watching!

[@nearlyheadlessbrick2735]

#monkey thanks for the chance!

[@michaelryan1218]

You should make a leather jacket

[@SkillTree]

This is something I absolutely want to try! Thanks for the request!

[@Przykominku]

That's tempting #monkey...

[@hiramflores5461]

#monkey I love the bag 💼

[@mgailp]

#monkey Love it!

[@thehobbystreamer]

#monkey and congrats on the 5K

[@SkillTree]

Thank you!

[@thehobbystreamer]

@@SkillTree no probs, and I joined the discord as dontleggomyfuggineggo. I can't wait to get some materials and start crafting

[@katulpatel2320]

Great video Monkey man. Keep up the good work. #monkey

[@SkillTree]

Thanks! Will do!😀

[@swatcopk9]

Love it Brother! #monkey

[@SkillTree]

Thanks for the love and for watching!

[@fromourlife538]

#monkey Awesome!

[@SkillTree]

Thank you so much 😀

[@therobotwolf]

That bag is awesome! #monkey

[@SkillTree]

Thanks Wolf!

[@izeektucker2721]

Looks awesome #monkey

[@SkillTree]

Thank you!

[@tjteehan721]

Keep at it #money

[@KarlRoyale]

Hey there; Do you have any tips for remembering to turn off a microphone? just thought i would ask. :)

[@SkillTree]

I do! First, go to your KZbin comments section. Then read 🤣.

[@mrnormietron4186]

Very nice #monkey

[@1guncrazy1]

Wish i had these videos when i was first starting out, could have saved beaucoup $#monkey

[@slomkaadas9603]

#Monkey ❤ Cheers from Poland 🍻

[@thebaronofmetal]

Great video! #monkey

[@marcherceg5640]

i love all your cool videos! #monkey

[@SkillTree]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@marcherceg5640]

@@SkillTree I love crafting and making stuff myself, your channel is perfect for that

[@error_-hw2fm]

#monkey love ur vids!

[@nclementi3736]

I am still waiting for the leather diye episode.

[@cyberdruid3]

great vids #monkey

[@roccosebastiano8693]

Let's see #monkey

[@e-bear6268]

Don't what i would use the bag for but I want it XD #monkey

[@kingtexan6621]

#Monkey But I don’t want the bag, Ooga Booga

[@coreycarter4774]

Nice video #monkey

[@JasonCrosen]

I'm in for a #monkey

[@davidlewis2171]

Now that I know how to do this without the tools, all I need to do is, well, get the leather... #monkey

[@SkillTree]

LOL, story of my life. Never enough leather around... Thanks for watching!

[@temurnariashvili7526]

If you don't have a leather, you can always find a cow 😉

[@patiandzorb7691]

Blup

[@adamrasmussen6087]

Guh-IF! #monkey

[@SkillTree]

LOL agreed!

[@theleaderscrusade8434]

#monkey