Leatherworking for Beginners: The Kidney Pouch

I am a firm believer that you can NEVER have enough pouches, pockets, or backpacks. Basically, anything that allows more IRL inventory slots for the character I am in my daily life. On THIS episode, we learn how to add to our collection by making an EPIC leather kidney pouch. Perfect for any LARP event or.... you know... Just because it's Tuesday!
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[@olivergabriel4273]

Hi, if you see this comment, i'm a hobby/semi professional leatherworker and i would recomend to add one or two layers of finish after dying and before adding antique and one coat of finish at the end. Each coat should drying for at least 20 minutes. This prevents darkening your leather with the antique finish and just highlighting your indents which you applied with your basket-weaver beveler.

[@debbie7261]

I'm not sure how I ended up here, it's like I've stumbled into a tavern of awesome creativity that I didn't know existed. I don't larp (tentative yet), but I do craft, and I love seeing how you tackle these projects, and how your community adds their own experiences in the comments here. It's very inspiring, and I'm glad to have found such a cool bunch of people. Also, love that pouch, I hope it serves you well!

[@jeremymanning4609]

100% would buy a shirt that says "I'm just winging it." But more on brand would be like a patch or Iron-on to add to a custom shirt that we make 😊

[@reneesteeves3698]

I’m just winging it, with a pair of wing dividers underneath! And yes, an nice skilltree embroidered patch for my nerdy battlevest would be killer!!

[@LizardbethArt]

I'd say that coat NEEDS some interior pockets. Good for holding contraband, but also if one is used to traveling in Seedier Areas, hiding your valuables is just the smart thing to do!

[@longshot9757]

That coat looks simply amazing. Got a few ideas for weathering: 1. The underarms are already open, for ventilation purposes. I suggest adding grommets along the opening on both sleeve and coat, and threading leather lace through it. 2. Leather pads. Just little circles of chrome-tanned leather on the elbows, the seat, the shoulders, the cuffs, etc. Maybe the shoulder pads could have a fox (or whatever your character's insignia is) 3. Hidden knives. In the sleeves, by the waist, in the collar (for easy access when an enemy demands you put your hands up) and maybe a few other places. 4. Remove one of those buttons, and replace it. Preferably with one that _almost_ resembles it, but not quite.

[@falldamagesucks2879]

as a man whos hair grows insanely quick id love to see a larp style grooming kit for beard and hair care

[@electrochick2163]

I’m here for class!!!

[@plutoisarealplanet7407]

congrats on first!

[@HarPaelTheMessenger]

[Comes in late with Starbucks] Hey, what did I miss? Did he already say dope?

[@LaineyBug2020]

I'm going to make a request again for a cot frame made of the same materials as your Bag of the Wanderer that converts into a hiking trailer that can fit your camp kitchen, folding vanity sink, alchemy coffee kit and all your other goodies! Bonus if you can use the wheels to make a side table and use your war belt as a hands free harness! You can call it the Wagon of the Wanderer since it would work perfectly with your bag and staff!

[@lucashawthorne4362]

For the jacket definitely have to add some s secret pockets. That can hold coins, cards, pretty much everything.

[@ARweZombiesYet]

Jack Daniel's Tennessee honey, one big ice cube. It's mead on a commercial budget. No shots, hold and roll tongue for a second before swallow. Love your energy and simplicity explaining.

[@Renge43]

I finally got my craft room set up. I can’t wait to make this! Quick question. Would you ever make a leather tea cup holster? Like as a fancy gift from Hex to Evelyn.

[@michaelbrubaker4285]

I could point you in the direction of one unless you specifically wanted one from Clever

[@Renge43]

@@michaelbrubaker4285 I saw Rachel Maskys but I was curious about his spin on it. Plus she used thrifted leather bags and I’m curious to how raw leather would be different

[@Renge43]

@dragonrasp Thanks for the kind words but they’re also really busy. They have the LARP plus their daily lives to handle. To us it’s a couple of seconds but considering the thousands of comments and all the different things that require they’re attention I’m not to hung up on a reply. Plus they’ve always replied in the past.

[@weirdlywiredjewelry]

It’s rare to watch a video that makes me want to not walk, but run, to my leather stash! This was a fun video, and you were absolutely right, those rivets should’ve been set before sewing lol! The jackets great and I can’t wait to see what you do with it.

[@IgnizAnima]

I hope your stitch machine survives the procedure, Doctor. For the jacket, you should put shoulder straps on it to put a fancy scarf through to add some serious flair and contrast to the jacket. It also goes well with your pirate theme.

[@m.mulder8864]

I want a custom sized pouch, far bigger than what normally gets sold at the stalls. And this is my ticket to it. Thank you.

[@ryankolick4117]

Add gussets to the armpits to make the jacket more complete looking, some hidden inner pockets, and maybe some leather or even maille (chainmail) to the shoulders for protection against against downwards blows to the shoulders/collarbone

[@DrachenGothik666]

The pouch looks brilliant! It came out really sweet! For the jacket, may I suggest a favourite, personal pin or brooch on the jacket that the rogue wears on it all the time that he's sentimental about. So sentimental that he actually sewed it on. Or some mild colour-fading on the upper shoulders & on the elbows, maybe some fraying at the edges of the sleeves, a patch on an elbow in a similar fabric, but different (yet earthy) colour, perhaps? Doing the fading might be difficult, depending on what the jacket is actually made of, though: if it's a synthetic material, bleach won't work. I wouldn't try it with anything but *very* careful dry-brushing with super-carefully-chosen colours of acrylic paint mixed to match the fabric in a lighter tint. But fraying is easier to do: very rough sand-paper over hard forms done over time to slowly stretch the fabric over the form in the places you would normally wear a garment--like at the elbows to essentially "press in" the shape of years of wear into a garment. You could also do things like throw it onto your driveway & do the "aging" in a quick & dirty way & just drive over it a number of times. LOL Or just roughly patch any areas that would normally see a lot of wear: elbows, shoulders, the places near the hips where your hands and belts would rub a lot. Mimic stitching in places where it would be likely to tear during a rough life & need repair. If it's leather, then just use a bit of beeswax to rub onto the material to mimic the smoothing you'd get from years of wear. Hidden pockets for "bad boy" things, like throwing knives! Mismatched buttons! A button always falls off & you have to replace it. ALWAYS. That's all I can think of, right now.

[@stuartbaxter-potter8363]

17:13 "Then just popped in some rapid rivets-" Me, who has paddled that same creek before: "Oh nooooo..."

[@joshuawayne9811]

don't blame the alcohol when its almost certainly the leather's fault. definitely not the happy juice. you know what i love most about you kit? how happy and cheerful and nonchalant you are, even when things don't work out exactly right the first time. i get soooo frustrated at even the slightest mistakes, to the point where its actually debilitating, and to me, your calm joyfulness is literally a superpower i wish i could master.

[@charlotte6309]

Didn't see anyone suggest this but the collor, after many years your beard would have worn holes on the inside of the collar of the jacket, you can probably do something similar by either stressing the fabric by rubbing something over it or making patches there or replacing the collar entirely. Source: My father's old jackets😂

[@citizen5272]

For the jacket maybe adding some leather armour patches could be cool. Also, how about a material badge of a family crest or some affiliated guild.

[@BoredxISxI]

I always suggest resewn sleeves. Like those big messy lace stitches holding an arm on, maybe an elbow patch (or just a patch in general for high wear areas)😊

[@yanivyack]

This would actually work in more than one way-the holes in the armpits are usually added to clothes so you can rip the sleeves off and use them as an impromptu arterial tourniquet, so making them look like they were ripped off and resewn can add something extra to the character's backstory

[@VTRAddict]

I love the way you present. Not just the energy and enthusiasm, but I take respect the fact that you're open about the fact you don't know everything and you're working things out and improving your skills as you go. It's a really refreshing change from all of the "KZbin experts" who act like they know everything... 😉

[@AndersJazz]

Nice one. Two tips. Use leather oil before dying, it helps with the stiffness caused by the alcohol in the dye. For patina, get any box that can hold your piece, like a shoe box, add some random small items like nails, a bottle opener, a golfball, a fork etc. then shake it a little, check your progress until you get confident in your box and bits. Works extra spectacular on lighter colored leather combined with antique gel.

[@kris99596]

Love the pouch! And you've got a lot of great comments about weathering the jacket. Another idea is to swap out one button for one that looks -almost- like it.

[@TheNukedNacho]

We need to make bingo cards for Skill Tree videos. “Says he’s winging it.” “Pats himself on the back.” “Brings up his drinking.

[@neilcarr71]

Looks great. An option would also be to make the bottom buckle strap integral with the back as in cutting it as part of the the piece from the get-go, even easier than adding it before sewing up the pouch.

[@spoplehughes]

When doing your marking out on newsprint try using un-used present wrapping paper it has a grid printed on the back to make things easier

[@cbjewelz]

Wow one of your best looking leather projects! Quick tip on the dehydrating feature of alcohol dye, pre oil and burnish the leather before dyeing. The burnishing (eg with a glass burnisher) is a miracle worker, makes leather sooo pliable

[@tankizard]

18:38 With a quick re-secure of that underarm spot, I vote flannel or medieval pattern patches

[@prismexpress]

Another good metal-casting project (if you want to try it again) would be custom conchos or buckles! I never like any of the hardware at Tandy and it'd be a great way to customize a character.

[@HNXMedia]

LOL. Tri-Weave punch is a nightmare until you get it right. Excellent build!

[@thimblepunk7359]

the story idea you mentioned about stealing from a pirate lady sounds like a fun inversion of the folk song troupe from 'white copper alley' or 'maid on the shore'. could be fun to learn/sing/play a version of one of those songs

[@jameskaazaeros7087]

For the jacket, cut off sleeves, reattach with eyelets and laces. I stand style upgrade + versatility for heat

[@EvoWatches]

I haven’t stopped using the strap assembly from the med bag. It just works so well for belt pouches

[@duskstorm3560]

For the jacket, something like cuffed sleeves, cuts, or scrappy practical "modifications" would be interesting. Like, one day he tried to put his sword back too quickly and made a hole in the side but he just left it because it made reaching his pouch easier.

[@ForestRainMedia]

Love this project! Turned out great! I'll have to knock out a couple of these for myself! Also, I laughed when you were talking about doing the strap first because I thought to myself when you were gluing the pouch to the back, "Huh... you didn't do the strap yet. That'll be fun later!"

[@elwindil8566]

Lovely little pouch that. As an upgrade to it, or for another project, you could stitch a dagger or sword frog to the back of it so you've got an easily accessible weapon at all times, or just have like an eating dagger with fork and spoon there too instead. Also, something that I've noticed when going to LARP events in the past that folks overlook and often seem to end up needing in character for one reason or other...writing implements. I know it's getting down to the wire for this year, but perhaps for an after LARP build you could make yourself a little writing case and pouch for it, with a seal and wax and everything you'd need for it. EDIT: Oh yeah, in case you or the rest of the folks here might be looking for something on it, I do believe Adam Savage's TESTED has a couple videos about fabric weathering for costuming and such.

[@richyearle007]

Your channel has some great content. I have gone from escaping from Zip ties, duct tape, handcuffs, to sewing thinner leather with an everyday machine,to the chinese patcher,making a knife sheath and now this.. Good work mate and thanks for sharing.

[@SLorraineE]

Adding little squares into the armpit area will increase your range of motion in the jacket. I believe they are called gussets? Maybe? But I watched a video at some point talking about how the costumes for Hamilton were made to be period appropriate while also allowing the proper movement for all the dancing. It was pretty cool. I think the alterations they made for the dancing would make sense for a swashbuckling character since they would also need their clothing to allow a wide range of motion

[@McGriffman]

It opens - It holds goodies - it closes! Awesome.

[@DragonForgePottery]

Hidden pockets in the sleeves to hold some "Opportune" cards. Some that could be used in "appropriate" times with ease.

[@JxB-1208]

Hi Kit, loved the video. Here is a tip i've learned: coconut oil makes leather supple, very supple, so you can aplly is to the leather after dying it.

[@Phoenix407]

For the jacket elbow patches and the bottom him of the jacket if it is a used item it would be repaired somewhere

[@robotichurricane4668]

Why would I not be surprised if we end up seeing Kit's next outfit and it just loads of things he stole from that Pirate Woman 😂.

[@Krypt.CoPublicRelations]

For the Jacket, pockets, lots and lots of pockets for all the various crime tools and games.

[@wesleyrussell8386]

for the jacket, maybe a leather collar/cuffs to match your new bag. Just extend the collar with that same square shape a little bit and put a cool buckle on it to close it up

[@CalliopePony]

I love this style of pouch. It's both pretty and functional. The jacket is nice, but it looks like it has holes in the underarms.

[@DrachenGothik666]

Those are deliberate. The style is based on a 17th Century style coat. The "holes" in the armpits are for ventilation.

[@kboleather]

Great content and enthusiasm! A rule of thumb is after you finish stamping your project is to throw down some oil on the leather in even coats. For dyes I would recommend oil based dyes as alcohol based dyes will dry out your leather. After dyeing add a coat or two of Tan-Kote. If youre multi dyeing use Tan-Kote after each colour. Don Gonzales has tutorials on dyeing and painting. Keep up the great content!

[@Negan_smith_did_nothing-wrong]

You should add tiny pockets to the inside of the coat and make some foam throwing daggers to put in them

[@thomashongshagen4912]

for anyone that is interested, I have found that mink oil has a similar effect on dyes as the leather balm kit used, I used it on a pair of gloves i have had for a couple of years, and the paper towels I used became stained immediately.

[@TheNerdyHomestead]

Being to cheap to buy something you'll never get around to making is a call-out I wasn't prepared for

[@edyuen5363]

If you haven't already be told about securing your conchos, use a medium or blue locktite/threadlocker. Strong enough to prevent it from working loose, but still can be removed with a bit of effort. Keeps the conchos from working loose and falling off at the worst possible time... Second thing, as you work the leather with a stamp the leather will start to stretch and distort. Some use rubber cement to try to anchor the piece but I've never tried that. It might come down to experimenting by working from the 'centre' to the edges of your piece.... Very nice pouch. I will have to try that for myself down the road..... :)

[@Jynnifer]

Are yall going to vlog while traveling? Mayne film some shorts? I don't expect anything from the actual event For the coat shoulder and elbow patches with cuffs made of the same material. Add straps and buckles inside or out. Could also do hidden pockets or pockets inside

[@tobiasschwarzberger2267]

Idea for something to do with the jacket: You could take off a strip from the bottom, make it kinda jagged and irregular looking. You know that old trope of someone tearing off a strip of clothing for an improvised bandage? Well, that could have been something your character did. Could have a whole story around it in fact.

[@Griffonyx]

for the tacking of the inside poach you could use a leater anvil. Its used to put nail in shoes when they are all assembled

[@beckymurphy4714]

Thank you! I wanted a pouch to carry my camera at the ren fair, when my character wouldn't use the huge fringed cross-body pouch I usually use, but I couldn't find a kidney pouch large enough, so ended up using a disguised fanny pack. This is a great way to make my own to the size I need. For the coat - it needs a fur collar. Maybe shorter fur, though, like beaver or mink, rather than long like wolf. And of course pockets. Lots of pockets. Inside and out. Depending on how foppish your character is, maybe some frills - embroidery, lacy trim, etc. Like big lacy cuffs, which you can stuff things into with a bit of sleight of hand.

[@David35445]

The pouch portion could also be made from sheep skin, it's very affordable and takes dyes very well. I've also made similar pouches and recycled old leather jackets for the leather.

[@Don-Scrima]

For the jacket, I think you ought to make the sleeves removable if possible (pro tip from Kramer) and add some kind of color to it to give it a sort of Edward Kenway feel. The pouch is really good, by the way.

[@true_death_eater9080]

If you do the shirt, you should have your wing divider somewhere on it, for that double meaning

[@blakejohnson5198]

Man, I've been binging your videos. I appreciate you so much. It's almost like having a friend over every time I put an episode on. Much love brotha

[@SkillTree]

Thank you so much! That means a lot. Thank you for the support and coming to hang out with me!

[@bottlecaps2741]

I'd lengthen that jacket with a couple large panels of different coloured suede/leather also give it some foldover cuffs of the same material.

[@MaddMango]

Nice project! For your jacket, it might be cool to add some veg tan cuff details, maybe some belt loops.

[@MichaelBransonCoach]

Any good coat needs pockets. The more secret the better. Perhaps an ace partially visible in the cuff of the left sleeve.

[@MostlyMajestic]

Sweet jacket, perhaps some piping along the collar and new buttons to make them pop against the dark fabric.

[@Br0ns0n]

Cool vid and fun project. Thanks for posting. As for the jacket, the "weak" arm (ie the non weapon arm) could/should have armoring from just below the elbow to the cuff. That way if one had to draw a weapon during an "unfortunate misunderstanding" one would already have a defensive "shield" as it were. This could be chain mail, scales, thick leather or what have you. It would also be cool if this forearm armor looked like it had taken some damage a few times.

[@electrochick2163]

As for your jackets weathering, pay attention to any buttons, the elbows and the bottom portion of the jacket below the waist. I’d say heavily diluted bleach to lighten areas like the shoulders but it never neutralizes and will eventually earth through the fabric over the years. So if you can figure out something that will neutralize to lighten the shoulders and elbows a bit, then it will give you the older/worn look without compromising the fabric.

[@johnwright6706]

The weathering, if you can, is leave it in the sun. Hang it like it would be worn on the body.

[@DrPandemonium]

Love your T-shirt… a dinosaur getting railed… brave fashion choice (and made me smile).

[@leedarkfeathers]

Draw some light parallel pencil lines before you basket weave, and tape the back of the leather to keep it from stretching!!

[@stevenbryant3055]

6:26 the proper method for a large leather pocket (especially if you want to use a stiffer leather) is pretty much what you did except instead of the fabric ball it would need to be a wood form: you should start by cutting the leather roughly to shape (error on the side of caution and leave plenty of extra as you may need it to adjust and “stretch” the leather over the form), Then you’d need to wet the leather (if you wanted you could tool the leather at this point because it’s easy and lays flat but the tooling can stretch during forming if you do, you could also tool it while it’s clamped on a form, although it’s harder it can provide a nicer result) put it over the form and use any means you can to clamp the leather in place while it dries, stitch it in place then trim the leather to final shape Hope this is helpful

[@Loperenco1]

Could you please provide a video showing the process you described? Would be a little bit better to see as I am novice :)

[@stevenbryant3055]

@@Loperenco1 i have not been able to find a video that is exactly as I described however the process is called wet moulding and here’s a video on one method: https:kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHzQp2Z9nrNjhtU (and as a side note I would demonstrate it myself but I am lacking the tools and materials at the moment)

[@lars_of_the_north]

Saddle-Lac is a product I swear by for sealing leather. It's toxic af while wet (so use it and let it dry in a well ventilated area) but it smells and feels amazing once it's dry.

[@LadyVineXIII]

That bag is gorgeous. I am all for it. What about adding some embroidery to that collar? I feel like some metallic detailing would not go amiss.

[@mrkultra1655]

That came out really well

[@scarcosplay]

Stitching! Like on Aragorn coat! Perhaps someone grabbed his sleeve and it tore at the seam? Rough up the elbows, fray at the edges of the cuffs and bottom

[@scrcrwninja]

Custom embroidery on parts of the coat, then weather them down to be frayed slightly and stained

[@Reyn_Roadstorm]

For the jacket, I suggest putting it on your duct tape mannequin then just straight up stabbing or slashing it a few times. Putting it on the mannequin should make the attacks look more realistic than if it was just hanging on a hanger. Stitch and/or patch the damage back up as needed/wanted!

[@drivebybraile]

Volume of a sphere is 4/3×(pie)× r^3. Measure your bowl edge to edge to get diameter then divide in half for the radius. So if you have a 6inch bowl Its a 3 inch radius 4/3×3.14×3×3×3= 113.04 cubic inches.

[@Icarium..]

For the jacket should do a rough baseball stitch on the back shoulder, like you were slashed in a fight, probably dont even need a real cut, just using a light coloured course thread would make it stand out

[@xuthuschannel5061]

Loving everything you do.

[@kameljoe21]

Super! I love these videos now!

[@CaptDrake6969]

When using antiquing gel, I like to lightly apply a resist first. The resist helps keeps all the high points free of the antiquing, and really gets it down in those crevices. This pouch is sick though man!

[@horst-dieterdejonge9842]

You could make a sheath for a dagger and loop it between the two hangers.

[@mcbdswoodheper9566]

for a "weathered look" try making cuts in the jacket and sewing them shut again, like its been battle worn and has had to be resewn

[@adrienmouton4518]

Hey, I'll be coming to ConQuest too, I really hope to see you there, you were the little push I needed to finally finish crafting the last elements of my character (the tent, mainly, as well as some advice for sewing) Thank you for your videos and I hope you keep up your incredible positive energy !

[@ethancomstock5830]

Very cool I like the look of it and will make a neat small project. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@kelseywatts589]

Milled Veg tan is super flexible and can be dyed to taste, however due to its texture it isn't great for tooling. Oil tan can't be dyed or decorated by burning (hazardous!) but is great for water tollerance and resistance.

[@AzraelThanatos]

You might want to shorten the cords with how far down they hang...they could be a problem there. For the jacket, one thing might be to add some chrome tan over the shoulders of it to just add a bit of flare there

[@jerryj4060]

Patch pocket. Holds coins, couple of playing cards, lock picks, or small blade.

[@TheAyeAye1]

That looks excellent. I want to do a version of it as a phone holster

[@TheAirhead99]

Love this! Ive been trying to make some coin purses for my DnD games, fitting 50 coins is actually more than you anticipate, plus Im a total noob so i have never used chrome tan leather so a new pouch inspiration is awesome!

[@asriel4600]

WHOOOOOO IVE BEEN WAITING FOR ANOTHER EPISODE

[@SeattleJeffin]

Merch T-shirt ideas: "I'm not gonna lie to ya" "Tis turned out DOPE!" Love the channel by the way.

[@metajock]

If you make the "I'm just winging it" shirts, make one with black one with bat wings and one a white one with angel wings. I'll buy 'em as soon as you get them up!!!

[@caspanb]

Really cool project, love your videos. You could add pockets on the inside of the coat for all of the things you need on the road.

[@garethzero]

Add padding to the outside of the jacket shoulders and elbows, just a layer of tooled leather needs to be thick. love the things you do by the way.

[@bagel_guy9495]

Pouch!! Pouch!!

[@mariefreese4987]

You need a rosebud in your buttonhole to use in romancing ladies and you need a small pocket up your sleeve for some lucky cards. Maybe insignia of some kind on the cuffs.

[@TheLostSorcerer]

Maybe you could add some accent fabric in the open portions in the armpit. Make it baggy so it still gives you the freedom of arm movement. Possibly could double as a sneaky place to disappear some small item or coins

[@s.kerfont8615]

Will you do some more "Cornelis' Clever Contraptions" videos? they are epic!

[@brassarrow1587]

Pockets you need pockets for like your dice or cards and some pirate patches like you took to the jacket from the pirate as well.

[@richgoupil6735]

You should make a coat for your character that steals from pirates Can you make a pirate frock coat??? That would be amazing to watch !!!