Top 10 Leather Tools for Beginners

[@Thecaptron]

Needles were a big one for me. I did not like stitching with glovers needles but once I switched I started looking forward to stitching.

[@champagneleatherwork]

Me too! I found that with glovers needles I was stabbing my self or putting unwanted holes in my leather. #HarnessGang

[@utoobia6872]

I just got into leatherwork this summer and used your link to buy those diamond chisels in #5. I've used them in a lot of projects since then, and so far they've held up great. Thanks for the video.

[@WannabeWoodsman]

To prevent rust, a VERY light coat of oil will protect your tools. For the smaller ones, such as needles, store them in something like a pill bottle, altoids tin, etc and add some dessicant. An additional tool I'd suggest qould be a sail cloth needle and an S curve needle, especially if you're an outdoorsman/woodsman

[@champagneleatherwork]

Great tips, thank you!

[@injudicate]

Yes! Sizes of Needles and Thread and Chisels. Thank you SO MUCH for addressing this subject. Super helpful video. Thank you. 😊

[@champagneleatherwork]

Of course! I plan to go into more detail on other videos as well!

[@Terry-n1i]

Great vid, for newbies!! Im little past newbie... not lot..lol. i started with, J.J. needles.. never broke one-- yet.. but i went to Maine Thread site online, and decided to try their threads. The braided.. and found the, Osborne needles.. i really like Osborne, over JJ!! The egg eye is the selling point. Really helps in stringing my threads.. i started out with, Ritza. Still use Ritza, but in last year or so, Maine Threads have changed or improved their hand sewing thread.. its beautiful thread!! I reach for it now, and pass on Ritza. [ Ritza still awesome, expensive], price is fairly close.. Maine is little better on pocketbook!! One my best hammers, i use more than any,now, was a nylon 2lb dead blow.. works great on punching holes, cutting corners and rounds, etc.cost me less than $5.00! One item i didn't see on your table--- a stitching groover?? The 2 tools 8 decided not to skimp on, groover and stitching irons/ pricking irons.. i ended up with Osborne Compass groover, with 3 size tips. This is awesome tool with multiple uses.. and the most expensive, but definitely game changing tool-- Corters BG Pricking Irons.. these irons are absolutely great. Expensive, but lot less than some others. Like them so much, im ordering a set of their French Irons.. thanks for vid!! I did just subscrib.

[@champagneleatherwork]

Awesome comment! I found that I prefer the thicker Maine threads and the thinner Ritza threads. I think Maine threads melt neater when being finishes but the thinner threads tend to feel less bonded together in my experience. They are more consistent at higher thicknesses. I love sewing with Ritza though. It’s by far my favorite to work with overall. And no I don’t even own a stitching groover haha. Never saw the need for one and when I was starting I was far to inconsistant to benefit from it. Now I’ve just gotten used to not using one that I probably won’t. I know they technically let the thread sit more flush with the leather but I haven’t been in a situation where I felt I needed it yet. Maybe someday!

[@LegalKrime]

Im really glad i came across this video. Im surprised by the lack beginner videos for leather craft.

[@champagneleatherwork]

Thank you so much! If you have any other video suggestions please let me know. Also, Corter leather has some fantastic videos for education

[@damienorourke59]

Fantastic video. Straight to the point. Thanks for all the helpful advice

[@champagneleatherwork]

Thanks for the comment!

[@HappySnailDIY]

Great tips here! I enjoy watching your video!

[@champagneleatherwork]

Thank you very much!

[@jamesmacleod8388]

Personally I like using a small cutting mat (I think it is A3) as I can easily rotate it on my desk when lining up leather to the grid so I am not trying to cut at uncomfortable angles. I also have a bigger one which is needed for bigger cuts, but getting one that fits your space is important too. For knifes, I was recommended to try a Breakaway Knife or Snap-Off Knife. Like the scalpels you can quickly get a sharp point again without sharpening. I was trying to look up a few of the items, but the big list made it hard to find specific things. i don't know if there is a char limit, but as you have a top ten list could you organise the item links into those ten? Also chaptering up the vid for each item makes it easy for people to look up recommendations for specific items. Loving the vids, these are just some suggestions to help make it easier for viewers.

[@champagneleatherwork]

Lovely comment. Yes I actually never thought about rotating the cutting mat for easier cutting. I’ve almost always never had the option so I never thought about it haha. And yes, I will absolutely restructure the description later today. That is so very helpful and great info for the future!

[@champagneleatherwork]

Description is updated, hopefully that is more readable for people. Thanks again!

[@jamesmacleod8388]

@@champagneleatherwork Looking great! Much easier to read and find the links

[@GetF8]

For chisels and irons I've read that at one point, "French" inches measured 27mm instead of 25.4mm and they stuck with it. That is what messes up the stiches per inch (spi) vs tooth count (or spacing between them?) that we might expect. I think it's better to actually use the spacing between teeth and not the spi when shopping for irons.

[@champagneleatherwork]

Oh wow I did not now that!

[@paperzing5533]

I'm dying to get into this craft and lucked out with your video! Thanks!!

[@champagneleatherwork]

Aww thank you! I hope you jumped in

[@TanyaCaudill]

Thank you so much! So informative and im new to the craft so i can use all the help i can get!!!!

[@champagneleatherwork]

Absolutely! If you have any questions feel free to comment and I’ll do my best to answer or to direct you to an answer. I’m returning to creating soon and will have some great beginner videos coming out in a few weeks as well. I’m not the best craftsman or teacher but I do want to spread the knowledge that I do have

[@kymesmith]

Great video. Thanks!

[@champagneleatherwork]

Thank you!

[@_BigLife_]

Great video. The only thing I would have added to the list is a smooth polished hammer for setting certain glues and stiching. I look forward to seeing what else you have put out. New subscriber.

[@champagneleatherwork]

I do have one of these but I just ended up getting one this year. I felt it wasn’t a necessary tool for beginners but now that I have one I do think it is an excellent tool to have

[@Richard0503]

Brilliant stuff - thankyou!

[@champagneleatherwork]

Thank you!

[@edgell3]

Nice job. Good suggestions.👍😎

[@champagneleatherwork]

Thanks! 👍

[@jacquelineheimel3133]

Thank you for your very helpful video!

[@champagneleatherwork]

Thank you for your comment!

[@BeauGeste49]

Very good video and helpful to me! I'm looking into doing some small leather projects. I've been watching leather working videos the past couple months which has really increased my interest and looks like a good hobby to keep me busy now that I'm retired. I ordered a kit earlier today from Amazon which will have some of the things I need and be able to use but likely a lot that I won't use. Just seemed like a good deal. Wish I'd have caught your video earlier and just gone with your list to begin with but I'll be going with your list when I find out what I really need. New subscriber and thanks for posting!

[@champagneleatherwork]

Thanks for the kind comment! The kits are perfectly fine, especially if you only desire to make a few things here and there. The list I made is just a great place to start if you intend on growing beyond simple projects. Either works well though! I started with an Amazon kit myself, and used some of the tools up until very recently.

[@joebonomono]

Solid recommendations...

[@champagneleatherwork]

Thanks!

[@danc2207]

Good list for a beginner. Highly support Buckleguy. Great people there, very knowledgeable and supportive of beginners!!

[@champagneleatherwork]

Love love love me some Buckleguy! Try to order as much from them as I possibly can

[@freddiemoretti8456]

GOOD POINTS...

[@champagneleatherwork]

Thanks a bunch!

[@ukcarver]

Great video just hope I can find your recommendations as I live near the UK.

[@champagneleatherwork]

Good luck, I hope it worked out for you!

[@DraugrGrog]

Great recommendations. But you mentioned needles being disposable. They definitely are, unless you get John James needles. I used to break a needle every couple projects, but I've used the same two John James needles for over a dozen projects and countless stitches. At this rate, the pack of 25 needles I bought for $8 will outlast me. Lol.

[@champagneleatherwork]

Hi! The needles I recommend last a long time as well. I found that over time they get covered in glue and wax. Sometimes if they sit in a moist basement (like I work in) they rust over extreme lengths as well. And once either of these happens, I prefer not to use them anymore. My older needles are still useful and I get 30+ projects out of them, but in the end I still prefer to switch them out occasionally as a new needle almost glides through the leather and feels great in hand. But In the end this is all personal opinion still

[@_BigLife_]

I also use John James and have been using the same two needles for over a hundred projects now. Great needles.

[@Xwolves12]

👌

[@champagneleatherwork]

🫡

[@hankfoto]

?? Why do you keep looking off to your right? It appears that something or someone is pressing you! other wise you have a great presntation!

[@champagneleatherwork]

Hahahaha I never noticed that could be so distracting! I’m actually looking at the monitor for the second camera for the close up shots. This is to make sure that the thing in my hands is framed up properly