The Leather Element: Simple Mistakes to Avoid in Leathercraft

[@tommytitmouse]

As a newcomer to leatherwork I find this mans helpful advice invaluable and without people such as Chuck to advise us we are incompetent at this art,so please Chuck ,please keep teaching us the correct procedures .

[@SecularStrategy]

Love these videos, but you guys need to invest in that second camera for the closeup shots.

[@CatRacer1A2A]

This, this, this, this!!!

[@hangtenboy]

I agree.

[@SpirituallyRefined]

💯

[@jameshoward8609]

and talk a little slower

[@asmith7876]

The embodiment of what all KZbin videos should be: clear, concise, informative, no BS, straight to it and wow crammed full of 100% immediately useful and relevant information. Outstanding presentation! I won't show you any of my projects over the decades, but I've made hat bands and belts and wallets and holsters and knife sheaths and purses...all functional but they won't win any blue ribbons. Can't wait to see what other videos you have!

[@omearacian]

First time I burnished an edge I over pressed and rolled the edge a bit. Luckily it was for a 1,1/4 inch tooled strap bracelet and the effect of a rolled edge beside a deep groove line actually added a really nice 3d bordering effect around the tooling. Sometime mistakes are lessons, sometimes they're a great addition!

[@Stolichnaya90]

I pressed play and I looked away to grab a snack while still listening... and for a moment I wasn't sure if I was watching Weaver Leathercraft or America's Most Wanted with John Walsh lol. Great content, thank you for the wisdom!

[@advhawk6455]

I learned leather-crafting from my mother and have been doing it for years. Weaver makes excellent tools, but more than that, Chuck your videos are always such a pleasure to watch. Thanks for all you do.

[@justinunsworth1170]

Chuck is a national treasure!!!

[@josephjoe9088]

As usual right on point with your tips and knowledge. Thank you very much. I"m really learning a lot. Could you please, please, please do a tour of your shop and show us your setup. Pleeeeeeeaaaseeeee

[@grantlynch1666]

i started leather work about a year ago i am 62 now and its my first ever hobbie.when i started i found your channel.i loved every since helps me heaps all your tips its great.keep them going.thanks grant from Australia

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Grant and hello from the US! We're so glad the videos have been helpful!

[@oilfortheworld]

Thank you and have a nice week.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, you as well!

[@jmwinter007]

Thanks for these tips. I noodle around with leather craft from time to time and don't want to learn the hard way with everything.

[@gibbyswife9218]

I Love your Channel and especially your subscribers! 👉I would like to Sincerely Thank You All who helped me out with all of your wonderful suggestions!👍👍👍

[@stoneblue1795]

Chuck's a good guy. I'm guessing that coffee or mountain Dew is a big part of his day. The dude's got ENERGY!

[@blackbear9326]

Hi Chuck, I am a newcomer to leather craft. Your videos are making my new hobby so enjoyable. Keep it up Chuck. Cheers mate. 🇬🇧

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ff-ou4sb]

He's got such a good on camera personality for this. Very helpful, cheers!

[@jaredlanny03]

Love these kinds of videos. I was a moderately skilled leather worker 20 years ago, and I'm returning to it now.... much of it is like riding a bike, but there's just as much (or more) of these basic skills which are totally lost on me. I never did figure out edge slicking, even way back when.... and it's still a little bit of magic for me now, so I'm looking forward to trying out your tips from this video.

[@eddebrock]

Oh how I love no nonsense of this! Just, here are common mistakes, don't do em'! Great video.

[@djebat88]

Thanks for those tricks, Chuck. Truth be told, I've done those mistakes many times.

[@paulrooster2108]

Awesome how you get straight to the point with no side stories about kittens or Other unusable stop , Thank You

[@clark57225]

You are really in your element! Your energy and knowledge are inspiring. Thank you.

[@gordonrussell7165]

Hello Chuck. I have jumped my box cutter slightly and taken a small sliver off the side of my straight edge. Now I use a piece of quarter inch square steel bar as my straight edge. Works great.

[@robinmoore909]

I did leather carving as a teen and at 60 I am getting back into leather working due to your videos. I was addicted to watching you create that beautiful holster and now am obsessed with the craft. Weaver didn't have several of the tools I wanted (67-6970, 67-6976, 67-6978, 67-6982); therefore I am on the Email notify list. I intend to eventually acquire all the tools needed for real leathercraft (to make a holster, boots and one day a saddle). Thank you very much for your well done, informative videos.

[@ricksflicks-]

I like this guys energy.

[@rezamehrani3122]

Every time I enjoy watching your tutorial videos. Thank you. Very clean , fast & useful. This is a great opportunity to know you man. God Bless 🙏👍

[@jacynthetofcrazycreations4869]

Thank you. Very informative. I appreciate no fluff.

[@jeffreycrossin427]

Jeff from Jersey here! Thank you it did help.

[@MYK1972]

Hi Mr. Chuck, I am from Pakistan and have been learning so much from your videos. Please let me know how to color chrome leather according to our choices. Thanks a lot to make people learn the art.

[@minerblue9641]

I hear you Chuck. I sure get into the thorn bushes when I get in a hurry. Patience is a virtue!

[@berg6964]

I’d like to hang out and have a beer with this dude. Always great info.

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

Good stuff as always, thanks Chuck! Man, I wish I’d known even half of what I’ve learned from The Leather Element back when I was first starting out.

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

Kevin Noll exactly, and the previous guy at my local national chain store (I don’t want to mention names, but it’s initials are “Tandy Leather”😂) would just sell me what I needed in order to do what I wanted to accomplish, but refused to tell me how to use it. As far as I could figure, he wanted me to attend their weekend “classes” so I’d have to buy more materials, just to learn a technique. That would have taken me decades, and I’m no spring chicken. KZbin in general, and Chuck with these Leather Element videos in particular have helped speed up my learning curve immeasurably.

[@dannyd174]

Done all of these but the beveled into the hand, hopefully this keeps me from doing it. Thanks for the tips and the video!

[@andyshields5935]

Enjoyed the video, did similar mistake with the beveled edge too wet, then slicked, and ended up mushrooming the edges. Yep, have to let them dry a bit. Thanks Chuck

[@abelcotofernandez2500]

Two weeks ago, decided to get some tools and learn to work with leather after almost a year wanting to do it. With this video I have discovered what i have been doing some incorrect things like with the edge burnishing, to much pressure. And a few more things not to be done :). In fact, all your videos are so useful, that yesterday i did suscribe. Thank you very much, I am learning a lot :)

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you for your comment and for subscribing - that means a lot!

[@charlescomly1]

Thank you for making this video, over all the years in worked on leather, I have committed every sin you pointed out, lol! Looking forward to your next video.

[@ginnysimpson5232]

For a newbie this is gold. Thanks.

[@aydenburris8631]

5:00 learned that the hard way today, bless, I was lucky with how little I was hurt. I wasn't holding the knife, leather or ruler correctly and sent the blade right over my hand. Was left with what was basically a paper cut from a blade that could've gone about and inch into the top of my hand.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

So glad it didn't injure you badly - that's not a good feeling because there's nothing you can do in the moment!

[@dgimpossibleman]

Saw the title and knew I had to watch. Great video. The production and information were both top notch. Little things like remarking that the camera would not pick up a detail then describing it to us were very professional. These were all things I did not know. Thanks.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thanks so much!

[@pauleysink9659]

Again, a great informative video Chuck, I should have watched this first, I now recognise a few of my mistakes.

[@uptopmikep7065]

Hahahaha! 2 out of 3 and that's not bad. You must have watched Mars Attacks a few times. I love it. Thanks for the tutorial Chuck.

[@alphaandomegawithchris]

I don't actually do leather work, but I've always wanted to. I've learned a lot about it from you and I'm ready to give it a go. I want to work with leather because I'm a woodworker and I want to make leather and wood pieces.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

That's great to hear, Chris! We hope you enjoy leather working!

[@minerblue9641]

Wheew. You're in for the long haul if you start working with leather. It may ruin you for woodwork.

[@grimtt]

I actually find some crossover from wood to leather, namely working with veg tan in terms of tooling and carving and knowing how to mark and cut. Good luck!

[@busdrivermike13]

Thank you, I’ve looked at a lot of videos on KZbin and your videos are some of the best, you do a great job explaining.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank so much!

[@HillCountryCodger]

Really good advice for a beginner, much appreciated Chuck!

[@wyattolsen7562]

Can you do a video dedicated to zippers, (bulk vs precut, attachment, zipper tabs, etc)? I have seen zippers used in a few places through these videos but I have yet to see an overview of what to know when working with zippers.

[@j.maxwaddell2557]

Great tips for us newbies. Keep up the wonderful teaching moments.

[@kelv8840]

I'm working on soft and light leather, lamb leather. Can y'all do some videos on how to handle it. Sew, make harnesses, gluing it. Thanks.

[@Hackdaddy81]

I’m just starting out and this series is great... guilty of smashing my edges in too much already.. now I knows what I’m doing wrong... thanks

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Seth - glad the video was helpful!

[@rickybenavidez4982]

Wow that was the most concise video I've seen in a while and I learned a lot

[@desmondehoppie4758]

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

[@ErikGuin]

7:38 Wow, i have been having this problem for awhile, my edges sometimes have a lip on either side and now i know what im doing wrong. Not so much pressure! Thanks for this video!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Glad I could help! Thanks so much for watching!

[@jamesmackay7284]

You have made some great tutorials 👌

[@joshicus_saint_anger]

Great video! Can't wait to get started

[@ThomasLeonard454]

Definitely worth watching. Your videos will help me take my past meager workmanship to new levels.

[@oldschooljack3479]

Thanks Chuck. Keep em coming please!

[@edusszfx]

Love the safety tips!

[@Verichmond]

Thanks for the helpful tips! This'll help a lot as I'm endeavoring in my leather work.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you for watching!

[@davidlewisbrokenanvilforge4555]

Chuck In my area we have a lot of buckskin from the deer that the hunters kill I’d really like to see a video done with the hair on hides maybe some winter arm guards or something to that effect I really love your videos I’ve been going through all of the old ones they are an inspiration to me

[@marcdorsett1267]

You make some awesome videos, and have a great last name. Lol! My last name is Dorsett as well. I grew up on a farm doing more "primitive" leather work. Over the years ive honed my craft more. Taken alot of tips from your vids. Good job sir

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you and very cool on the last name! Thank you for your comment!

[@INS1977]

Very good video.. Iam just beginning workin with leather... I knew methal and brass much better

[@JimRodgers]

I recently had a slip with a stitching awl. Turned out to be quite a gusher when I stabbed myself in the meaty part at the base of my thumb. Since then I've learned to adjust how I'm using that tool to avoid poking myself.

[@jonathananthonyhumphries2486]

dont bleed on the leather

[@prowokator]

There are some big blood vessels in the base of the thumb. Makes a really bloody mess if you manage ti cut yourself with a blade there.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Ouch, so sorry this happened! Hope you're all better!

[@pufek77]

Tnx for advices...I'm new in this gorgeous world of leather :)

[@simondrew2914]

Thanks for these tips, Chuck. As a beginner, I've made some of these mistakes myself. One thing I've noticed is that too much tension in the stitching will distort the product, especially if the leather density is inconsistent. Do you have advice for choosing leather/spotting problem areas? What cuts are most suitable for particular projects?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Simon, Usually the belly is where you have to watch out for spongy areas. But for the most part the rest of the hide should all be usable. Belt makers will usually tend to go for the back or bend area of the hide, it has a tighter grain and uniform thickness. As you get up in the neck area of the hide, the weight will may fluctuate a little bit. Hope that helps!

[@simondrew2914]

@@WeaverLeatherSupply Thanks for the advice. I'll bear this in mind when I make my next purchase.

[@surfpunk08]

Awesome bit of practical advice from a knowledgeable teacher; great as always! Thanks Chuck!!!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@capedoryus]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Do I do leather? Not pre watching this video. I am a fabric guy and wish there was somebody with this insight with sewing. Love the box cutter tip. Can use it anytime . Looks like I'll be starting leather work. I appreciate all the work that went into your video. I have a few up on KZbin and I learn more about video production from super high quality videos than months in school. Thanks again. Videos of this quality are like discovering a new star.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much, John!

[@jerryv9138]

Great videos!! What about a video on braiding leather? Thank you! =)

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Jerry! We have a video on the mystery braid and the four-strand braid we'll link them below for you. See if that helps! Mystery Braid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHSodGeaYrCUh7c Four Strand Braid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqKkoa2Xq6t8fqs Spanish Basketweave Braid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHPXoYinfs2da9E

[@davesimler724]

These were some great tips. I see what I was doing wrong all this time and yes I used a few bandaids. Thanks so much for all the tips. I definitely like your style of teaching. Keep it up.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much, so glad the videos are helpful!

[@ChrisLee-UK]

I'm a sucker for bronzing my leather when dying it, I always think there isn't enough dye so end up going over it 3 or 4 times...noted and will make sure I quit doing that. Also at times, too much presure when burnishing. Thanks Vhuck, great tips Sir.

[@betenoireindustries]

fantastic roundup, thanks. i've had to learn a lot of these the hard way - wish i'd had this to watch first.

[@mattiecreates]

thank you for taking the time do help everyone, you are a great teacher ..i really appreciate you sharing your knowledge

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

You are very welcome, we appreciate the support and your comment!

[@filstewart2380]

Thanks Chuck, useful advice as always. ( More armour soon please - maybe a series of tutorials?)

[@0num4]

Thanks for the great tips, Chuck. I'd like to begin leather crafting, and I'm experienced enough to learn from the mistakes of others when I take on new tasks or hobbies.

[@minipaintinjohn4490]

This guy eats leather and drinks espresso, and I love it. Good video!

[@ViaAvione]

Great tips! Thank you for sharing!

[@user-jo5fz8iw3b]

Thanks Chuck 👍

[@dalehepworth6729]

Leather element videos are great! Here's a question though, what can I make using leathers from different animals such as goat, deer and lamb? Thanks 🙂

[@benjaminholcomb9478]

Different animals are going to give you different thicknesses and stiffnesses of leather. What you're looking for is what you can do with these qualities. Thinner leather, like deer, is good for bags and clothes. Thicker, like cow, is good for sheaths and cases. If you found another piece of leather with the same qualities from a different animal then its basically the same leather. Skin is skin. Most animals don't have some sort of extreme/specific characteristic (for example, gator hide). They are generally just either more or less thick and pliable. The other real big factor is cost. Some leather is just more rare/ expensive than others.

[@benjaminholcomb9478]

The key is not to think that you can only make a buckskin style jacket with a deer. You just need a leather with similar qualities. Obviously it couldn't be called buckskin anymore lol. But it would, effectively, be the same thing.

[@benjaminholcomb9478]

Unfortunately, I don't think leather has a universal set of scales like wood does. I.e. hardness, density, etc. So people are obligated to describe it solely by animal/location to communicate the various qualities.

[@dalehepworth6729]

@@benjaminholcomb9478 thanks, I had not thought of it like that, makes perfect sense though

[@benjaminholcomb9478]

@@dalehepworth6729 no problem

[@mkivy]

Thanks! A little scary for this novice already making mistakes…but perseverance wins the day!

[@ironbends649]

Chuck, when you made the holster you put a temporary stitch in the main seam. Could you have used a tacking stitch, a simple single needle in and out stitch.?Then when you remove, snip one knot and pull the entire thread out? Robert

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

You absolutely could do that, as long as it's a strong enough stitch to keep the pieces together!

[@Jamie-k7e7e]

You gotta love this guy! ❤️🙋🏼‍♀️ thank you!

[@twotone3070]

Really impressed with the presentation, videography, editing and explanations, I got what you meant straight away and I don't do leather work.

[@runningriverbushcraft]

Awesome Tips 🇺🇸 as always 👌

[@sarshaparis284]

Your video's have helped me out so much! thank you for making them :)

[@xThatEquestrianx]

This is very helpful! Touched on several mistakes ive been making, time to go make something with my new knowledge!

[@SilverGoth]

Very helpful! Thank you so much!

[@susane945]

Thank you !! Wonderful tips! 🙂🌸❤️

[@ariellecapooth3715]

I am just barely getting my toes wet. I have been crafting with leather scraps from a furniture store.. I have a cuff that I'd like to add a stone with a window to. Does that make sense ? I have a photo example. This is a gift for a friend and I am hoping to turn this into a long term hobby. I love these videos and I'm learning so much ! Looks like I need to buy a lot more tools as well. Thanks!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Arielle! Thank you so much for watching and we''re so glad the videos have been helpful!

[@artfulcoyote]

Thanks for sharing, Chuck

[@drengskap]

I've had a utility knife skip onto the ruler and straight into my thumb. I was cutting picture mount board, not leather, but it's a similar situation. Respect the blade!

[@Bjornarp]

it was said the knife would stop in your finger. I've seen what a boxcutter does to a finger. It will not stop 🤣 amazing video as always! learning so much

[@SewingLara]

Thank you, it's always helpful!

[@Marioontour]

Great stuff man. I always hit the like button before i watch the video. :)

[@henniepelser5958]

Thanks for the tips. Never say "you can't teach an old dog new tricks... One must remember that old dogs can also forget the basics". Thanks

[@fancysirvr7054]

I cant stop watching this

[@joafrikaans59]

Thanks for the info, I really like your videos Chuck, a trick I picked up with removing stubborn screws is with a side cutter, just replace the screw afterwards

[@firebomb5510]

Quick,concise,informative👍👍

[@jayyoung3478]

Thanks

[@tnoutlaw73]

i love this channel. im learning all the time as im a noob. but im to a point im taking orders now for items. how do I charge

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thanks so much, so glad the videos have been helpful! That's awesome that you're taking orders! We actually have a video on calculating leather costs, see if that helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqerdqZmnbulbLs

[@tnoutlaw73]

@@WeaverLeatherSupply thank you. Im on it now

[@grimtt]

Hi, Do you charge for your time as well on orders?

[@tnoutlaw73]

@@grimtt for now i charge half of the materials. I have a full-time job and just do this as a hobby. I want to get good enough to make boots. Hats. Vests. Coats. And eventually a saddle. But im not sure if i will ever get that kinda of talent. But im trying.

[@tnoutlaw73]

@@grimtt i see some of the people like this channel and dark horse and it makes me wanna quit lol. These guys are amazing

[@DowningGoliath]

Here is a question: Do you have advice for removing embossed stamps (eg initials) from a leather tag?

[@doodlej22]

Great tips! Thanks for another excellent video.

[@georgegonzalez-rivas3787]

Useful video. Thanks!

[@RJMCafe]

Why did you put the cutting board on top of the leather in the first example? Seems unnecessary? Thanks for the video.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

The leather helps to keep the cutting board from sliding around on top of the marble slab. It gives a nice sturdy surface to work on. Chuck explains this a bit more in the following video around minute 1:30. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYS6hYiXd9qibsU

[@AliAhmed-oe3mz]

Thank you for all Notes and warnings

[@bobgabriel2685]

Do you have any videos on which measuring tools ones do you have in the leather shop? Types of rulers, size of rulers, calipers, etc.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Bob, We do not have a video on this but we'll make sure to add that to our list!