How Difficult is it to Learn Leather?

Are you curious about learning leatherworking but worried that it might be too hard? Of course, the difficulty that comes with learning a new skill is somewhat subjective. The challenges of learning leatherworking depend on factors like if you have previous sewing or pattern design skills, whether you use cheap tools or invest in quality ones, and how precise you are with your work.

No matter your current schedule or comfort level with leatherworking, there are plenty of tools available to help make learning easier than you might think.

What is Leatherworking?

Leatherworking, also commonly referred to as leather crafting, is the practice of using leather to create practical items or unique pieces of art through techniques like molding, dyeing, carving, stamping, and fabrication. Estimated to have originated around 50,000 BCE, the crafting of leather goods is perhaps one of humanity’s longest and most time-honored traditions.

Leather was vital to the Bronze and Iron Ages and was even used for crafting shields, shelters, and jewelry. Leather crafting has always been in high demand and was most notably utilized by the Greeks and the Romans. Throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, leatherworking went through a creative boom with tooling, painting, dying, and carving being used for decoration. New tanning methods and further developments in the Industrial Age helped to transform the practice into what you see today.

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Both handmade and machine-made leather goods can now be found across the world and serve as valuable, functional, and stylish pieces fit for any occasion.

Benefits of Learning Leatherworking?

There are several benefits to learning this leatherworking. Did you know that crafting with leather can benefit your physical health? The precise hand movements can improve your hand-eye coordination and working with small tools is great for your fine motor skills and dexterity. Plus, cutting, punching, and molding leather requires a certain amount of physical exertion and can help you build strength.

Want to boost your mental health? Repetitive movements, like those done while leatherworking can activate neural pathways that help the brain send calming signals throughout the body. Working with leather demands concentration and allows you to exercise control over something, both of which can improve your mental health.

Studying leatherwork can be a way to make new friends. Leather artisans are a small community of passionate craftspeople. You can try plugging into groups like the International Leather Club, joining forums, or looking into local meetups of like-minded leather workers near you.

The art of leather crafting also makes a great creative career. Professional craftspeople can work for a large retailer or designer or run their own small business selling handmade leather items. Those that set out on their own could sell at markets, pop-up events, and festivals locally or nationwide.

What Are the Hardest Parts of Learning Leatherworking?

Sewing and Pattern Design

So much of leather crafting relies on your sewing and design skills. Having a history with sewing—whether that’s in making quilts or creating your own clothes—will give you an upper hand when learning leatherworking. If you don’t have previous sewing or pattern design skills, don’t fret! You can learn them as you go, or take an extra sewing class to boost your knowledge. (Investing in a quality sewing machine that is durable enough to sew leather is also a good idea, but in-person classes will provide this (and other supplies) for you.)

If you live in Colorado, try out Leather Sewing 101 at The Denver Design Incubator in Jefferson Park. Designed for those just starting out, this class teaches the basics of sewing leather on an industrial sewing machine. Students will make two leather credit card cases, one sewn by machine and one sewn by hand. You’ll also learn the proper techniques for rotary cutting so you can cut the perfect square and make rounded corners. Leather and supplies are provided but you are welcome to bring your own leather or tools.

Or, if you’re in Los Angeles, Santa Monica College hosts Leather Hand-Sewn Basics, where students will make a bespoke leather wallet. This hands-on workshop will teach you how to smooth leather edges, punch holes, saddle stitch, and install a button. There is a $25 supply fee that will be collected at the start of class but no prior experience is necessary.

Collecting Quality Tools

Ask any expert craftsman and they’ll tell you that quality tools make all the difference. After all, you’ll want to cut straight lines and stamp concise designs into your work. Quality tools tend to be more expensive but consider them an investment in your craft. It’s okay if it takes you some time to assemble your leatherworking tool kit because, in the long run, you’ll be glad to have tools that last.

Want to try out some quality tools? Nazz Forge in Brooklyn hosts Leather Belt Making, a 2.5-hour course where you can practice skills like cutting, edging, riveting, and stamping to create a high-quality custom leather belt. COVID-19 vaccination is required for all classes at Nazz Forge, as is a signed waiver form.

Practicing Precision

Easy ways to identify shoddy craftsmanship are to look for loose or uneven seams, poorly or rough-cut leather edges, or inconsistently stamped designs. Precision is extremely important with leatherworking and this can often require you to move much slower than you’d prefer. Take your time and let your slowed-down process be a mindfulness practice. If you intend to gift or sell your creations, you’ll want them to be of the best quality possible so that they last for a long time.

You can practice your precision in this sandal-making workshop put on by The King’s Roost in Silver Lake, Los Angeles. You’ll learn to make a pair of sandals from sturdy leather soles, stacked leather heels, and soft leather straps and insoles. Choose from four simple sandal designs and four unique leather colors to create a custom-fitting pair of sandals. Completed sandals will be ready for pick-up the following day, and students will also take home an outline of the sandal-making process including a list of local leather and shoe supply resources, to jump-start your new side hustle.

Key Takeaways

Leatherworking is one of the oldest trades known to man and has stood the test of time thanks to its unique combination of form and function.
From mental and physical benefits to helping you make friends or start a new career, the benefits of learning leatherworking are seemingly endless.
Leatherworking has specific challenges like mastering sewing and pattern making, collecting quality tools, and practicing precision.
Despite these challenges, leatherworking is still a very accessible art form for those that are passionate about the craft and invested in developing their skills.
Looking for a more personal learning experience? CourseHorse also offers private lessons and private group classes that can be designed to fit your exact needs. Reach out on the website to find options for online or in-person training, including private group sessions.