My tools from first cut to pro
You do not need everything to start. Begin with the basics, then add tools when a project asks for them.
The basics
Enough to make your first cardholder or wallet from a pattern.
- Cutting
Self-healing cutting mat
Protects the blade and the table. A3 is a good first size.
- Cutting
Craft knife with spare blades
A sharp blade does most of the cutting. Change it often.
- Cutting
Steel ruler
Guides straight cuts without being nicked by the blade.
- Marking
Wing divider
Marks the stitching line at an even distance from the edge.
- Stitching
Stitching chisels (2 and 4 prongs)
Punch evenly spaced holes for saddle stitching.
- Stitching
Poly mallet
Drives the chisels without damaging them.
- Stitching
Harness needles and waxed thread
Two blunt needles per stitch line, and a thread suited to the hole size.
- Assembly
Leather glue
Holds the pieces in place before stitching.
- Edges
Edge beveler
Rounds the edges before sanding and burnishing.
- Edges
Sandpaper and wooden slicker
Sand, then burnish the edges for a smooth finish.
Going further
For cleaner edges, faster stitching and more complex pieces.
- Cutting
Skiving knife
Thins the leather where layers overlap or fold.
- Cutting
Round knife
Long, precise cuts and curves in one pass.
- Stitching
Stitching pony
Holds the piece so both hands are free to stitch.
- Edges
Edge creaser
Adds a decorative line along the edge.
- Edges
Edge paint and roller
For coloured, sealed edges on chrome or mixed leathers.
- Assembly
Hole punches and setter
For snaps, rivets and belt holes.
Pro tools
Investments for small series and repeat work.
- Cutting
Bell skiver or splitter
Even thickness over whole pieces, in seconds.
- Cutting
Strap cutter
Straight straps of constant width for belts and handles.
- Cutting
Cutting dies and press
Repeatable shapes for small series.
- Stitching
Leather sewing machine
A cylinder-arm machine for bags and long seams.