You only need 5 tools to start leatherworking

You don’t need a hundred-dollar burnisher or a dedicated workshop to start leatherworking. What you do need are a handful of tools that punch clean holes, stitch straight lines, and cut exactly where you want them to. Over time, you’ll find your style and maybe pick up some extras. But these five are all it takes to start making gear that works.

Heads up: Some of the links below are Amazon affiliate links. If you click through and buy, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I use, trust.

Harness needles

Sturdy, blunt-tipped needles made for hand-stitching thick leather. They won’t pierce the material like sewing needles but just guide the thread through holes you punch yourself. You’ll want at least two for saddle stitching, which gives leather its signature strength. I pack of John James saddler’s harness needles will last you about a lifetime. I use 2/0 to match my 1mm Ritza thread.

Stitching irons

These punch clean, evenly spaced holes for your stitches. Tapped into the leather with a mallet and removed straight up, keeping your lines uniform. Pick a spacing that matches your style. I like bold chunky stitches for a 5mm set is my weapon of choice.

Mallet

Used to drive stitching irons and flatten seams without marring the leather. I poly head balances durability and avoids the risk of wearing out your tools and sending metal shards flying. Something in the neighborhood of 1 to 1 1/2 pounds is a good all rounder. If you are going to work with lots of layers or thick leather, get something heavier.

Hobby knife

When it comes to cutting leather you have some flexibility and personal preference comes into play. I’ve used rotary cutters, box cutters, and scissors (which I do really like for taking off chunks for sides for small patterns). In the end, by far, my favorite is hobby knifes with snap off blades. If you can get the ones with 30 degree blades, they are even better.

Rotary hole punch

Something to punch holes for your your hardware is critical. think rivets, snaps, and buckles. You’ve got two options here, a set of punches or a rotary punch and for me the rotary punch gets the pick. For all but the tightest spots the it is easier to use. Even though they both take up about the same amount of room, I’d rather keep track of one tool instead of a set if i can help it.

Progress, not polish.

Thanks for stopping by. I share guides, tools, and lessons from the work. Stick around, dig in, and feel free to share what’s worked for you.

Keep showing up. It’ll pay off.

— Ryan

Alder Branch Homestead