Leathercraft Advice & Guides
Welcome to the British Leather Supplies Learning Hub — your resource for leathercraft guides, saddle stitching tutorials, product reviews, and expert advice for leatherworkers of all skill levels.
Whether you’re learning how to hand stitch leather, choosing the right leathercraft tools, comparing waxed threads and harness needles, or improving your belt and bag making techniques, our guides are designed to help you create stronger, cleaner, and more professional leatherwork.
Browse the grid below or explore by topic.
Guides & Advice
Common Leather Bonding Mistakes and How to Avoi...
A strong, clean bond is the foundation of professional leathercraft. Whether you’re making wallets, belts, bags, watch straps, or repairing leather goods, proper adhesive application helps ensure durability, neat construction,...
Common Leather Bonding Mistakes and How to Avoi...
A strong, clean bond is the foundation of professional leathercraft. Whether you’re making wallets, belts, bags, watch straps, or repairing leather goods, proper adhesive application helps ensure durability, neat construction,...
Water-Based vs Solvent-Based Leather Adhesives:...
Both water-based and solvent-based leather adhesives have an important place in the workshop. The best choice depends on the type of leather you’re using, the demands of the project, and...
Water-Based vs Solvent-Based Leather Adhesives:...
Both water-based and solvent-based leather adhesives have an important place in the workshop. The best choice depends on the type of leather you’re using, the demands of the project, and...
How to Glue Leather: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Learning how to glue leather correctly is a valuable skill for repairs, restoration and leathercraft projects. By selecting the right adhesive, preparing the surface properly and allowing sufficient curing time,...
How to Glue Leather: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Learning how to glue leather correctly is a valuable skill for repairs, restoration and leathercraft projects. By selecting the right adhesive, preparing the surface properly and allowing sufficient curing time,...
The Best Glues for Leathercraft: A Complete Gui...
Whether you’re making wallets, belts, handbags, watch straps, footwear or other leather goods, choosing the right glue is an important part of the leathercraft process. In this guide, we’ll look...
The Best Glues for Leathercraft: A Complete Gui...
Whether you’re making wallets, belts, handbags, watch straps, footwear or other leather goods, choosing the right glue is an important part of the leathercraft process. In this guide, we’ll look...
The Complete Guide to Leathercraft Knives
A quality knife is arguably the most important tool in any leatherworker’s workshop. Whether you’re making wallets, belts, handbags, watch straps or saddlery, every project begins with accurate cutting. In...
The Complete Guide to Leathercraft Knives
A quality knife is arguably the most important tool in any leatherworker’s workshop. Whether you’re making wallets, belts, handbags, watch straps or saddlery, every project begins with accurate cutting. In...
How to Finish Vegetable Tanned Leather After Dy...
This guide walks through the entire leather finishing process, from post-dye buffing to selecting and applying the right topcoat. We'll compare the most popular options—Fiebing's Resolene, Fiebing's Leather Balm with...
How to Finish Vegetable Tanned Leather After Dy...
This guide walks through the entire leather finishing process, from post-dye buffing to selecting and applying the right topcoat. We'll compare the most popular options—Fiebing's Resolene, Fiebing's Leather Balm with...
Explore Our Leathercraft Resources
Beginner’s Learning Centre
If you’re new to leathercraft, start here.
Our beginner-friendly guides explain the essential skills, terminology and equipment you’ll need to begin crafting with confidence.
You’ll learn:
- Essential leatherworking tools
- Understanding leather weights
- Basic hand stitching
- Cutting and measuring leather
- Simple first projects
- Choosing your first leather
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Why Full Grain Leather Gets Better With Age
In this guide, we’ll explain what full grain leather is, why it ages so well, what patina really means, and why the natural markings found on genuine leather should be...
Why Full Grain Leather Gets Better With Age
In this guide, we’ll explain what full grain leather is, why it ages so well, what patina really means, and why the natural markings found on genuine leather should be...
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What Leather Should a Beginner Choose? (Complet...
Starting leathercraft is exciting, but choosing your first piece of leather can quickly become overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll explain the key differences between the main types of leather -...
What Leather Should a Beginner Choose? (Complet...
Starting leathercraft is exciting, but choosing your first piece of leather can quickly become overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll explain the key differences between the main types of leather -...
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Leather Fastenings Explained: Which Closure is ...
Whether you’re crafting belts, handbags, dog collars, wallets or journal covers, choosing the right fastening will improve both the appearance and durability of your finished work. In this guide, we’ll compare...
Leather Fastenings Explained: Which Closure is ...
Whether you’re crafting belts, handbags, dog collars, wallets or journal covers, choosing the right fastening will improve both the appearance and durability of your finished work. In this guide, we’ll compare...
Advanced Leathercraft
Ready to take your skills further?
Explore techniques used by experienced makers, including:
- Decorative stitching
- Advanced edge finishing
- Pattern drafting
- Wet moulding
- Leather carving
- Traditional saddlery techniques
- Professional finishing methods
Why Trust British Leather Supplies?
At British Leather Supplies, we’re passionate about leathercraft. We supply quality leather, tools, hardware and workshop essentials to hobbyists, makers, small businesses and professional craftspeople across the UK.
Our guides are based on practical experience and are written to help you get better results from every project. Whether you’re choosing your first hide, investing in new tools or perfecting traditional techniques, we’re here to support your leathercraft journey with trusted advice and reliable products.
We invite you to explore our growing collection of resources and keep checking back as new guides, tutorials and product features are added throughout the year.