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
5 Common Leather Crafting Mistakes and Tools Th...
Master leather crafting with our guide to avoiding 5 common mistakes. Learn how the right tools can help produce professional results with ease.
5 Common Leather Crafting Mistakes and Tools Th...
Master leather crafting with our guide to avoiding 5 common mistakes. Learn how the right tools can help produce professional results with ease.
Avoid These Common Leather Awl Mistakes
Learn how to avoid common leather awl mistakes like uneven stitching holes, damaged leather, and improper handling. Elevate your leathercraft today!
Avoid These Common Leather Awl Mistakes
Learn how to avoid common leather awl mistakes like uneven stitching holes, damaged leather, and improper handling. Elevate your leathercraft today!
The History of Leather Awls in Artisan Craftsma...
Discover the fascinating history of leather awls—from prehistoric tools to modern craftsmanship. Learn how this indispensable tool has shaped leatherworking.
The History of Leather Awls in Artisan Craftsma...
Discover the fascinating history of leather awls—from prehistoric tools to modern craftsmanship. Learn how this indispensable tool has shaped leatherworking.
10 Leathercraft Projects Made Easier with a Lea...
Discover 10 creative leathercraft projects made easier with a leather awl! From wallets to belts, see how this tool transforms leatherworking.
10 Leathercraft Projects Made Easier with a Lea...
Discover 10 creative leathercraft projects made easier with a leather awl! From wallets to belts, see how this tool transforms leatherworking.
How to Choose the Right Leather Awl for Your Pr...
Confused about which leather awl to use? Learn how to choose the perfect awl for stitching, marking, and shaping your leatherwork.
How to Choose the Right Leather Awl for Your Pr...
Confused about which leather awl to use? Learn how to choose the perfect awl for stitching, marking, and shaping your leatherwork.
Handmade Belts 101: The Tools You Need to Craft...
Learn how to craft your own belt with our guide to essential tools for handmade leather belts—cut, shape, and finish like a pro artisan!
Handmade Belts 101: The Tools You Need to Craft...
Learn how to craft your own belt with our guide to essential tools for handmade leather belts—cut, shape, and finish like a pro artisan!
Explore Our Leathercraft Resources
Our knowledge centre is regularly updated with new articles covering every aspect of leathercraft.
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How-To Guides
Learn new skills with clear, easy-to-follow tutorials covering everything from beginner projects to advanced techniques.
Popular topics include:
- How to hand stitch leather
- Saddle stitching explained
- Burnishing leather edges
- Installing rivets, snaps and eyelets
- Setting line 20 and line 24 press studs
- Using leather dyes and finishes
- Cutting leather accurately
- Skiving techniques
- Leather embossing and stamping
- Making belts, wallets, bags and accessories
Leathercraft Tips & Techniques
Discover practical advice that can make every project easier and improve the quality of your finished work.
Find articles on:
- Choosing the correct leather thickness
- Selecting the right thread and needles
- Preventing common beginner mistakes
- Achieving clean edge finishing
- Improving stitch consistency
- Working with vegetable tanned leather
- Working with chrome tanned leather
- Pattern making advice
- Workshop organisation
- Tool maintenance
Product Features & Buying Guides
Not sure which product is right for your project?
Our buying guides explain the differences between popular tools, leathers, hardware and finishes, helping you make informed purchasing decisions.
Topics include:
- Choosing the right leather for your project
- Leather grades explained
- Comparing edge finishes
- Thread types and sizes
- Leather dyes vs paints
- Adhesives for leatherwork
- Rivets, buckles and hardware explained
- Leather cutting tools compared
- Burnishing tools and compounds
- Which leather finish should you use?
Leather Care & Maintenance
Learn how to keep leather looking its best with expert advice on cleaning, conditioning, storage and long-term maintenance.
Articles include:
- Cleaning leather correctly
- Conditioning vegetable tanned leather
- Protecting leather from moisture
- Removing stains
- Storing leather hides
- Caring for finished leather goods
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
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Learn About Our Products
Many of our articles focus on getting the very best from the products available at British Leather Supplies.
You’ll find practical advice on using:
- Leather hides and panels
- Hand tools
- Cutting tools
- Stitching tools
- Edge finishing products
- Leather dyes
- Adhesives
- Hardware and fittings
- Threads and needles
- Care products
Each guide is written to help you understand when to use a product, how to use it correctly and how to achieve the best possible results.
New Articles Added Regularly
Leathercraft is always evolving, and so is our knowledge centre.
We’re continually adding new tutorials, buying guides, project inspiration and product features to ensure you always have access to practical, up-to-date advice.
Whether you’re looking for a quick answer to a workshop question or a detailed step-by-step tutorial, there’s always something new to discover.
Looking for Something Specific?
Use the search function or browse by category to quickly find guides on:
- Leather types
- Tools
- Hardware
- Stitching
- Edge finishing
- Dyes & finishes
- Leather care
- Projects
- Techniques
- Beginner guides
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.