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 Types of Leather Awls Every Artisan Should Know
Discover the essential leather awls every artisan needs, from scratch awls to stitching awls. Learn how each tool enhances your leathercraft projects!
5 Types of Leather Awls Every Artisan Should Know
Discover the essential leather awls every artisan needs, from scratch awls to stitching awls. Learn how each tool enhances your leathercraft projects!
The Essential Guide to Using a Leather Awl for ...
Learn how to use a leather awl with this step-by-step guide. Perfect for beginners! Improve your leather crafting skills with expert tips on stitching and punching.
The Essential Guide to Using a Leather Awl for ...
Learn how to use a leather awl with this step-by-step guide. Perfect for beginners! Improve your leather crafting skills with expert tips on stitching and punching.
What Are Leather Rivets? A Guide to Elevating L...
What are leather rivets, and why are they integral to your leathercrafting endeavours? Whether you're a seasoned artisan or a budding hobbyist, this guide will unveil the purpose, types, and...
What Are Leather Rivets? A Guide to Elevating L...
What are leather rivets, and why are they integral to your leathercrafting endeavours? Whether you're a seasoned artisan or a budding hobbyist, this guide will unveil the purpose, types, and...
Essential Leather Working Tools: A Guide for En...
Whether you're a novice eager to explore the world of leathercraft or a seasoned hobbyist refining your skills, understanding the indispensable tools for leatherworking is the first step in mastering...
Essential Leather Working Tools: A Guide for En...
Whether you're a novice eager to explore the world of leathercraft or a seasoned hobbyist refining your skills, understanding the indispensable tools for leatherworking is the first step in mastering...
What Is the Best Hole Punch for Leather?
This article serves as your definitive guide, detailing the essential features to look for in a hole punch for leather, comparing popular models, and helping you choose a tool that...
What Is the Best Hole Punch for Leather?
This article serves as your definitive guide, detailing the essential features to look for in a hole punch for leather, comparing popular models, and helping you choose a tool that...
Leather Craft Tools You Need to Own
Whether you're just beginning your exploration into this world or looking to refine the tools in your arsenal, this guide provides detailed insights into the most important leather craft tools....
Leather Craft Tools You Need to Own
Whether you're just beginning your exploration into this world or looking to refine the tools in your arsenal, this guide provides detailed insights into the most important leather craft tools....
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.