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
Diamond Awl vs Stitching Chisels: Which Leather...
Both diamond stitching awls and stitching chisels are excellent leathercraft tools, and neither is universally “better.” The best choice depends on your experience level, stitching style and the type of...
Diamond Awl vs Stitching Chisels: Which Leather...
Both diamond stitching awls and stitching chisels are excellent leathercraft tools, and neither is universally “better.” The best choice depends on your experience level, stitching style and the type of...
Which Needles Do I Need for Leatherworking? A C...
In this guide, we’ll explain the different sizes of leatherworking needles, the projects they’re best suited for, and which thread thickness works with each size, helping you choose the perfect...
Which Needles Do I Need for Leatherworking? A C...
In this guide, we’ll explain the different sizes of leatherworking needles, the projects they’re best suited for, and which thread thickness works with each size, helping you choose the perfect...
Best Leathercraft Tools for Hand Stitching
Choosing the right leathercraft tools for hand stitching can dramatically improve both the appearance of your work and the efficiency of your workflow. From diamond stitching awls to premium waxed...
Best Leathercraft Tools for Hand Stitching
Choosing the right leathercraft tools for hand stitching can dramatically improve both the appearance of your work and the efficiency of your workflow. From diamond stitching awls to premium waxed...
A Beginner’s Guide to Leathercraft
Learn the basics of leathercraft with this complete beginner’s guide. Discover essential leatherworking tools, techniques, stitching methods, and tips for getting started.
A Beginner’s Guide to Leathercraft
Learn the basics of leathercraft with this complete beginner’s guide. Discover essential leatherworking tools, techniques, stitching methods, and tips for getting started.
How to Saddle Stitch Leather by Hand
Learn how to saddle stitch leather by hand with this step-by-step beginner’s guide. Discover the best tools, needles, thread, and techniques for professional leather hand stitching.
How to Saddle Stitch Leather by Hand
Learn how to saddle stitch leather by hand with this step-by-step beginner’s guide. Discover the best tools, needles, thread, and techniques for professional leather hand stitching.
Best Thread for Watch Straps UK (2026 Guide)
In this guide, we’ll break down the best thread for watch straps, ideal thread sizes, linen vs polyester, and why many UK leatherworkers choose Meisi Super Fine Linen Thread for...
Best Thread for Watch Straps UK (2026 Guide)
In this guide, we’ll break down the best thread for watch straps, ideal thread sizes, linen vs polyester, and why many UK leatherworkers choose Meisi Super Fine Linen Thread for...
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.