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
What is a Double Cap Rivet and Their Uses in Le...
Whether you're a seasoned saddler or just starting out at the bench, the double cap rivet is one of those pieces of hardware you'll reach for time and again. Small,...
What is a Double Cap Rivet and Their Uses in Le...
Whether you're a seasoned saddler or just starting out at the bench, the double cap rivet is one of those pieces of hardware you'll reach for time and again. Small,...
What is a Scratch Awl or Round Awl Used for in ...
If you've just started exploring leathercraft, you may have come across the term scratch awl or round awl and wondered what it's for; a humble tool that experienced leatherworkers reach for...
What is a Scratch Awl or Round Awl Used for in ...
If you've just started exploring leathercraft, you may have come across the term scratch awl or round awl and wondered what it's for; a humble tool that experienced leatherworkers reach for...
Everything You Need to Know About Rivets & Burr...
Rivets and burrs are among leathercraft's most reliable and historically proven fasteners. Whether you're reaching for the traditional strength of a copper rivet set with a ball-peen hammer, or the...
Everything You Need to Know About Rivets & Burr...
Rivets and burrs are among leathercraft's most reliable and historically proven fasteners. Whether you're reaching for the traditional strength of a copper rivet set with a ball-peen hammer, or the...
Why We Love the C.S. Osborne No.144 Shoe Awl
There are tools you use, and then there are tools you trust. After a lifetime of stitching, skiving, and saddle-making, a good awl stops being a piece of equipment and...
Why We Love the C.S. Osborne No.144 Shoe Awl
There are tools you use, and then there are tools you trust. After a lifetime of stitching, skiving, and saddle-making, a good awl stops being a piece of equipment and...
Everything You Need to Know About Diamond Stitc...
A diamond stitching awl (sometimes called a diamond pricking awl) is a hand tool used to pierce holes through leather in preparation for hand-stitching. Unlike a round awl — which...
Everything You Need to Know About Diamond Stitc...
A diamond stitching awl (sometimes called a diamond pricking awl) is a hand tool used to pierce holes through leather in preparation for hand-stitching. Unlike a round awl — which...
Everything You Need to Know About John James Sa...
For generations of British leatherworkers John James Saddler's Harness Needles have been the go-to choice. Trusted by saddlers, bookbinders, bespoke bag makers, and hobbyists alike, these needles have earned a...
Everything You Need to Know About John James Sa...
For generations of British leatherworkers John James Saddler's Harness Needles have been the go-to choice. Trusted by saddlers, bookbinders, bespoke bag makers, and hobbyists alike, these needles have earned a...
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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How to Punch Straight Stitching Holes with a Pr...
If your stitching holes wander, change direction or don't line up neatly on the back of the leather, a few simple adjustments to your technique can make a significant difference....
How to Punch Straight Stitching Holes with a Pr...
If your stitching holes wander, change direction or don't line up neatly on the back of the leather, a few simple adjustments to your technique can make a significant difference....
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The One Tool I Couldn’t Work Without (And Why E...
If I had to choose just one tool to keep on my workbench (apart from a knife), it would be my Sinabroks Stitching Irons. Whether you’re making your first wallet...
The One Tool I Couldn’t Work Without (And Why E...
If I had to choose just one tool to keep on my workbench (apart from a knife), it would be my Sinabroks Stitching Irons. Whether you’re making your first wallet...
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How to Get the Perfectly Slanted Hand Stitch in...
Few things make handmade leatherwork look more professional than a clean, consistent line of perfectly slanted hand stitches. In this guide, we'll explain how to create consistent diagonal stitches in...
How to Get the Perfectly Slanted Hand Stitch in...
Few things make handmade leatherwork look more professional than a clean, consistent line of perfectly slanted hand stitches. In this guide, we'll explain how to create consistent diagonal stitches in...
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.