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YOUR ESSENTIAL LEATHER WORKING KIT

_________________________________________________

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

_________________________________________________

Leatherworking is a rewarding craft, whether you are just starting out and investing in your first starter tool kit for leather work, or whether you have many years and various skills under your belt. There is always something new to learn and incorporate into your projects or products.

Happily, you don’t need much in the way of a leather working kit to make your first usable (and treasured) item. We’ve spoken to experts in leatherwork and in teaching the craft to create a list of the essential tool kit for leather craft.

With the right leather working kit and just a few basic skills such as:
  • selecting the correct leather
  • cutting
  • edging
  • burnishing or polishing
  • punching
  • stitching
  • finishing
– you can create a belt that fits perfectly; a safe, smart collar for your dog or cat; an attractive wallet that will last a lifetime; home furnishings such as a cushion cover or leather-covered door handle; or a unique bag (maybe a workbag to carry your leather crafting kit).

Although the basic skills will apply to all the project types above, the types of leather needed will differ. Abbey England stock high-quality leathers for any job, whether you need vegetable tanned shoulder in a variety of shades to make a belt or collar, a leather for bags and shoes, or something soft and colourful for lining or clothes making. You can read more about leather here.

Abbey supply makers, manufacturers, and leather working tutors all over the world and there is likely to be a leather craft or saddlery skills class near you. Most schools will teach specific skills from basic competences or saddle flocking to bridle making, sometimes to a set curriculum, as well as running bespoke leather skills classes or leather project one-to-ones. Most training providers will have all elements of the essential tool kit for leather craft available for students to use. However, if you want to refine your leather craft skills at home, or you need something special, Abbey can help. Whatever you can imagine, we can help you make, whether you need bag frames or buckles, thread or textiles, dyes or dee rings, we have it – with advice freely available too.

We love to see what our customers have made and regularly feature your work on Facebook and Instagram. We find it inspiring to watch small business grow and develop – you will find Abbey products everywhere, including bags and cases, sport and leisure accessories such as knife sheaths, dog leads and collars, fashion items like boots, belts, and jackets, and in saddles, bridles, and harness.

As you progress you may want to consider building both your tool kit for leather and your skill set so that you can advance into box work or leather forming. Those wishing to really unleash their creativity might look to assemble a leather working tooling kit to begin tooling leather, where various stamps and tools are used to decorate the leather surface of your project.

If you have any questions about products on our list below or need guidance when ordering your leather crafting kit, we’ll be happy to help.

CUTTING BOARD

A leather cutting board to protect your leather working kit and your workbench … or kitchen table. It is useful to have an area or a surface, such as a leather cutting board, reserved for the task of cutting your leather. Try to avoid gluing or dying on your cutting board!

Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

SINGLE OR HALF HEAD KNIFE


The Barnsley Single Head Knife is an essential knife for the beginner. It is easier to learn to use this knife because it is a relatively small. It is also extremely versatile, capable of fine work or work in small spaces, and making straight or curved cuts, pattern cutting, and skiving.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

METAL RULER 12"

For measuring, and cutting straight edges, a metal rule is a must. It is useful to have both imperial and metric measurements. You may also find that a tailor’s tape measure is a useful addition in the workshop.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

EDGE TOOLS, SIZES 1 AND 2

An edge tool neatly removes, or bevels, the sharp edge of cut leather. You may wish to do this for reasons of safety or comfort if making bridles, collars or even belts, and to create a finished look.

The higher the number of edge tool, the more leather will be removed and the softer the edge. You can choose the size of edge tool based on the effect you want, and based on the thickness of leather, using a lower number on lighter leathers.

Abbey stock a choice of edge tools, including the Osborne Edge Tool.

Choose either our Economy Edge Tool or opt for the Osborne 125 Common Edge Tool.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

MALLET

A plastic mallet or nylon hammer are needed for use with stitch markers, pricking irons and punches. All enable the leather worker to apply force without damaging tools or other surfaces. However, the style of mallet (as with any tool) is a personal choice, and many find a wooden mallet or hickory mallet can be a good option for the beginner as it gives good feedback and is not as heavy.

Here at Abbey England, you have several choices to add to your leather working kit.



Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

STITCH MARKER / PRICKING IRON SIZE 8 SPI

Depending on the style of leatherwork you are learning, stitch markers or pricking irons are used to mark holes, which are then fully made with an awl.

The number of the iron indicates the number of stitches per inch – the higher the number, the smaller the stitch.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

STITCH OR SEWING AWL BLADE, AND HANDLE

A sharp awl is used to pierce holes through leather in preparation for stitching.  It can be useful to have two awls to hand, in which case you may choose a 2” and a 1 ¾” sewing awl blade, both in a 3.5” awl handle.
 
The heavier the leather the longer and heavier the blade needed, and the stronger the push through the leather, the larger diameter the hole.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

HARNESS NEEDLES SIZE 3 OR 4

Good technique and care of your needles will help them last longer. It is useful to have sizes #3 and #4 in the workshop, but the size you grow to prefer using, will depend on what you are working with and your own style of working.

 

Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

THREAD- WENZEL, LINEN OR POLYESTER TIGER THREAD

You can use a natural or synthetic thread. Wenzel 0.4mm linen thread comes on cards of 15m in 3 colours and is a great start for a craft project. Coats Barbour 0.5mm linen thread is suitable for hand and machine sewing and is available in approximately 165m and 825m spools. You may also choose to use a synthetic thread, for example Tiger Thread, which is a waxed polyester thread suitable for hand-sewing only. Tiger thread comes in many different colours which is great for contrast stitching, and in spools from 250m to 1000m, depending on the diameter you select - from 0.6mm to 1.7mm.

Many find linen thread is kinder to their hands, especially when learning to stitch



Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

BEESWAX

Prepare your thread by pulling it across the beeswax a few times. Commonly used with natural threads, it can also help when using synthetic threads, such as Tiger Thread.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

FLATNOSE OR COMBINATION PLIERS

Useful for many jobs, but usually to enable a stronger pull on the needle when stitching. Chose a modest size that are neither too big or too heavy for repeated use.

You can find these pliers from your local DIY store.

BURNISHER OR POLISHING STICKE, AND FINISHING AGENT***

For a proper finish the cut edges should be polished to bind the fibres and create a long-lasting shine.

Tragacanth is a gum obtained from the sap of a group of plants known as goat thorn. It has a long history of being used in medicine, cooking, cosmetics, and crafts, particularly for polishing leather. You can also explore the Fiebing range of products depending on the finish you require.

Natural materials like wood or bone (see the bone folder in the next section) are best for this job, along with a canvas or linen rag … plus some elbow grease to generate enough friction and heat to polish and seal the edge of the leather.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

TO EXTEND YOUR TOOLKIT

If, having purchased and used the tools above, you know that you want to extend and improve your leatherworking skills, the following tools should be added to your collection.


STRAP CUTTER

A strap cutter is a simple tool that makes life – and cutting consistent strips – easier. It consists of a wooden body with replaceable blades, and usually cuts from very fine up to around 10cm wide strips. An essential tool whether you are making lip straps for bridles, belts, or collars for hounds. Spare blades are available separately.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

SCREW CREASE

Usually heated over a flame and used to mark a bold line along the edge of leather, which is both decorative and helps to burnish and seal the fibres. You can adjust the distance of the line from the edge of the leather using the screw, or use both edges together for a double line.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

WING DIVIDERS

A pair of wing dividers are used to measure and mark leather prior to cutting, stitching, or punching. Ensure the ends are not too sharp.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

SET OR ENGINEER'S SQUARE

To mark right-angled ends. 3” is a good size to have to hand.

You can find this from your local DIY store.

SCISSORS - OSBORNE 708 SHEARS OR BARNSLEY LEATHER SCISSOR SHEARS

A pair of wing dividers are used to measure and mark leather prior to cutting, stitching, or punching. Ensure the ends are not too sharp.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

BONE FOLDER

For folding light leathers, lacing up and smoothing leather in saddlery work, and for burnishing or polishing edges (use with tragacanth or burnishing ink)


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

AWLS: SCRATCHED & CURVED, SIZE 3 1/2"

Available in different sizes, a scratch awl is a versatile tool. It can be used to mark or scribe patterns on leather, and the larger sizes can be used to hold saddle panels in place.

When the end is well-sharpened, a curved awl is useful for blind stitching, as it allows you to make holes that go into the leather and back out the same side without going all the way through. Similarly, it is also useful when lacing a panel onto a saddle.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

HAMMER

The Leather Working hammer is perfect for those making light leathergoods, apparel and accessories.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

STITCHING CLAMS

Clams or clamps are used to hold the work securing allowing both hands freedom to stitch.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

CLICKER KNIFE

A clicker is a small and nimble knife, comprising an extension handle which is fitted with a curved or straight blade.Used for many tasks from shoe making to saddlery, you may find the straight blade is much easier to sharpen when setting out. .


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

ROTARY HOLE PUNCH, OR PUNCH PLIERS

Punch pliers offer 6 different diameter punches, which can be selected and clicked into place.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

OTHER PUNCHES – CREW PUNCH, AND OVAL OR ROUND HOLE PUNCH

We have a wide selection of punches to help create the perfect hole on your straps.

A crew punch is an essential part of your leather working kit, and is used to form buckle turns in your belt, collar, or stirrup leathers. While creating symmetrical strap ends is excellent practice in knife control for beginners, you may wish to use a strap end punch as you gain confidence and abilities.

A round punch can be used to make smart, even holes for buckles tongues, or to create decorative patterns on a bag, belt, or wallet,

Similarly, an oval punch may be used to create belt or strap holes or for decorative purposes.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

LEATHER DYES AND FINISHES, AND ADHESIVES

It is useful to have a little brown and black edge stain when beginning, like our Fiebing's Edge Kote.

The Abbey 125 contact adhesive has high tack and low stick, and so helps to hold surfaces in place before and during stitching.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

ESSENTIAL KIT - BOUGHT TOGETHER

  • Cutting board
  • Single head knife
  • Safety metal rule 12”
  • Edge tools, size 2 & 6 
  • Plastic mallet
  • Stich marker, size 8
  • Stich awl
  • Harness needles, size 2
  • Tiger Thread 0.8mm or Coats Barbour 35/3 
  • Beeswax
  • Polishing stick
  • Tragacanth 118 ml

LEATHER

Of course, you are going to need to source the right leathers and other materials to suit the jobs you have planned. At Abbey, we know leather, and source only the best for our customers, whether you are handmaking a bridle, or creating beautiful accessories.

We are the UK distributors of J&E Sedgwick & Co. and Pittard’s leathers, and stock a wide range of vegetable tanned leathers and chromed tanned leathers. Discover our full range below.

Our leathers come in thicknesses of 1mm to 5mm to suit saddle, bridle and harness making, bags, shoes, upholstery, and pet accessories. Depending on type of leather, you can purchase in different volumes, from hide to pre-cut strips.



Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

TRADE ACCOUNTS

The Abbey England family supports independent makers and large-scale manufacturers across the globe. Premium quality is our standard. Our extensive range of workshop tools, materials and products, is selected to help make your business a success.

As your business grows, and your spend with Abbey reaches or exceeds £1,000 you will find trade discounts are unlocked. Please contact us for details.

Login now or register to see our prices.

YOUR ESSENTIAL LEATHER WORKING KIT

_________________________________________________

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

_________________________________________________

Leatherworking is a rewarding craft, whether you are just starting out and investing in your first starter tool kit for leather work, or whether you have many years and various skills under your belt. There is always something new to learn and incorporate into your projects or products.

Happily, you don’t need much in the way of a leather working kit to make your first usable (and treasured) item. We’ve spoken to experts in leatherwork and in teaching the craft to create a list of the essential tool kit for leather craft.

With the right leather working kit and just a few basic skills such as:
  • selecting the correct leather
  • cutting
  • edging
  • burnishing or polishing
  • punching
  • stitching
  • finishing
– you can create a belt that fits perfectly; a safe, smart collar for your dog or cat; an attractive wallet that will last a lifetime; home furnishings such as a cushion cover or leather-covered door handle; or a unique bag (maybe a workbag to carry your leather crafting kit).

Although the basic skills will apply to all the project types above, the types of leather needed will differ. Abbey England stock high-quality leathers for any job, whether you need vegetable tanned shoulder in a variety of shades to make a belt or collar, a leather for bags and shoes, or something soft and colourful for lining or clothes making. You can read more about leather here.

Abbey supply makers, manufacturers, and leather working tutors all over the world and there is likely to be a leather craft or saddlery skills class near you. Most schools will teach specific skills from basic competences or saddle flocking to bridle making, sometimes to a set curriculum, as well as running bespoke leather skills classes or leather project one-to-ones. Most training providers will have all elements of the essential tool kit for leather craft available for students to use. However, if you want to refine your leather craft skills at home, or you need something special, Abbey can help. Whatever you can imagine, we can help you make, whether you need bag frames or buckles, thread or textiles, dyes or dee rings, we have it – with advice freely available too.

We love to see what our customers have made and regularly feature your work on Facebook and Instagram. We find it inspiring to watch small business grow and develop – you will find Abbey products everywhere, including bags and cases, sport and leisure accessories such as knife sheaths, dog leads and collars, fashion items like boots, belts, and jackets, and in saddles, bridles, and harness.

As you progress you may want to consider building both your tool kit for leather and your skill set so that you can advance into box work or leather forming. Those wishing to really unleash their creativity might look to assemble a leather working tooling kit to begin tooling leather, where various stamps and tools are used to decorate the leather surface of your project.

If you have any questions about products on our list below or need guidance when ordering your leather crafting kit, we’ll be happy to help.

CUTTING BOARD

A leather cutting board to protect your leather working kit and your workbench … or kitchen table. It is useful to have an area or a surface, such as a leather cutting board, reserved for the task of cutting your leather. Try to avoid gluing or dying on your cutting board!

Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

SINGLE OR HALF HEAD KNIFE


The Barnsley Single Head Knife is an essential knife for the beginner. It is easier to learn to use this knife because it is a relatively small. It is also extremely versatile, capable of fine work or work in small spaces, and making straight or curved cuts, pattern cutting, and skiving.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

METAL RULER 12"

For measuring, and cutting straight edges, a metal rule is a must. It is useful to have both imperial and metric measurements. You may also find that a tailor’s tape measure is a useful addition in the workshop.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

EDGE TOOLS, SIZES 1 AND 2

An edge tool neatly removes, or bevels, the sharp edge of cut leather. You may wish to do this for reasons of safety or comfort if making bridles, collars or even belts, and to create a finished look.

The higher the number of edge tool, the more leather will be removed and the softer the edge. You can choose the size of edge tool based on the effect you want, and based on the thickness of leather, using a lower number on lighter leathers.

Abbey stock a choice of edge tools, including the Osborne Edge Tool.

Choose either our Economy Edge Tool or opt for the Osborne 125 Common Edge Tool.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

MALLET

A plastic mallet or nylon hammer are needed for use with stitch markers, pricking irons and punches. All enable the leather worker to apply force without damaging tools or other surfaces. However, the style of mallet (as with any tool) is a personal choice, and many find a wooden mallet or hickory mallet can be a good option for the beginner as it gives good feedback and is not as heavy.

Here at Abbey England, you have several choices to add to your leather working kit.



Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

STITCH MARKER / PRICKING IRON SIZE 8 SPI

Depending on the style of leatherwork you are learning, stitch markers or pricking irons are used to mark holes, which are then fully made with an awl.

The number of the iron indicates the number of stitches per inch – the higher the number, the smaller the stitch.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

STITCH OR SEWING AWL BLADE, AND HANDLE

A sharp awl is used to pierce holes through leather in preparation for stitching.  It can be useful to have two awls to hand, in which case you may choose a 2” and a 1 ¾” sewing awl blade, both in a 3.5” awl handle.
 
The heavier the leather the longer and heavier the blade needed, and the stronger the push through the leather, the larger diameter the hole.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

HARNESS NEEDLES SIZE 3 OR 4

Good technique and care of your needles will help them last longer. It is useful to have sizes #3 and #4 in the workshop, but the size you grow to prefer using, will depend on what you are working with and your own style of working.

 

Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

THREAD- WENZEL, LINEN OR POLYESTER TIGER THREAD

You can use a natural or synthetic thread. Wenzel 0.4mm linen thread comes on cards of 15m in 3 colours and is a great start for a craft project. Coats Barbour 0.5mm linen thread is suitable for hand and machine sewing and is available in approximately 165m and 825m spools. You may also choose to use a synthetic thread, for example Tiger Thread, which is a waxed polyester thread suitable for hand-sewing only. Tiger thread comes in many different colours which is great for contrast stitching, and in spools from 250m to 1000m, depending on the diameter you select - from 0.6mm to 1.7mm.

Many find linen thread is kinder to their hands, especially when learning to stitch



Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

BEESWAX

Prepare your thread by pulling it across the beeswax a few times. Commonly used with natural threads, it can also help when using synthetic threads, such as Tiger Thread.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

FLATNOSE OR COMBINATION PLIERS

Useful for many jobs, but usually to enable a stronger pull on the needle when stitching. Chose a modest size that are neither too big or too heavy for repeated use.

You can find these pliers from your local DIY store.

BURNISHER OR POLISHING STICKE, AND FINISHING AGENT***

For a proper finish the cut edges should be polished to bind the fibres and create a long-lasting shine.

Tragacanth is a gum obtained from the sap of a group of plants known as goat thorn. It has a long history of being used in medicine, cooking, cosmetics, and crafts, particularly for polishing leather. You can also explore the Fiebing range of products depending on the finish you require.

Natural materials like wood or bone (see the bone folder in the next section) are best for this job, along with a canvas or linen rag … plus some elbow grease to generate enough friction and heat to polish and seal the edge of the leather.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

TO EXTEND YOUR TOOLKIT

If, having purchased and used the tools above, you know that you want to extend and improve your leatherworking skills, the following tools should be added to your collection.


STRAP CUTTER

A strap cutter is a simple tool that makes life – and cutting consistent strips – easier. It consists of a wooden body with replaceable blades, and usually cuts from very fine up to around 10cm wide strips. An essential tool whether you are making lip straps for bridles, belts, or collars for hounds. Spare blades are available separately.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

SCREW CREASE

Usually heated over a flame and used to mark a bold line along the edge of leather, which is both decorative and helps to burnish and seal the fibres. You can adjust the distance of the line from the edge of the leather using the screw, or use both edges together for a double line.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

WING DIVIDERS

A pair of wing dividers are used to measure and mark leather prior to cutting, stitching, or punching. Ensure the ends are not too sharp.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

SET OR ENGINEER'S SQUARE

To mark right-angled ends. 3” is a good size to have to hand.

You can find this from your local DIY store.

SCISSORS - OSBORNE 708 SHEARS OR BARNSLEY LEATHER SCISSOR SHEARS

A pair of wing dividers are used to measure and mark leather prior to cutting, stitching, or punching. Ensure the ends are not too sharp.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

BONE FOLDER

For folding light leathers, lacing up and smoothing leather in saddlery work, and for burnishing or polishing edges (use with tragacanth or burnishing ink)


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

AWLS: SCRATCHED & CURVED, SIZE 3 1/2"

Available in different sizes, a scratch awl is a versatile tool. It can be used to mark or scribe patterns on leather, and the larger sizes can be used to hold saddle panels in place.

When the end is well-sharpened, a curved awl is useful for blind stitching, as it allows you to make holes that go into the leather and back out the same side without going all the way through. Similarly, it is also useful when lacing a panel onto a saddle.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

HAMMER

The Leather Working hammer is perfect for those making light leathergoods, apparel and accessories.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

STITCHING CLAMS

Clams or clamps are used to hold the work securing allowing both hands freedom to stitch.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

CLICKER KNIFE

A clicker is a small and nimble knife, comprising an extension handle which is fitted with a curved or straight blade.Used for many tasks from shoe making to saddlery, you may find the straight blade is much easier to sharpen when setting out. .


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

ROTARY HOLE PUNCH, OR PUNCH PLIERS

Punch pliers offer 6 different diameter punches, which can be selected and clicked into place.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

OTHER PUNCHES – CREW PUNCH, AND OVAL OR ROUND HOLE PUNCH

We have a wide selection of punches to help create the perfect hole on your straps.

A crew punch is an essential part of your leather working kit, and is used to form buckle turns in your belt, collar, or stirrup leathers. While creating symmetrical strap ends is excellent practice in knife control for beginners, you may wish to use a strap end punch as you gain confidence and abilities.

A round punch can be used to make smart, even holes for buckles tongues, or to create decorative patterns on a bag, belt, or wallet,

Similarly, an oval punch may be used to create belt or strap holes or for decorative purposes.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

LEATHER DYES AND FINISHES, AND ADHESIVES

It is useful to have a little brown and black edge stain when beginning, like our Fiebing's Edge Kote.

The Abbey 125 contact adhesive has high tack and low stick, and so helps to hold surfaces in place before and during stitching.


Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

ESSENTIAL KIT - BOUGHT TOGETHER

  • Cutting board
  • Single head knife
  • Safety metal rule 12”
  • Edge tools, size 2 & 6 
  • Plastic mallet
  • Stich marker, size 8
  • Stich awl
  • Harness needles, size 2
  • Tiger Thread 0.8mm or Coats Barbour 35/3 
  • Beeswax
  • Polishing stick
  • Tragacanth 118 ml

LEATHER

Of course, you are going to need to source the right leathers and other materials to suit the jobs you have planned. At Abbey, we know leather, and source only the best for our customers, whether you are handmaking a bridle, or creating beautiful accessories.

We are the UK distributors of J&E Sedgwick & Co. and Pittard’s leathers, and stock a wide range of vegetable tanned leathers and chromed tanned leathers. Discover our full range below.

Our leathers come in thicknesses of 1mm to 5mm to suit saddle, bridle and harness making, bags, shoes, upholstery, and pet accessories. Depending on type of leather, you can purchase in different volumes, from hide to pre-cut strips.



Click the button 'View product' to see the price and add to cart

TRADE ACCOUNTS

The Abbey England family supports independent makers and large-scale manufacturers across the globe. Premium quality is our standard. Our extensive range of workshop tools, materials and products, is selected to help make your business a success.

As your business grows, and your spend with Abbey reaches or exceeds £1,000 you will find trade discounts are unlocked. Please contact us for details.

Login now or register to see our prices.