20 Essential Tools for Beginner Leathercrafting

Antonia Marino

Making things out of leather is a classic and enjoyable craft. It lets you turn a piece of leather into useful and good-looking items, such as wallets, belts, and accessories. Whether you're just starting or getting better at it, having the right tools makes a big impact on your leathercrafting experience.

A list of Basic Tools for Beginner Leathercrafting

You don't need to buy a lot of tools to get started, just start with the basics and add to your toolkit as you go. 

BASIC STARTER

Next, look at adding these tools: 

Having the right tools can make leathercraft so much easier — and a lot more enjoyable. Every tool has a job to do, helping you work faster and get cleaner, more professional results.

Start with the basics. A sharp craft knife and metal ruler give you nice straight cuts, while a cutting mat protects your table. Stitching chisels and an awl make punching holes simple, and a poly mallet helps you use these tools without damaging them. With just these few essentials, you’ll be ready to tackle your first projects.

Once you’re feeling more confident, you can start adding extra tools to help tidy up your finishes. An edge beveller and wooden slicker will make your edges smooth and polished. A stitching groover and wing divider help with neat details, while a rivet setter or snap setter opens up options for adding hardware.

There’s no rush to buy everything at once. Take your time, experiment, and build your kit as you learn. It’s all part of the fun.

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