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Leather is a popular material for various products and accessories. So it can be a beneficial type of craft for handmade artisans to master. If you’re looking for leather projects to add to your online store or handmade business collection, here are some to consider.
What Can I Make From Leather?
Leather, with its durable and flexible nature, serves as an excellent material for crafting a myriad of products. From daily fashion staples to functional decor items, the possibilities are endless.
Popular leather projects include fashionable leather cuffs that enhance any outfit, trendy purses for the style-conscious, minimalist wallets for those who prefer simplicity, and practical keychains that bring an element of elegance to personal items.
DIY Leather Projects: How To Begin Your Crafts
If you’re considering developing new, stylish products with leather, here are some steps you can follow.
Inspiration
To start your leather crafting journey, it’s helpful to seek inspiration from a variety of sources. Exploring online platforms, flipping through specialized leather craft magazines, or visiting local artisans can spark your creativity.
The following list, although not exhaustive, should provide a solid foundation for beginners or those looking to expand their repertoire of leather-based projects.
Basic Tools
For those just stepping into the world of leather crafting, knowing which tools and materials are essential can be overwhelming. Whether you’re dabbling in making small accessories or diving into larger projects, there are some fundamental items every leather artisan should have in their toolkit. The following table provides a curated list of these essential items, detailing their purpose and the types of projects they’re most suited for.
| Item | Purpose | Best For Projects Like |
|---|---|---|
| Leather (type/grade) | Primary material for crafting | Belts, Wallets, Bags |
| Durable Needle & Thread | For sewing leather pieces together | Wallets, Bags, Luggage Tags |
| Scissors | For cutting leather | All Projects |
| Leather Glue | For binding leather pieces without stitches | Coasters, Hair Bows |
| Leather Hole Punch | For creating holes, typically for buckles or lacing | Belts, Luggage Tags, Cuffs |
| Measuring Tape | To measure leather accurately | All Projects |
| Skiving Tool | For thinning edges of leather for easier folding/sewing | Wallets, Bags |
| Swivel Knife | For carving designs into leather surfaces | Decorative Projects, Cuffs |
| Burnishing Tool | For smoothing and rounding edges of leather | Belts, Wallets |
| Leather Dyes/Paints | For adding color or designs to leather projects | Decorative Projects, Bags, Wallets |
| Mallet or Maul | For striking tools, ensuring even pressure without damage | All Projects |
| Pricking Irons | For marking stitch holes uniformly | Sewn Projects like Wallets, Bags |
| Edge Beveler | For rounding off sharp edges of leather | Belts, Wallets, Bags |
Practice DIY Crafting
Like any art form, leather crafting requires patience, practice, and persistence. It’s essential to understand that mastery comes with experience. Thus, before putting your products up for sale, spend adequate time refining your skills.
Create multiple versions of a particular item, understanding the intricacies of the craft and rectifying mistakes along the way.
Start Selling
Upon achieving a level of proficiency in your chosen leather craft, the next step is showcasing your talent to the world. Capture high-quality photographs that highlight the details and beauty of each product.
Thereafter, leverage online platforms or local venues like craft fairs, boutiques, or specialty gift shops to reach your target audience.
From A Leather Belt To A Leather Yoga Mat Strap: Fun DIY Leather Projects.
If you’re looking for a great idea for a new leather crafting project, check out the inspiration below.
Leather Belt
A belt can be the perfect beginner project since it’s basically one long piece of material. And this product is always in high demand.
DIY Leather Luggage Tag
Leather is a durable option for luggage tags. This project just requires a bit of material, and there are plenty of ways to customize it.
Leather Key Fob
If you’re looking for a small leather project, create a unique key chain design. You can even personalize it with initials or other decorations or text.
Leather Straps
Straps are useful for a wide range of applications, including bags and shelves. This project is quite versatile, making it especially suitable for home decor brands.
Leather Yoga Mat Strap
A more specific strap design, this yoga mat holder is simple yet practical.
Wallet
A leather wallet can be classic or trendy. These items also make popular gifts.
Leather Coasters
If you’re looking for a home decor product to add to your line, create small coasters with unique designs.
Bags
You can enhance a fashion line by incorporating a range of purses and bags made from leather and various other materials.
Leather Camera Bag
Camera bags also require a tough material. And leather can add a bit of style to this accessory.
Leather Cuff
Cuffs are basically simple bracelets that are perfect for those looking for a simple project.
Leather Flask
If you want to add something fun and unique to your product line, consider a leather flask holder or a wrapped flask.
Leather Stool
A leather stool can be a great way to add some larger pieces to a furniture or home decor shop.
Laptop Case
A leather laptop case can add both style and substance while protecting customers’ devices.
Pencil Case
Leather is the perfect material for a simple case you can use to carry around various office or art supplies.
Hair Accessories
Use flexible pieces of leather to create bows or headbands for kids and/or adults.
Zip Pouches
Create pouches in various sizes that people can use to store toiletries and other travel essentials while on the go. Pouches are the perfect item for anyone thinking of starting a craft business.
Makeup Brush Holders
You could also create a more tailored design that keeps makeup brushes organized.
Cord Keepers
Cord keepers are small pieces of leather that snap together to corral cords when they’re not in use.
Gift Tags
Create small tags that people can use to put on special gifts. These will usually be customizable products, so you’ll need a way to add messages or initials.
Drawer Pulls
Help homeowners customize their fixtures by creating leather drawer pulls they can install on their own.
Earrings
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There are many unique earring designs you can create with leather, such as tassels, dangle earrings, and classic studs.
Napkin Rings
If you want to make small, decorative items, consider selling napkin rings that customers can use when entertaining.
Magazine Racks
Attach leather to a wood or metal frame so people can use it to hold books and magazines.
Upholstered Cushions
Leather is a popular material for couches and chairs. You can even create small cushions that fit dining or accent chairs.
Catch-All Baskets
These small containers can be used on nightstands or countertops to hold everything from jewelry to keys.
Wall Art
Create a fun sign that customers can hang as decor on their walls.
Place Cards
Provide customizable place cards for use at weddings and other special events when designing seating charts.
Watch Band
Craft bands that attach to various types of watches for those who want to customize their pieces.
Shoes
Leather can be used for a variety of shoes. But the easiest option for those just breaking into this type of DIY is likely baby shoes.
Passport Holder
Serve travelers by offering sturdy holders for their passports made out of stylish leather.
Tie Clip
Tie clips are tiny accessories that won’t require much material and should be fairly quick to make.
Plant Labels
Make small labels that can go around a plant pot or even stick up out of the soil with names of each houseplant, flower, or herb stamped onto the leather.
Dining Chairs
Dining chairs are definitely a larger and more involved project than many others on the list. But it’s still possible to DIY them and sell them locally or at special events.
Ottoman
An ottoman is another larger project, but it can be ideal for those who sell at local markets or who have relationships with retail stores.
Basket Handles
Basket handles can add both style and functionality to bins used around the home. And they’re fairly small and simple to make.
Storage Bins
However, you can also make entire bins out of leather to bring even more of this style into various spaces.
Business Card Holder
If you’re looking for a simple project to get started, a simple leather pouch can serve as a stylish business card holder.
Necklaces
There are various popular necklace designs and styles that can work well with leather.
Pencil Caps
Pencil caps are small covers that go over the tops of pencils to protect them in bags or pouches.
Backpack
Leather backpacks provide a classic look and are on trend right now.
If you are looking for more inspiration, look no further than 50 craft business ideas.
What is leather crafting called?
Leather crafting, a time-honored skill, is often referred to as leatherworking or leathercraft. This age-old practice embodies the art of shaping and ornamenting leather into functional or decorative items.
What can I make with upholstery leather?
Upholstery leather, characterized by its robust thickness, is versatile for crafting. It lends itself well to creating a wide array of products.
Some popular items made using upholstery leather are spacious bags perfect for everyday use, adorable baby shoes that stand the test of time, sleek wallets that merge function with style, protective laptop cases, and beautifully crafted journals that encapsulate memories.
What Is The Easiest Thing To Make In Leather?
For those venturing into leatherworking for the first time or looking for quick projects, there are certain beginner-friendly items.
Small accessories like keychains are straightforward yet functional, coasters add a touch of elegance to any table setting, and hair bows provide a charming accessory for all ages. These projects serve as a great starting point to familiarize oneself with the medium.
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Image: Envato Elements
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