Learn Leatherwork online Secrets from the Workshop

Beginners Online Leatherwork Tuition

Online Leatherworking Classes for Beginners

Beginner Leatherworking Tutorials Online
It may seem like these lessons are only for those starting out in leather work, they not!
It is certainly where a beginner should start, but all techniques found here are core techniques and used by leather workers of all levels.
Below is a list of foundational videos someone starting in leather work should start with.

If you find you are struggling with a technique that is not shown here, let me know, I will add it. Contact Me.
Whilst the videos can be viewed in any order, it is advised, especially if you are just starting out, to watch them in the order they appear here.

The channel is updated with a new video every two weeks, this could be in any of the three sections.
If a video is in the Intermediate or Advanced section, you will be notified, but not have access to it.
However, many new Beginner videos are planned for future uploads and these you will have access to.

£9.99

Skills and Techniques

Tool Maintenance and Use

Beginners Tool Set

Online Leatherwork Tuition. Beginners – Secrets from the Workshop Tool Set

We look at a reasonable starter, cost-effective tool set when starting out on your journey into leathercraft.

Hammers and Mauls

Online Leatherwork Tuition. Beginners – Secrets from the Workshop Hammers or Mauls

Hammer, Maul? which to choose??
We look at options, price points and the best tool to suit you.

Finding your Perfect Bench Height

Online Leatherwork Tuition. Beginners – Secrets from the Workshop Perfect Bench Height

Working at a bench that is at the incorrect height can impact your work, particularly cutting.
If you have the facility to make a bench or adjust an existing one, we look at finding the right height for you.

Online Leatherwork Tuition. Beginners – Secrets from the Workshop Fitting a Saddlers Clam

Many use a pony rather than a clam, but if you do have a clam, this is a good way to attach it to your bench for stitching smaller items.

Different types of Irons

Online Leatherwork Tuition. Beginners – Secrets from the Workshop Pricking and Stitching Irons

Which irons will suit you best and strengthen your style of stitching? 
Here we look at the types of irons currently available and how they work.
I am aware of a sound issue on this video, it will be re-shot soon.

Using Dividers

Online Leatherwork Tuition. Beginners – Secrets from the Workshop How to Use Dividers

A simple enough tool to use, but we can still use it incorrectly.
Here we not only look at how you use the dividers correctly, but why we do so and what to expect from them.

Sharpening a Knife

Online Leatherwork Tuition. Beginners – Secrets from the Workshop How to Sharpen a Knife

A good knife is a vital piece of equipment, a good blunt knife is of no use to anyone through.
We look at how to keep your knife sharp and stropped to a razors edge.

Issues with Dividers

Online Leatherwork Tuition. Beginners – Secrets from the Workshop Dividers not meeting

Very often, when we get a set of dividers, they don’t do the job we want them to do.
Here, we look at the issue of the points not being close enough and how to fix it.

Setting Saddlers
Rivets

Armitage Leather Setting a Saddlers Rivet

How many times have you seen someone using a hammer to set copper rivets?
Ever wondered how to achieve that perfect dome?
Here we look at using the right tool to do just that.

Setting a Sam Browne Stud

Armitage Leather Setting a Sam Browne Stud

Ever got the slot for a Sam Browne stud up the wrong way? Lost a stud or made the hole too large?
Let’s fix all of those issues now.

Making a Tool
Rack

Armitage Leather how to make a tool rack

After so many requests on how I make my tool racks, it just had to be a video.
Here we look at sizing the loops and adding them to a backboard to really show off those tools.

Right Place for a Groover

Armitage Leather Stitch Grover

The stitch groover has become overused in recent years and the rational behind its use is not a sound one.
There is a place for a grove, or ‘race’ in leatherwork, but it is often being demonstrated incorrectly. This is not a good tool to use unless you understand when and why.

Strap End
Punch

Armitage Leather strap end punch

Getting off centre points when using a strap end punch?
In this video, we take a look at the use of the tool and how to correctly line it up.

Crew
Punch

Armitage Leather Crew Punch

In this video, we look at what size of punch to use and when, Also how to line it up to ensure a central position every time.

Design and Template Making

Template Making
Introduction

Online Leatherwork Tuition. Beginners – Secrets from the Workshop Template Making

I will be putting a greater focus on Template Making over the coming months.
This series will go into a lot of detail in what is an essential core skill.

Template Making Cutting a Straight Line

Cutting a Straight Line

When was the last time we were taught to cut?
It is not something we give enough thought to.
In this video, we look at that skill and how in changing our approach, we can save much frustration and money.

Template Making Cutting Curves

Armitage Leather - Cutting Corners

It is fair to say that if we are not cutting in a straight line, we are cutting curves.
Here we look at using simple forms to cut round curves for our corners.

Template Making
Adding a Centre Line

Template Making - Adding a Centre Line

Without doubt, THE most important line you will add to your template.
Adding it correctly will not only assist you with all the other information needed, it will also confirm that your template has been cut correctly.

Simple Pattern
Making

Armitage Leather Pattern Making

A very basic insight into a simple pattern and how to make it if you are looking to get started on making your own.

Making Holes
Central

Armitage Leather Making your Holes Central

How often have we eyed the tool into place to make a hole, only to find it off centre?
Let’s take a look at a simple technique to make all of your holes line up with the centre perfectly.

Adding Way Lines
to a Template

Armitage Leather Way Lines

Very often, our stitch marking can run away with us, adding way lines is an effective way of adding checkpoints to precent this.
It is also an excellent assistance when cutting corners.

How to Cut a
Square

Cutting a Square may seem a simple process, it should be. However, if we dont follow the correct process or principles, we will not have a square square.
Right Angles are foundational, we need to get them right.

Cutting Leather

Cutting Leather

Online Leatherwork Tuition. Beginners – Secrets from the Workshop Cutting Leather

A slip of the knife here can be costly
Approaching cutting the right way will not only save you time, it will save you money and ensure your items look good.

Cutting a Right Angle

Armitage Leather Cutting Right Angles

Getting a perfect right angle is important, especially if you are dealing with multiple pieces.
Here we look at a simple tip to ensure you get it right every time.

Cutting a Corner

Armitage Leather Cutting Corners

One of the harder cuts to achieve, to the point that we some times avoid curves and corners.
This technique should help you get around this problem.

Removing that nasty kick when Cutting

Armitage Leather How do I stop the Leather from Moving when I cut

Power is not your friend when cutting, especially when it begins to move the leather.
Here we look at using a technique to transfer the power of the knife to a different part of the leather first.

Stitch Marking and Stitching

Placing Irons
Correctly

Online Leatherwork Tuition. Beginners – Secrets from the Workshop How to use a pricking iron

Placement of your irons can dictate how your stitching looks.
After all, stitching can make or break an item.
Here we look at how to correctly place the irons onto the leather to get the best from them.

Using a Pulling
Block

Armitage Leather Using a pulling block

It’s surprising how much damage we can do to the leather by pulling the irons out of it. Especially the newer ones.
Using a pulling block, stresses the leather less which leaves a far better finish.

Calculating Thread Length

Armitage Leather How much thread do I need when stitching leather

This is the video of the original way of calculating thread length. 
It is worth noting that this has now become an app available from Apple and Play.
Just search ‘Thread Length Calculator’

Threading a
Needle

Armitage Leather Threading a Needle

Seems simple enough, right!?
However, threading a needle incorrectly can work against you making stitching harder.

Modern Saddle Stitch
Part 1

Leather Work Beginner Videos Modern Saddle Stitch Part 1

This is the core style of stitching in the modern style.
It is still the Saddle Stitch, but we are using the modern irons that fully penetrate the leather.
This reduces the need for an awl.

Updated Feb 2024

 

Modern Saddle Stitch
Part 2

Armitage Leather Modern Saddle Stitch Part 2

The series continues on with Part 2, this series on stitching is 4 1/2 hours so is broken down into sections.
Watch them all!
The series on stitching has recently been updated as my pre-pricking style has developed over the years.

Updated Feb 2024

Modern Saddle Stitch
Part 3

Armitage Leather Modern Saddle Stitch Part 3

Following my style of stitching, you will find that you are able to stitch in any direction, ideal when you get to larger or more complex builds where moving the item around in the clam is not an option.

Updated Feb 2024

Modern Saddle Stitch
Part 4

Armitage Leather Modern Saddle Stitch Part 4

Just one of the many applications of stitching but one that many find problematic.
There are even some who resort to drilling the holes.
That appalling action is not necessary. 
Here, we get introduced to the ‘soft awl’, An excellent tool to help with multiple layers.

Updated Feb 2024

Back Stitching
Right Handed

Armitage Leather Back Stitching Right Handed

Beginning and ending your row of stitching can make or break the look of your stitching.
Here we take a look at how to correctly apply your backstitches to both the beginning and end.
This video is for Right Handed Stitchers.

Updated Jan 2024

Back Stitching
Left Handed

Armitage Leather Back Stitching Left Handed

Beginning and ending your row of stitching can make or break the look of your stitching.
Here we take a look at how to correctly apply your backstitches to both the beginning and end.
This video is for Left Handed Stitchers.

Updated Jan 2024

Why I have round holes at my corners

Armitage Leather Round Holes when Stitching Corners

Stitching a corner seems simple enough…
however, placement of our irons can affect how the corner looks.
I use a round hole in corners so we take a look at why and how to apply it to your work.

Thread Tension when Stitching

Armitage Leather using the correct tension when stitching leather

This is another technique that can make or break our stitching.
Not enough tension and our stitching is baggy and loose.
Too much tension and our stitch sinks or worse still, we damage the leather!

Messy Stitch
Holes

Armitage Leather How do I neaten my leather stitching

Find your leather looks tatty after you have finished stitching?
It could be that you are catching your holes as you stitch. Avoiding this is the best way to resolve the issue, but if you do catch your hole, this technique will help.

Dealing with Uneven Holes

Armitage Leather Uneven Holes

Where we stitch and how we apply our holes is as important as the stitching itself.
Here, we look at how to ensure your holes are symmetrical before we even get to the leather and avoid uneven holes.

Piercing the Thread and how to Fix it.

Armitage Leather How not to Pierce the Thread

Piercing our thread is one of the biggest causes of frustration.
It slows us down, work has to be undone and it can damage our thread.
This is a very simple process to add to your technique to prevent this frustration.

Edge Dressing

Cold Creasing

Online Leatherwork Tuition. Beginners – Secrets from the Workshop Creasing Leather

Adding a Crease to the edge of the leather will protect it from water damage and staining by compressing the fibres.
In addition to this, it is a lovely level of detail to smarten the edge.
This is ideal for the softer leathers like shoulder.

Wood Creasing

Armitage Leather Wood Creasing

Very similar to cold creasing as no heat is applied to the tool itself.
However, with wood creasers, they do generate heat which then transfers to the leather.
It is not a perfect solution for bridle, but will work.

Edge Beveling

Armitage Leather Bevelling Leather

Here we look at how a beveler or edger works and how to apply it to your leather to ensure a clean cut every time.
A good bevel will ensure a clean edge, especially if dressing the edge with edge dye or ink.

Burnishing

Armitage Leather Burnishing Leather Edges

A step on from slicking, here we look at burnishing.
The principle is the same, except when using a powered burnisher, the process is quicker, but more heat can be applied giving a slicker smoother finish, faster.

Slicking

Armitage Leather How to Slick Leather

A dressed edge can finish your item, making it look professionally made raising the bar of your making.

Edge Kote

Armitage Leather using Edge Kote

Applying edge paint, kote or dyes to leather each have their own techniques and issues.
Here we look at applying Edge Quote in such a way that it will never peel away from the leather.

How to edge Chrome

Armitage Leather Edging Chrome Leather

Chrome is a harder leather to edge if you are looking to use Edge Kote.
It is more resistant to slicking thereby making it harder to get a smooth edge.
Here we look at building up the Kote in such a way that it can be slicked.

Dyeing Leather

Armitage Leather Dyeing Leather

Dyeing leather is often hurried and can leave an uneven finish.
In this video, we take a look at a more reliable way to achieve a far more consistent and resistant finish.

Short Projects

Phone Pouch Template

Armitage Leather Phone Pouch Project

Part 1 of 2
This is a simple build using a minimal tool set.
It is rich in techniques and skills, all of which are transferable to other projects.
In this video, we look at how to create a template.

Phone Pouch Leather​

Armitage Leather Phone Bag Project Template

Part 2 of 2
In this video, we used the template to create our leather pieces and examine how it is put together.

Axe Sheath

Armitage Leather Axe Sheath

Using a Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet, we look at how to measure the head and create a template, before moving on to the leather and build.
This video will give you everything you need to make an axe sheath for almost any axe.

Valet Tray

Armitage Leather Valet Tray

This is a lovely little build and one to try with minimal tools.
There is no stitching, but easy to add should you wish to do so.
It is a short project and will not take long to see very satisfying results.

Card Holder Introduction

Armitage Leather Card Holder

The card holder is a beguiling item.
It appears to be very simple, that is not to say it is not, but it is incredibly rich in skills and techniques if done well.
All of your core skills can be found in this project and it is a fantastic item that will help you develop and a leatherworker.

Card Holder
Template

Armitage Leather Card Holder Template

But it’s so simple, why do I need a template? Well… you are about to find out why!
Template making is critical to a good build, the skills you will learn in this video apply when making anything and everything!
Do not underestimate its value.

Card Holder
Leather

Armitage Leather Card holder Introduction

Once we have our template, what then?
In this video, we look at leather choice, how to cut the leather and skive it.
Creasing, dressing, stitching and finishing are also covered.
In the Intermediate section, we expand of this with a simple bi-fold wallet.

The Round
Thing

Armitage Leather Round Coin Purse

Quirky! fun and interesting.
This is a fun build and an unusual thing to offer.
But, its value is in dealing with curves and circles.
If you can deal with circles and curves well, it will expand your making repertoire significantly.

Dog Leather Projects

Dog Collar Template

Armitage Leather Dog Collar Template

Part 1 of 2
Dog collars are an excellent short project and an excellent prelude to belts.
In this video, we look at making a template for a simple unlined 1 inch dog collar.

Simple Dog Collar

Armitage Leather Simple Dog Collar

Part 2 of 2
In this video, we take our template made in part one and create our collar.
We discuss buckle size, choice and leather types that are suitable.

The Development of a Bag

We start here in the Beginners Section with Project 1, The Slip Pouch and Project 2, The Flat Pouch.

The series then continues in the intermediate section with Project 3, The  Possibles Pouch and Project 4, The Travel Bag.

It finishes in the Advanced section with the final and more complex Project 5, The Saddle Bag.

Development of a Bag
Introduction
-

The Development of a bag is a series of five projects over eight videos.
The idea is to remove the mysticism of bag making by breaking down the stages into a simple format.

 

Development of a Bag
Project 1
Slip Sheath

Armitage Leather The Development of a Bag

This project is part of a series called the Development of a Bag.
Whilst there are many references to the series in the video, it is still an excellent foundational project, rich in skills and techniques.
An ideal starting point in your journey.

Development of a Bag
Project 2
Flat Pouch

Armitage Leather Bag Making the flat Pouch

This is the second in the series, the Development of a Bag.
It is a direct follow from the Flat Pouch and shows how to introduce and calculate a bend when adding a flap.

Each Project builds on the last, we follow the principle, if you can make this, then you can make that!

Project 2 is the same as project 1, except we have now made it bigger and added a flap.

Project 3 is the same as project 2, except there, we have again made it bigger but now added a gusset.

It is a stage by stage breakdown of bag making.

Rather than looking at the whole and being intimidated, if we can break it down and appreciate how we get each component, the task becomes far more achievable as well as much clearer.

If you have completed all the projects and are comfortable with the techniques, think about moving on to the Intermediate Section.