leatherworker

A leatherworker is a craftsperson who creates objects from leather, ranging from simple wallets and belts to saddles, harnesses, bags, footwear, and automotive or furniture fittings. Leatherworkers may operate as independent artisans, small workshops, or as part of larger production teams. Work may involve hand stitching and finishing or the use of industrial sewing machines and leather-specific machinery.

Materials and tools: Types of leather include full-grain, top-grain, corrected-grain, and suede. Tools include knives, skives, awls, needles, waxed threads, mallets, punches, rivets, buckles, edge creasers, and stitching ponies. Finishing materials include dyes, finishes, oils, waxes, burnishing compounds. Patterns, templates, and form boards guide shaping.

Techniques: Cutting, skiving, beveling edges, dyeing and finishing, stitching by hand (often saddle stitching) or with machines; edge burnishing, creasing, carving, inlay, lacing, and riveting. Skilled leatherworkers select appropriate leather thickness and weight for the intended use and may work with hardware and hardware finishing.

History, trade, and training: Leatherworking has ancient roots across cultures, evolving from functional saddlery and harness to modern fashion and luxury goods. Training commonly occurs via apprenticeships, technical schools, or maker programs, with emphasis on craftsmanship, pattern making, and material knowledge. Safety and sustainability: workers use sharp tools and finishing chemicals; ventilation and protective equipment are important; many prioritize ethical sourcing and responsible disposal or recycling of scraps.