Preparing For a Leather Craft Project
Once you’ve decided on your leather craft project, you’ll need
the right tools and room to do the work. Being prepared ahead of
time will make your task more enjoyable and give you a sense of
satisfation when you’re done. If you’re like most of us you’ll
probably be working on more leather craft projects over time, so
creating a designated area is probably a good idea.
What to Cut On
Regardless of the project, you’ll need to cut your piece of
leather. Choose a flat surface protected with a rubber mat. The
latter will help protect your tools and prevent them from
becoming blunt. Alternatively, you can purchase a self-healing
cutting board that comes with a grid work. Any cuts made in the
board seal up. This product is readily available at such shops
as Staples.
Marking the Cut
Use a ruler or yardstick and a pencil to mark the cut. Just make
a light mark with the pencil. A rounded edge will help if you’re
cutting a curve. Then place a metal straight edge along the line
you have drawn. Using the tip of an X-acto knife, cut along the
line, keeping the knife against the metal edge
Trimming the Edges
If you want to trim the edges of the leather, lay the piece out
on a flat surface. Make sure the leather is damp, and keep it so
by using a spray bottle full of water.
You’ll need what’s called an edge beveling tool to smooth the
cut edges. The two prongs that form its V shape need to be
positioned so that they are facing upward on both sides of the
edge.
Keeping the tool at a 45 degree angle, with your index finger on
the top of the tool, push it away from you along the cut edge,
holding the leather craft piece firmly with your other hand.
As you work, small strips of leather will come off. It’s a good
idea to practice on small scraps of leather before using the
leather craft beveller, so you feel comfortable with it and what
it can do.
Tools to Use
* Cutting board, preferably self-healing kind
* Ruler, pencil, metal straight edge, rounded edge
* X-acto knife
* Leather craft edge beveling tool
Summary
* Use a cutting board
* Mark where you want to cut before you cut!
* Dampen the leather when trimming the edges
* Butt the knife against a straight edge or a curved edge for
more control
More on Tools
For working in leather crafts, consider the basics: an awl and
spare point, a retractable X-acto knife and spare blades, a
retractable knife with a break-off blade and a rotary punch.
In addition, you’ll need needles, a lump of beeswax and some
waxed linen thread. As well, a pair of pliers to pull the needle
through the leather is a must, and scissors you can use for
cutting the leather.
Then there are edge slickers and bevellers that are used to
finish the edges, drive punches for bigger holes and thong
cutters for making laces. A T-square, compass and yardstick are
essential to ensure that your leather craft piece is measured
accurately.
If you’re just starting out with leather crafts, you might not
want to spend a lot of money on tools. Once you’ve worked with
the basic set and completed a few leather craft projects, you’ll
have a better idea of what tools work best and what you use
most.
At that point, a little research and some comparative shopping
can lead you to acquiring better quality leather craft tools
that will enhance your work. Of course, even the most expensive
tools won’t help if you haven’t taken the time to develop and
perfect your skills.
If you do your very best with what you have, it doesn’t matter
if you can’t afford the most expensive leather craft awl or the
latest knife. Quality will show anyway.
Summary
* Start with a basic leather craft tool set
* Buy better quality tools once you’ve completed some projects
and have a better idea of what will enhance the quality of your
work
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