Leatherworking

This page is about general leatherworking tips. For the leatherworking station at the Maker Nexus makerspace in Sunnyvale, CA, see MN Leatherworking Station.

What is leatherworking?

Leatherworking involves cutting leather (or thick synthetic materials) into shapes, coloring them, and then assembling them back together.

Safety considerations

Hazards from cutting leather with a knife

• Be careful. A knife needs to be sharper and harder than the leather, and your skin is likely softer than the leather. Be very careful with cutting and trimming it to know where your hands are and where the leather is. Watch entry and exit areas for knives, needs, and punches.

Hazards from cutting leather with a punch

• Do not get your hands or other metal tools close. You will damage yourself or the punch. Go slow when pressing down.
• Consider eye protection. Things may fly around. Protect your eyes.

Hazards when cutting leather on a laser

• That smell tho'. Since lasers are basically very controlled beams of high heat, you will be cooking your leather to cut it.

Hazards from using a hammer

• Consider eye protection. Hammers could bounce back or parts could fly.

Hazards from a sewing machine

• Use the right needle. Sewing machine needles with leather must be more sturdy to punch through that tough leather. Be mindful of where the needle path is and be sure to move your body out of the way.

Hazards from sanding

• Wear a mask. Leather dust can be irritating.