MODULE 7: LEATHERCRAFT
Competencies:
At the end of discussion, the students should be able to:
• Enumerate the different kinds of leathercraft projects;
• Discuss the different procedures and techniques in leathercraft;
• Demonstrate the use of the tools and equipment in leather craft; and
• Apply the elements of art and the principles of design in leathercraft projects.
Introduction
Leather is one of the most durable and most used
material way back in the olden times. Today, it is still a
popular material in producing expensive bags, wallet,
belts, shoes, luggage and a variety of men’s and
women’s accessories. It is also used in the manufacture
of fine crafted furniture and home furnishings, and even
some clothing.
Leather is made from hide or skin of mammals,
reptiles, bird or fish. The hides and skins taken from the
animals are initially unattractive, hence the need for
processing to achieve attributes of a leather that we
know of. In order for these hides and skins to become
pliable and resistant to decay, hides and skins undergo
several processes.
To learn more about how is leather made, you may
watch the video on the given link:
[Link]
DIFFERENT KINDS OF LEATHERCRAFT PROJECTS
The most common resource for leather comes from the skin and hides of livestock
animals. Cows, cattles, oxen, bulls, sheep, horses, goats, or other bovine animals are
some of the livestock that contribute hide or skin utilized for furniture, shoes, gloves,
belts, handbags, purses, shoe soles, and even machine belts used in car engines. Some
of these hides that eventually become leather can be found in livestock from the US,
Russia, Argentina, and Brazil, to name a few. Another livestock source of leather are
harvested from sheeps from Australia, New Zealand, and Russia. Goatskin is popular
in the Asian region such as China and India. The following is a chart showing different
leather types:
SOURCE MARKET NAME USES
1. Cattle Cattle hide; untanned raw Shoe uppers and soles, luggage
hide
Calf leather Upholstery, belts, handbags, shoe
uppers
2. Goat and kid Goatskin and kidskin Shoe uppers, purses, apparel, gloves
3. Sheep and lamb Sheepskin and lamb skin Shoe uppers, linings, gloves appeal,
chamois bookbinding
Shearling (wool is clipped Coats, boots, slippers
and left on hide)
4. Wild hog Pigskin Shoes, gloves, wallets, luggages
(peccary) and
Domestic Hog
1|P age
5. Asian Water Buffalo skin Shoe uppers and soles, handbags,
Buffalo luggage, belts
6. Reptiles Snakeskin Shoe uppers, handbags
7. Deer Deerskin, buckskin Apparel, gloves, shoes
8. Shark Sharkskin Shoe uppers, small leather goods
9. Horse Horsehide, cordovan Shoe uppers, apparel, baseball covers
10. Elephant Leather panels, ears and Wallets, pool cues, boots, shoes, car
trunks interiors, jackets
Each type of leather has its distinct characteristics. These characteristics are
taken into consideration in terms of their suitability or appropriateness for a particular
type of leather products. Take for instance cattle hide, which is thick and sturdy; it is
suited for luggage, belts, and upholstery. These are projects that require thick leather
to withstand wear and tear from heavy use. Another example is kidskin, which is thin
and light. It is a suitable material for making small projects like purses or gloves. Also,
lambskin from young sheep is ideal for use as linings in apparel. Lining should be soft,
thin, and light. A lambskin fits well into this need.
Synthetic Substitute for Leather
Since the 1950s, plastic materials have been developed that resemble leather in
many aspect. However, these plastic materials do not have the pliability of leather, a
characteristic which allows the leather to retain its shape. Neither does it have the ability
to “breathe.” True leather has microscopic pores that enable air to pass through and
prevent moisture from accumulating. With the prohibitive cost of leather, these
synthetic leather materials are used as substitutes replacing leather in some products.
Today, they make up a sizeable share of the many products in the market sold under
the label, “leather goods.” In fact, about 80% of shoe sales, for instance are made of
synthetic leather. Since synthetic leather is impermeable (that is, it cannot breathe),
most good quality shoe uppers are still made of true leather.
BASIC TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT IN LEATHERCRAFT AND THEIR USES
1. Ball-peen hammer- for setting rivets
and snaps. Any metal hammer may be
substituted.
2. Edge shaver- for shaving edges of
leather to produce a finished edge.
3. Modelling tools- for making patterns
on surface.
4. Stitching groover- a tool that forms
grooves ready for stitching.
2|P age
5. Leather sheers- for cutting arts and
crafts leather and leather accessories,
patterns, designs.
6. Awl- for piercing holes for sewing: as
substitute, use an ice pick with an
end that is slightly blunt.
7. Grommet setter- for setting the eyelet
in leather to strengthen or protect an
opening.
8. Utility knife- an all-around knife for
cutting belt and strap.
9. Safety beveller- for skiving or
thinning leather edge.
10. Oblong punch- used to make oblong
holes in equal sizes and equal
distances.
Supplementary Tools or Aids Stamping Tools
1. Paintbrush 1. Beveller
2. Large needle 2. Round grounder
3. Harness needle 3. Bar grounder
4. Leather stencil 4. Barker
5. Slab of hard rubber or wood 5. Ribbed V
6. Sponge 6. Veiner
7. Carborundum stone 7. Small and large burst
8. Spray gun 8. Camouflage tool
9. Miscellaneous containers 9. Small oblong shader
10. Mule foot
11. Ribbed pear shader
12. Large and small seeds
Watch the video on this website:
10 Basic Tools Every Beginner Leather Craftsman Should Have:
[Link]
3|P age
PROCEDURE AND TECHNIQUES IN LEATHER CRAFT
A. Cutting
B. Edging – edging or edge trimming is finishing sharp edge of cut leather into slightly
rounded shape, producing a neat appearance and better finish.
C. Edge Skiving – skiving is the process of thinning leather along the edge. To thin the
edge of the leather, it must be pared or shaved using a sharp knife or the beveller.
This will reduce the thickness of the edge of the leather. This is important when two
edges are placed together, giving the leather a flat and smooth appearance all over.
D. Tooling and Carving – Leather carving is the process of giving a three-dimensional
appearance to leather craft objects or works of art by cutting and stamping the
surface.
E. Stitching. This is the process of fastening or joining two or more pieces of leather
with stitches or to simply decorate the surface or edges of a leather with stitches.
F. Gluing. This is an alternative process of fastening or joining two or more pieces of
leather using industrial grade adhesive such as contact cement or rubber cement.
Watch the videos on the following websites:
Round Leather Bicycle Bag (DIY):
[Link]
Making a Perfect Italian Leather Clutch with Wrist Strap:
[Link]
Making Leather Sandals
[Link]
Enrichment Activities:
Module 7. Activity 1.
Instructions: Answer the following questions.
1. Why is genuine leather an expensive item in the country?
2. How do you distinguish genuine leather from synthetic leather?
3. Why is there a need to understand the elements of art and principles of design in
leathercraft?
Module 7. Task 1.
• Create an e-portfolio with photographs of leathercrafts.
4|P age