Types of Leather, Marking, Cutting and Trimming

In this video we talk about the types of leather. How to mark with patterns and then cut and trim the leather.

You can buy leather from the Tandy Leather Store online as well as the numerous locations across the nation. I like to purchase the skins in person to get the best deal. Also, I can inspect them for flaws such as brands or large scars. You can also purchase leather on Ebay and Amazon. Stores like Hobby Lobby sell bags of scrap leather for smaller projects.

Bracer Gauntlet Designs

This is a video discussing several bracer gauntlet designs.

Designing Patterns for Leather Armor

Just a few added notes for this video.

Remember, you don't have to have all of your leather materials on hand to start making your patterns. In fact, you can make the patterns for an entire outfit ahead of time. That way, you'll know how many square feet of leather you need to complete your project.

These pattern techniques will work with materials other than leather such as, craft foam, various plastics that can be heated and formed and even the cardboard itself.

Be sure to cut on a surface that you don't mind cutting into, when doing your patterns.

 

So you want to make some leather armor? Where do you start?

 

Here's a brief introductory video to help get you started making your own leather armor.

 

 

The list of tools and materials to get you started.

 

TOOLS

• rawhide mallet

• utility knife and extra blades

• scissors

• buffing tool

• steel ruler or a metal straight edge

• mini and maxi punch set

• thong punch set

• awl

• rivet setter/anvil

• bench vise (optional)

• kitchen cutting board

 

MATERIALS 

• cardboard (from cereal or beverage boxes)

• rivets

• buckles

• braided cord of various sizes (we talked about polypropylene and waxed linen)

• leather (vegetable tanned saddle skirting)

• chrome tanned chap leather

• leather dye/with applicators

• Supershene finish

 

Leatherworking tools can be found at Tandy Leather.

Link to Tandy Leather 

Other sources for tools and supplies would be hobby, discount and hardware stores.

Some supplies can also be found online through Amazon, Etsy and Ebay.