The Leatherworking Handbook: A Practical Illustrated Sourcebook of Techniques and Projects

by Valerie Michael

Valerie Michael—a founding member of the Association of Design Leatherworkers—has created the definitive guide to this popular and age-old craft. Oriented to the beginner, it thoroughly presents all the materials, tools, and key techniques in easy-to-follow finishing edges, paring and hand-stitching, making pockets, attaching studs and straps, and decorating surfaces. The well-chosen projects take into account developing skills, and range from belt and wallets to quilted items and bags. An invaluable reference work.   “...Instructions are concise enough to offer craft enthusiasts of differing skill levels a range of projects to undertake.”— Booklist.   “Excellent and easy-to-understand introduction to classic leatherworking.”— Library Journal.

Genres: Reference, Crafts, Sewing

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 29, 1993

Reviews

[Mike (the Paladin) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book...but not exactly what I was looking for....the leather mask project seemed a bit, well, odd??.

It starts out with a short discussion on tanning and moves on from there. It is detailed but some of the material preparation and tools etc. are different from what I have or what I plan to use...others of course are the same. I'm just getting back into leather working so i only have some basic "stuff" but I plan to use more commercially available tools and material than they use in certain prep. here. Later I may move on to things here like leather molding, but for now I don't plan on any projects that use it.

One thing that may make a slight difference here is that this book is a UK publication and as in other hobbies and interests I have (air-gunning for instance) when I get resources from our cousins across the "pond" there are usually differences.

So, pretty good book, very detailed and may actually go into some things with more detail than I need while other information either isn't what I'm looking for or is "different". I'll go three stars.

Had a typo here (I typed "tolls" for "tools"). Since I reviewed the book I have done some leather molding and have added mucho tools... I'm a bit OCD I think so I have a "bunch" of stamps.



*By the way, on my profile page there's a link that will take you to Photobucket and photos of some of my leather work (mostly knife sheaths).

[Jonathan Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting content, but feels more than a little dated. The practical projects I felt were poorly detailed and excessively fiddly. Not especially useful overall.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for those wanting to get into leather working. The book begins with a clear overview of materials and techniques with plentiful photographs. The last half of the book are projects, from beginner level and moving through the more advanced projects. The projects themselves are very handsome and the finished pieces look very professionally crafted. The text that leads you through the step-by-step directions would be greatly improved with specific photographs of the steps being explained and more photographs of the finished pieces would be welcome, as well.

[Emily Bragg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Already learned useful things, but wish that there were patterns for all the designs shown in the book, even if just online!

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very detailed instructions for beginning leather workers. I intend to try a few of the projects.

[Krista Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting for it to come in at Foyles.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clear and practical; lots of good techniques. Projects are both within the realm of possibility, and practical and attractive.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and definitive leather-working book, good for hand sewing

[Tuyến Nguyễn Quang]

its great

[Phuong Thao]

learning