Getting Started in Leatherworking, Part 2

There are many blogs and forum posts out there answering the very common question, "How do I get started in leatherworking?" While I certainly don't have all the answers, and there are people who are more experienced, I figured maybe it will help someone to hear the things I wish I'd known when I got started.

Step 2: Have some actual designs in mind of what you want to make...if you can, come prepared with at least 1 idea with a plan and a sketch to help you define what exactly you want to do

I don't go to my local Tandy much, but I do feel like every time I'm in there browsing the store a newbie wanders in with that glassy-eyed look on their face as they try to take it all in. The employees ask "Can we help you?" and they respond they don't know what they need. They don't even know what they want to do. "Uhh...bags?"

This is not a criticism on them. I'm sure on my first trip to Tandy I wore the exact same look on my face!

There's nothing wrong with not knowing where you'll end up if you embark into the world of leatherworking. I started thinking I'd only be doing cosplay and armor pieces...I've since retired from cosplay, first thought I'd do small goods like wallets, and then ended up really finding my enjoyment in making bags. BUT! Are there items you'd like to make more than one of? Do you have a design in mind? It's easier for people to help you on your path if you say you want to make dog collars or knife sheaths or reenactment/SCA/LARP pieces...THEN they can help you with what kind of leather you need, what kind of thread, the right size of stitching chisels, rivets, dyes, and other supplies to get you going. They may be able to point you in the direction of some good, but harder-to-find resources or knowledgeable people.

If someone came to me and said they wanted to do bags, I'd ask if they were more interested in tooled bags, or would rather use leather that's pre-colored. What weight? Size? For men or women or for a particular use? Should they be structured, or soft? Are there any designs they like? Do they like particular types of hardware?

As we narrow down what they need through conversation, it's easier to help! Even if they could sketch an idea on a napkin, we have a starting point! But if they said they want to do bags, but have no ideas beyond "bag"...I can still point you in a few directions, but chances are you'll get overwhelmed. We don't want you to get overwhelmed...we want to have a new person to join in conversations where we can geek out about leatherworking! So really...come up with one project that you want to do, picture it in your mind, what you want to use it for, draw it if you can, and that will be a huge leap in helping getting you started!