This workshop is an absolute beginner’s guide to leatherwork, covering the things that I wish I had known when I was first starting. I intend for this workshop to be useful to people who have never worked with leather before and would like to learn the skills needed to start making or repairing leather goods.

I will discuss the three main types of leather and which to choose; the basic tools you will need to start making leather goods (and how to use them); how to dye leather; how to attach eyelets, rivets, and buckles; and the three main types of stitch.

For the practical part of the workshop, you will be sewing a leather keyring using one of the most common types of stitch. Saddle Stitch uses one piece of thread with a needle at each end to create a stitch line that is both beautiful and resilient. The leather, thread, and tools needed to create your keyring will all be provided. Please bring your own scissors, or a knife to cut the thread, and a lighter if you have one.