Cut. Skive. Bevel. Burnish.
Handcrafted leather goods take time and patience, but the results are well worth the effort. Sailrite has all the tools and know-how you need to support your journey to becoming a master leatherworker. Learn about leather crafting with our informative blogs on all things leather. Or explore our collection of leather tools to outfit the workshop of your dreams. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional leather crafter, Sailrite is your go-to resource for all of your DIY needs.
Getting started in leatherwork
We’re here to take the guesswork out of leather crafting. Our “Leatherworking A-Z” blog series will introduce you to the main terms, tools and techniques associated with leatherwork. Once you’ve got a grasp on the lingo, find out the most essential tools and supplies you need to start building your leather craft toolkit.
SEWING MACHINES
Every stitch counts. Selecting a machine that was built for sewing leather will result in professional-looking, high-quality leather goods. An investment in a well-made leather sewing machine will save you time and money in undamaged leather, broken parts and repair bills — and will probably save your sanity too!
Sailrite® Leatherwork® Sewing Machine
The Leatherwork Sewing Machine meets the unique needs of DIY leatherworkers looking for an economical, entry-level leather hobbyist sewing machine that can handle a wide variety of leather types. This beginner-friendly machine takes the intimidation out of pursuing a leather crafting hobby. With its space-saving, compact table design and servo motor with speed reducer, this small machine packs a mighty punch.
Why Choose the Leatherwork
Sailrite® Fabricator® Sewing Machine
For serious leatherworkers needing industrial power and strength, nothing beats the Fabricator. This is the professional machine to build your business on. With its full-size table setup, exclusive Workhorse® Servo Motor and compound walking foot, the Fabricator breezes through soft- to medium-weight leathers up to 20 oz. Bring precision, power and productivity to your leather crafting with the Fabricator Sewing Machine.
Why Choose the Fabricator
Sailrite Leather Collection
Create artisanal leather goods with our selection of natural, veg tan leather cowhides. With no finishing or topical treatment, natural veg tan leather accepts dyes, paints and tooling so you can craft one-of-a-kind, bespoke items. Veg tan leather patinas beautifully over time, giving your handcrafted leather goods a marbled look and shine that adds character and gets better with age. Create heirloom pieces you can pass down from generation to generation with our selection of natural veg tan leather.
2-3 oz. Natural Veg Tan Leather
This weight of veg tan is great for:
- wallets
- bags/clutches
- pouches
- inlays
- watchbands
- jewelry
- shoes
- jackets
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3-4 oz. Natural Veg Tan Leather
This weight of veg tan is great for:
- wallets
- bags/clutches
- pouches
- inlays
- watchbands
- jewelry
- shoes
- jackets
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4-5 oz. Natural Veg Tan Leather
This weight of veg tan is great for:
- wallets
- bags/clutches
- keychains
- aprons
- knife sheaths
- jackets
- costumes
- bookbinding
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5-6 oz. Natural Veg Tan Leather
This weight of veg tan is great for:
- bags/clutches
- small cases
- watchbands
- knife sheaths
- aprons
- jackets
- costumes
- notebook covers
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SAILRITE LEATHER TOOLS COLLECTION
Leatherworking Tools In Action
Experience. Learn. Enjoy. The short videos below give you a taste of the beauty, simplicity and joy of working with leather. Learn how to use some of our most popular leather tools with this look at the leather crafting lifestyle.
Determining Leather Thickness
Knowing how thick your leather hide is will help determine if it's right for your project. Measuring your leather's thickness with a leather gauge tool is the first step of any leather project.
Learn MoreUsing a Leather Strop
Maintaining your leather tools is one of the most important parts of the craft. Keep your tools sharp using a leather strop and polishing compound to ensure clean, precise cuts every time.
Learn MoreMarking Leather
There are several tools used to mark leather. Use a scratch awl to pattern leather prior to cutting. A stitch groover marks stitch lines for machine or hand stitching.
Learn MoreGluing Leather Pieces Together
A common practice is to glue layers together prior to sewing. Using the right tools and glue applicators ensures accuracy and control when applying glue to your leather pieces.
Learn MoreBurnishing Leather
Burnishing leather edges seals cut edges and buffs them to a slick, glossy shine. There are two popular burnishing methods: hand burnishing and machine burnishing.
Learn MoreFinishing Leather Edges
Sand, groove, bevel, sew, burnish. These steps come together to create a beautiful finished piece. Using the right tool for the task produces high-quality, professional-looking leather goods.
Learn MoreCustomer Inspiration
Discover how Sailrite customers are using their Sailrite sewing machines to craft beautiful, one-of-a-kind leather goods. These stories of leather sewing success will inspire you to get started on your leatherworking journey today.
Leather Crafting With the Fabricator
Caleb Arthur found a new purpose in life when he turned his leatherwork hobby into a successful and thriving business crafting artisanal leather goods. Learn more about his inspiring story and how Sailrite could help turn his DIY dreams into reality.
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One Stitch at a Time
Read the story of Jo Yee Yap, a budding sewist brimming with talent and a can-do spirit. Jo's introduction into leather crafting began with a simple project, and now she designs custom leather totes, wallets and more as a member of the Seattle area makers community.
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