Beginner's Ultimate Guide For Leather Crafting

Are your palms getting itchy out of excitement to start your leather crafting obsession...I mean, journey but don't know where to start? Good news, I've put together this guide to help you find the tools and materials to build your stash!



The first item on our list is to learn the skills needed for basic leather crafting, some of these include saddle stitching, cutting, and edge finishing. You can find online tutorials for this, however, if you prefer hands-on learning, there are hundreds of workshops available almost everywhere in Manila.  You can check Maartsy or CraftMNL on Instagram for this. You can start from there and eventually move forward to advanced classes with Builtable if you're really serious with the craft.

When this is checked off the list, picking out your first project is next. You can start with smaller, much easier ones to make like a coin purse, a simple wallet or clutch, an organizer...anything. You can start by searching some inspiration online or visit your local mall to get ideas. The best thing to do when you're just beginning is to make something that interests you. Not only does this help you keep passionate about completing the project, it also helps you narrow your focus on a few leather working skills instead of being overwhelmed by them all at once. Pick something that is smaller and simple to make, so you can find out if you like leather working before you make a large investment. Sketch your designs, create templates from illustration boards, and you're ready to purchase your tools and leather!

Although cow leather is the most available and works with most projects, leather can be sourced from other animals as well and is processed differently too because each have their own properties and different uses. Since you sketched your designs first, you probably have an idea of thickness of leather you want to use. Don't worry if you don't, suppliers are more than happy to help you which ones to use.

Of course, you won't be able to start without the right tools. You have the option to purchase online or in person. There are sellers who offer complete basic kits but can be a bit pricey considering you have to pay basic shipping and extra depending how heavy it could be, and some sell per tool which is cheaper and performs the same.

Where To Find Supplies

Now, let's jump right in to the most important part of this guide. If you don't have the time to physically buy your supplies but you have the luxury of paying a little extra and you have the willingness to wait, purchasing your materials online is your greatest bet. Try Lazada for example. You can find great kits here and they offer free shipping, which is very convenient. Unfortunately, you don't always have exactly what you need. You have to know exactly what items you need to be able to find it here and how to use it, and lastly, you're not always sure that you get exact item in the photo because some sellers steal photos and use them into tricking you to give your money. Although, not everyone does this but make sure to read everything.

Banggood is also a nice alternative site to get hardware. They have items here not offered in Lazada and it's often cheaper here. They also have free shipping and on some items, they offer cash on delivery. However, they aren't as stocked as Lazada. Also, you have to wait for 25-30 days when you order here.

Another wonderful site to check out is TandyLeather. In here, you have everything you could ask, dream, or imagine pertaining to leather! Their catalog has superior quality and it's fairly convenient to order here. The delivery time is 15-30 days but because the store is based in Australia, it's expensive and the shipping costs are insane!

The last site on the barrel is Ivan Leathercraft Co. Just like TandyLeather, it's well-supplied of the quality hardware and materials you could think of, but buying retail here is expensive. This site caters best to wholesale purchases. A note to remember: the prices are not displayed in the products page, and the items in your cart are considered as requests for quotation. They will e-mail the price list later on. The delivery time is within 30 days.

Now, if you're up for a bit more adventure, I highly recommend taking a field trip to Marikina. If you plan your Marikina trip properly, it's actually not as much of a hassle as going to Divisoria or Chinatown. Marikina has a very chill vibe with people ready to help with directions and with quite a good selection of places to eat, so much so that they have a 2-hour lunch breaks at most of the supply stores. They close up at exactly 12:00 and open again at 2:00pm. It's best to plan your trip with this in mind.

One of the biggest suppliers in Marikina is Nation Shoe Supply. You can almost find everything in here, really — whole hide leathers, tools, leather sewing machines, specialized equipment, leather treating products, waxed threads, needles, leather stamps, etc. This place is a bit intimidating to go to at first. The sheer number of options can make your knees go weak. Honestly, you could spend loads of money in this store alone but let's be realistic, it really depends on what you need or what you think you need. I recommend making a list of things you need and try to stick to it as much as you can.

They mostly cater to veteran shoe makers who know what they need because they grab it and go. So, it's best to come prepared. They also sell products from Tandy Leather Co. & Ivan here, so if you're a bit apprehensive to buy online, this is your best bet. Despite being busy, they are very accommodating, so feel free to ask questions or ask them how to use the tools you are planning to buy or if they have alternatives. When you get there, look for Ate Sally.

Nation Shoe Supply is located in 46 M. Cruz Street, Marikina City, Marikina.

Budget Range: PPP - PPPPP

Recommendation Rating:  ★★★★★

Let's go ahead and talk about Leather World next. This is the best place to go if you are working on a tight budget. Although they also sell whole leather hides, you can buy smaller cuts of leather here and scraps by the kilo, too. Good news, they don't close for lunch and most of the time, they stay open even on holidays. Look for Kuya Michael when you get here and don't forget to tell what you are looking for or what you intend to use the leather for and he can recommend the best leather for your projects. The place isn't as fancy as the aforementioned suppliers but if you buy here, you're helping smaller business owners as well.

Leather World is located in 296 E. Dela Paz Street, Sto. Niño, Marikina

Budget Range: PP-PPPP

Recommendation Rating:  ★★★★★

The second biggest supplier in town might ring a bell to you. Otto Shoe Supply & Factory Outlet or most commonly known as Otto is a shoe brand that our families trust when it comes to leather shoes because they last a very long time. You may have seen a lot of their shoes in malls and even bought and wore one.

This branch in Marikina looks like a shoe showroom upfront but keep walking in towards the back of the store and you will find leather heaven. This is considered nirvana because they have by far the most extensive leather stock I've seen. Rows and rows of whole leather hides organized by color and texture! They sell two types of leather here — whole hides and scrap leather per kilo. Their hides range start from 15 sq. ft. up to 30 sq. ft. and their scraps are not as nice as Leather World.

I bought most of my basic tools here because I find them affordable and I found tools and parts here that I can't find in other stores, so it's also good to check this place out. P.S. the staff here are super friendly!

Otto Shoe Supply & Factory Outlet is located in 321 J.P. Rizal Street, Marikina City, Marikina

(in front of Our Lady Of Abandoned Parish Church, next to Cafe Kapitan Restaurant)

Budget Range: PPP-PPPP

Recommendation Rating: ★★★★★

If you're a leather bag and belt crafter, you may want to check Marikina Trans Asian Shoe & Upholstery Supply and The Metal Gallery. Let's discuss the former first. Their service is very traditional catering to veteran cobblers and leather workers so come in knowing what you need, patiently (like, really patient) wait your turn to be served and have your order prepared. They close for lunch so you need to be early here, especially if you want to be served first.

They have cheaper tools here as well as quality ones and quite a staggering collection of items. They just don't have them directly on display. They do, however, have clear books with sample items for your perusal while waiting. Don't be shy to ask for what you need or what options they have. If you're looking for cheaper Rivet and Snap Setters, this is the best place to get them. Ask for the locally made ones as the imported ones are more than twice the price and do the same thing. Don't be afraid that the tools may look worn out and rusty, that's just because these tools are handmade, too! Just prepare yourself for the wait. If you don't want worn out looking and rusty tools, go to Otto instead.

Marikina Trans Asian Shoe & Upholstery Supply is located at  346 J.P. Rizal Street, Marikina City

(Just around the corner of Nation Shoe Supply)

Budget Range:  PP-PPPP

Recommendation Rating:  ★★☆☆☆

The Metal Gallery is a bit farther from the rest of the Marikina shops listed, but that also means they are not as busy. It is definitely a big plus that they have air conditioning and they don't close for lunch. Although their stock isn't as quite as extensive as in some of the stores you'll find along the famed E. Dela Paz stretch, this store offers high quality items at reasonable prices.

You also have the option of ordering from them via Viber and just having them delivered for P150. Good news, they don't charge extra for the package weight because they have their own courier! (As Lalamove and LBC adds extra per weight) Check out their Instagram for the catalog. They sell bag charms, bag hardware sets, zippers, hard-to-find waxed thread colors, and Chloe Bag Hardware.

The Metal Gallery is located at 2 Falcon Street, Brgy. San Roque, Marikina City

Contact Ate Chona through Viber for orders — 0905-860-6012

Budget Range: PP-PPPP

Recommendation Rating:  ★★★★☆

Commute & Purchasing Tips

If you're coming from Las Piñas or Alabang, go to Starmall Alabang and take a bus going to Cubao Ibabaw. Drop off is at Farmer's Market. Behind McDonalds is an FX terminal going to Marikina Bayan. Take a tricycle around Marikina is fine if you don't like walking around the city. Just don't forget to be specific with the address or street name as some street names have almost duplicates. For example, there is E. Dela Paz in Marikina and there is Dela Paz in Pasig. The driver might take you to Pasig which will take 10-15 minutes from Marikina Proper.

Because this post is very long, you may feel overwhelmed with the information you just read. I advise that you visit the stores first before buying anything. You still need to canvass and do your homework. Marikina is a small city and suppliers know each other. Competition is very strong too, you can sense it, especially when they find out you're scouting for a better price. Personally, I don't like telling them I'm visiting other stores trying to save coins because I've experienced many times a store owner bad-mouthing another store and I don't like that to happen again.

Don't forget to bring an eco bag with you especially if you're planning on buying your tools and your leather in a day.

How To Store Leather Hides

Store them flat for best results or you can also hang them flat. However, if you have very large pieces, you can roll them and place in a closet or hallway. You can also cover them with cotton cloths like your old bed sheets to prevent dust accumulation and different leather texture scratching and rubbing off on others

Your scraps can be inside a storage box, or if you have limited space for another box, roll your scraps between the larger ones. If you have the time and space, you can get ideas from Pinterest and have a do-it-yourself leather rack.

Humidity does affect the leather. You can purchase a dehumidifier if the weather gets uncontrollable. Keep it out of direct sunlight and don't get them wet or worse, soaked.

Basic Tools You Need

Cutter, Ruler, Cutting mat, Hole Puncher/s, Rivet Setter (1 set of concave plate and setter), Snap Setter (2 sets of plate and setter), Needles, Waxed Thread, Lighter, Screw Button, Rivets, Snap Buttons, Hammer

Make sure when you buy Rivets and Snaps, you know the size you want for your project. Tell the supplier you need as small as 8mm or as big as 12mm because you need the same for the setters.

Photo courtesy of Amihan Leather Crafts

Congratulations! You finally reached the end of this post! I hope this helps you on your Leather Crafting journey. Feel free to comment below and share with me your experience!