Leathercraft Supplies: What to Stock for Different Project Types

Quick answer

Stock your bench by project, not by category. For bags, start with a Madison Crossbody Kit plus a sharp knife, stitching chisels, and a cutting mat. For belts, you need a side of veg-tan leather, a strap cutter, and rivets or snaps. For small carved goods, a 25-pack of Great Shapes gives you ready-to-carve pieces with almost no prep. Buy the tools your next three projects actually use, then add as your skills grow.

A leathercraft supplies list is only useful if it matches what you actually make. The same bench that builds a crossbody bag rarely has the right strap cutter for a belt, and a beginner carving stars does not need a stitching horse yet. Organizing your shopping by project type keeps you from buying duplicate tools or skipping a step that stalls the build halfway through.

This guide breaks supplies into four common project types: bags and crossbody pieces, belts and straps, small carved items, and starter kits. For each, you will see the essential tools and materials, the trade-offs, and a few Tandy products that fit the job. Use the decision rules at the end to check your cart before you check out.

Start with your project type, not a generic tool list

Every leather project runs through the same basic steps: cut, shape, punch, stitch, finish. What changes is the scale and the hardware. A wallet needs a fine punch and a small edge beveler; a belt needs a long strap cutter and a punch sized for rivets. If you buy tools for every possible project at once, you end up with duplicates and unused items.

A better approach is to pick one project type and buy the tools that complete it end to end. That way you learn your tools, finish a piece, and know exactly what to add next. The sections below give you a project-based shopping list you can copy.

• Write down the last three projects you finished or want to finish. Shop only for those.
• If a tool appears in two project lists, buy it once and note it as shared.
• Leave room in your budget for consumables like thread, needles, and adhesive.

Supplies for leather bags and crossbody projects

Bags need materials that hold shape and hardware that takes daily load. A kit like the Madison Crossbody Kit includes pre-cut, pre-punched leather, braided cord, two needles, color-coordinating thread, instructions, and a pattern. That covers the body, but you still need a thread cutter or scissors and leather adhesive or double-sided tape. A stitching horse is optional but helpful for long seams.

If you prefer to cut your own bag, stock a side of veg-tan or chrome-tan leather in 4 to 5 oz, a sharp craft knife, a cutting mat, stitching chisels, and a mallet. For edges, add a beveler and burnisher. For closures, choose snaps, magnetic snaps, or tuck locks based on how often the bag opens.

• Pre-punched kits save time but limit size changes; patterns give you more control.
• Buy hardware in the same finish if you want a consistent look.
• Test your stitch length on scrap before sewing the main body.

Supplies for leather belts and straps

Belts are a thickness game. You need a strap long enough for the waist size plus overlap, and a cutter that keeps the edges parallel. A strap cutter and a solid maul are the two tools that separate a clean belt from a wavy one. For the leather, veg-tan in 8 to 10 oz is common because it takes tooling and holds shape.

Hardware matters more on belts than on bags because the buckle and keeper take constant stress. Rivets, Chicago screws, or snaps all work, but each has a different failure mode. Chicago screws let you swap buckles; rivets are permanent; snaps are convenient but can pop under heavy load. Match the hardware to how the belt will be used.

• Cut straps 8 to 10 inches longer than the waist measurement to allow for the buckle and holes.
• Punch belt holes after dyeing and finishing so the holes stay clean.
• Keep a scrap piece of the same leather to test your hole size and finish.

Supplies for small carved and stamped projects

Small projects are the fastest way to build tool control. Pre-cut shapes like the Great Shapes Lizard 25 Pack or Great Shapes Star 25 Pack give you veg-tan pieces already sized at 3 x 2.25 inches or 3.5 x 3.5 inches. You can carve, dye, and finish them without cutting a single line. That makes them useful for youth groups, Scouts, and anyone practicing a new stamp.

For these projects, your essential leathercraft supplies are a swivel knife, a few stamping tools, a poly mallet, and a marble or granite slab. Add dye, a wool dauber, and a finish. Because the shapes are small, you can complete several in one sitting and see how different tools behave.

• Case the leather with water before carving; dry leather tears and fuzzes.
• Stamp a test piece first to set your mallet force.
• Keep dye and finish separate from your tool area to avoid contamination.

Starter supplies and when to buy a kit versus individual tools

A starter kit bundles the basics, but it may include tools you outgrow or duplicate. Buy a kit when you want to try several techniques with one purchase and you are not sure which tools you prefer. Buy individual tools when you already know your project type and want better control or a specific size.

Paper patterns and acrylic templates bridge the two approaches. The Indiana Tool Belt Paper Pattern and Tool Portfolio Paper Pattern include full-scale pattern pieces, a material list, and an assembly overview. They let you choose your own leather and hardware while following a proven layout. The Gibson Large Wallet Acrylic Template goes further with durable acrylic pieces and a design that includes snap closures, card pockets, a zippered money pocket, and a wrist strap.

• Check the kit level before buying; level 3 kits assume some stitching experience.
• Patterns and templates do not include leather or hardware, so budget for those separately.
• If you already own a tool, do not buy it again just because it is in a kit.

Decision rules for stocking your leathercraft supplies

• If you are making a bag: Buy a kit like the Madison Crossbody Kit if you want pre-cut, pre-punched leather and a known outcome. Buy a pattern and your own side of leather if you want to change dimensions or hardware. Check that your kit level matches your stitching experience; level 3 assumes you can stitch a straight line.
• If you are making belts: Prioritize a strap cutter, a maul, and 8 to 10 oz veg-tan leather. Choose Chicago screws for swappable buckles, rivets for permanent wear, or snaps for convenience. Cut one test strap before cutting the final length.
• If you are practicing carving or stamping: Start with pre-cut shapes like the Great Shapes Lizard 25 Pack or Great Shapes Star 25 Pack. Add a swivel knife, two or three stamps, and a slab. Buy more shapes than you think you need; they are inexpensive practice material.
• If you are buying your first set of tools: A starter kit is fine for trying techniques, but buy individual tools once you know your project type. Patterns and templates let you skip kit tools you already own. Compare the kit contents against what you already have before buying.

Product facts that affect your supply list

• Madison Crossbody Kit: Dimensions: 8 x 11.5 x 2.5 inches, strap drop 25 inches, kit level 3. Includes pre-cut, pre-punched leather, braided cord, two needles, color-coordinating thread, instructions, and pattern. Requires thread cutter or scissors and leather adhesive or double-sided tape. The pre-punched leather removes the need for a punch and chisels on this project, but you still need cutting and adhesive supplies. The 25-inch strap drop fits crossbody wear for most adults.
• Gibson Large Wallet Acrylic Template: Finished dimensions: 4.38 x 8 inches. Includes full-scale acrylic pattern pieces, materials list, and assembly overview. Design includes snap closures, card pockets, zippered money/change pocket, and wrist strap. Can be customized with paint, dye, or finishes. The acrylic template is reusable and holds its shape better than paper, so it suits repeat wallet production. You choose your own leather and hardware, which means you control the final cost and look.
• Great Shapes Star 25 Pack: Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 inches. Made from veg-tan leather in natural color. Fun for all ages and great for youth groups, Scouts, and educators. Suitable for carving, dyeing, and other creative techniques. These pre-cut shapes eliminate cutting and punching for small projects, making them a low-risk way to practice carving and dyeing. The 25-pack gives you enough pieces to test multiple finishes.
• Indiana Tool Belt Paper Pattern: Finished dimensions: 4.5 x 7.38 x 1.5 inches. Includes one paper pattern and instructions. Recommended materials: 4 to 5 oz semi-firm leather (not included). This pattern is a low-cost way to build a tool belt without buying a full kit. You supply the leather and hardware, so you can match the belt to your tools and preferred color.

Who should use this project-based approach

Best for

• Leathercrafters who want to stop buying duplicate tools and focus on one project type at a time
• Beginners who need a clear leathercraft supplies list before their first bag, belt, or carved project
• Crafters who prefer patterns and templates over full kits so they can choose their own leather and hardware

Not for

• Shoppers looking for a single all-in-one kit that covers every project type without additional purchases
• Experienced makers who already own a full tool set and only need a specific hardware or leather restock

Your leathercraft supplies list should follow your next project, not a generic checklist. Pick one project type, buy the tools and materials that complete it, and add only what the next build requires. That keeps your bench lean and your skills moving forward.