Making a Leather Walking Stick Grip: Step-by-Step

By Tandy Leather — Tandy Leather, Inc. | Published: 2026-10-23

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to craft a comfortable and personalized leather grip for your walking stick using a pre-punched kit. This step-by-step tutorial covers preparation, wet-molding, lacing, and finishing techniques.

Quick answer

Yes, you can make a custom leather walking stick grip at home with a pre-punched kit. The key steps are soaking the leather, wrapping it tightly around the stick, and lacing it securely.

Choosing the right leather wrap kit

Look for a kit that is cut and pre-punched for your stick’s diameter. The Walking Stick Grip Leather Pack of 10 is designed for a 1-inch diameter stick. If your stick is larger, the two edges of the leather will not meet, leaving exposed wood on the sides. That is fine for a rustic look, but for full coverage, choose a larger leather piece.

Genuine leather grips feel better in the hand than synthetic wraps because they mold to your palm and absorb shock. The natural color also ages well.

Each pack gives you 10 pieces, so you can practice on one or two before making the final grip.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Soak the leather strip: Submerge the leather piece in warm water for 30 to 60 seconds until it becomes soft and pliable. Do not oversoak – the leather should be damp, not dripping wet. Common mistake: oversoaking makes the leather too soft and prone to tearing. Aim for a damp sponge feel.
2. Wrap and position on the stick: Place the damp leather against your walking stick at the desired height. Wrap it snugly, aligning the pre-punched holes on both sides. The edges should meet or overlap slightly, depending on your stick’s diameter. Check that the holes are aligned before you start lacing. If they are offset, the lacing will be uneven.
3. Lace the grip closed: Thread a length of waxed linen or leather lace through the bottom holes. Use a simple saddle stitch or cross-lacing pattern, pulling tight after each pass. Continue up to the top hole. Common mistake: loose stitching causes the grip to shift. Keep even tension – not so tight that the leather puckers, but snug enough to hold firmly.
4. Trim and finish the ends: Once laced, trim any excess lace to about 1/4 inch. Tuck the ends under the lacing or glue them flat with a dab of contact cement. Skip this step and the lace ends may unravel or snag on your clothing.
5. Let dry and shape: Allow the grip to air dry completely (12–24 hours) with the stick upright. As it dries, adjust the wrap if needed to keep it centered. The leather will shrink slightly and conform to the stick’s shape. Drying too fast (near a heater or in direct sun) can cause the leather to crack or shrink unevenly.

Product facts

Walking Stick Grip Leather Pack of 10: The kit is cut for a 1-inch diameter stick and has pre-punched lacing holes. The leather length is 5 inches. You can start lacing immediately without measuring or punching holes, which saves time and ensures a clean look.
Walking Stick Grip Leather Pack of 10