One of the most frequently asked questions since I began working with pattern design is about Leather Hardware. Experienced leather crafters are well-acquainted with leather hardware, but for beginners, it can be quite a challenge. I, too, found myself lost in the realm of leather hardware when I first started. So, I’ll add several links to the appropriate search queries. Many of us, as handcrafters, often shop on Etsy. That’s where we’ll look for the majority of the hardware leather:
Leather for your products
I highly recommend the Stonesfield Leather store. The owners are people who are passionate about leather craft. I’ve never had better vegetable-tanned leather than theirs. The same can be said about the high-quality tools and hardware they offer. They provide worldwide shipping. If you live in the UK, you are doubly lucky, as they conduct fantastic leather craft workshops.
Rivets:
The length of the leg is important here, and it depends on the thickness of the leather you’re working with. I recommend buying at least 100 rivets at a time. Trust me, they run out very quickly. They can be installed using a hand rivet setter or a specialized press machine.
I recommend neodymium magnets because they are very strong. I couldn’t find them on Etsy, so I’ll show the search on Aliexpress. Oh, these markets should pay me for advertising 🙂
I buy old wall clocks that are no longer working and use the parts. But there’s an easier way. Clock wheels and other decorative elements can be found here. Note when buying clock wheels – the hole in the middle should be such that the rivet leg can get through. I usually fix these parts on the leather with rivets. Otherwise, you’ll have to drill a larger hole.
These are for wheeled models. Car, train, and I also used these parts for a tube bag. They are sold in hardware stores in the Fasteners department.
Steel Threaded Rods come in different diameters. I use thin ones, 4mm in diameter. That’s about 0.16 inches. Immediately, you need to pick a cap nut to them, of course, they look organically in Brass color.
Steel Threaded Rods are typically sold in meter-long lengths. They can be cut into several parts of the desired length, which means you can customize them according to your specific project requirements.
Steampunk is a flight of fantasy. You can use anything for this style! Small bolts and nuts, other unclear metal parts. Only your imagination can stop you!
When it comes to hardware leather, the choices are almost limitless.
But remember, the right hardware can make a good design great. So, whether you’re a seasoned craftsman or just starting, don’t underestimate the power of good-quality leather hardware.
Leather Crafting Hardware Basics Beginners Guide to Leather Hardware Essential Leather Hardware for Newbies Introductory Guide to Leather Crafting Hardware Starting with Leather Hardware: A Beginners Insight.
Leather Hardware for Beginners.
I hope this article will assist in working with our patterns.
12 Essential Leather Hardware Types: A Buying Guide
Leather Hardware and Leather.
One of the most frequently asked questions since I began working with pattern design is about Leather Hardware. Experienced leather crafters are well-acquainted with leather hardware, but for beginners, it can be quite a challenge. I, too, found myself lost in the realm of leather hardware when I first started. So, I’ll add several links to the appropriate search queries. Many of us, as handcrafters, often shop on Etsy. That’s where we’ll look for the majority of the hardware leather:
Leather for your products
I highly recommend the Stonesfield Leather store. The owners are people who are passionate about leather craft. I’ve never had better vegetable-tanned leather than theirs. The same can be said about the high-quality tools and hardware they offer. They provide worldwide shipping. If you live in the UK, you are doubly lucky, as they conduct fantastic leather craft workshops.
Rivets:
The length of the leg is important here, and it depends on the thickness of the leather you’re working with. I recommend buying at least 100 rivets at a time. Trust me, they run out very quickly. They can be installed using a hand rivet setter or a specialized press machine.
https://www.etsy.com/search?q=rivets
Screw Rivets/Chicago screws:
These are rivets on screws. They don’t require special equipment, just a screwdriver.
https://www.etsy.com/search?q=Screw+Rivets&ref=search_bar
Screw Stud Button:
These also screw in with a screw and feature a head that serves as a clasp.
https://www.etsy.com/search?q=Screwed+Studs+Button&ref=search_bar
Bag buckles:
There’s such a variety of buckles, just choose to your taste. The size here refers to the width of the belt where you’ll be inserting the buckle.
https://www.etsy.com/search?q=Metal+Buckles++for+Bags&ref=search_bar
Snap Hook:
Like the buckle, the size refers to the width of the belt. Apart from that, choose the design that appeals to you the most.
https://www.etsy.com/market/snap_hook?ref=seller_tag_bottom_image-1
D rings:
These are used in bags and other leather goods. As with the previous two points, the size refers to the width of the belt.
https://www.etsy.com/search?q=D+rings&ref=search_bar
Magnetic Purse:
Some models use magnetic clasps.
https://www.etsy.com/search?q=Magnetic%20Purse&ref=search_bar
Neodymium Disc Magnets:
I recommend neodymium magnets because they are very strong. I couldn’t find them on Etsy, so I’ll show the search on Aliexpress. Oh, these markets should pay me for advertising 🙂
https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-Neodymium-Disc-Magnets.html?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20230628080736&SearchText=Neodymium+Disc+Magnets&spm=a2g0o.home.1000002.0
Tri-glide Slide:
This will allow you to adjust the strap on a bag.
https://www.etsy.com/search?q=Tri-glide+Slide&ref=search_bar
Next, we have details that I use more often for steampunk models.
Screw Spikes:
There are different sizes, colors, and even shapes.
https://www.etsy.com/search?q=Screw+Spikes&ref=search_bar
Steampunk Clock Wheels:
I buy old wall clocks that are no longer working and use the parts. But there’s an easier way. Clock wheels and other decorative elements can be found here. Note when buying clock wheels – the hole in the middle should be such that the rivet leg can get through. I usually fix these parts on the leather with rivets. Otherwise, you’ll have to drill a larger hole.
https://www.etsy.com/search?q=Screw+Spikes&ref=search_bar
Steel Threaded Rod and Cap Nut:
These are for wheeled models. Car, train, and I also used these parts for a tube bag. They are sold in hardware stores in the Fasteners department.
Steel Threaded Rods come in different diameters. I use thin ones, 4mm in diameter. That’s about 0.16 inches. Immediately, you need to pick a cap nut to them, of course, they look organically in Brass color.
Steel Threaded Rods are typically sold in meter-long lengths. They can be cut into several parts of the desired length, which means you can customize them according to your specific project requirements.
Steampunk is a flight of fantasy. You can use anything for this style! Small bolts and nuts, other unclear metal parts. Only your imagination can stop you!
When it comes to hardware leather, the choices are almost limitless.
But remember, the right hardware can make a good design great. So, whether you’re a seasoned craftsman or just starting, don’t underestimate the power of good-quality leather hardware.
Leather Crafting Hardware Basics
Beginners Guide to Leather Hardware
Essential Leather Hardware for Newbies
Introductory Guide to Leather Crafting Hardware
Starting with Leather Hardware: A Beginners Insight.
Leather Hardware for Beginners.
I hope this article will assist in working with our patterns.