diff --git a/src/img/2026/leatherworking-zine.jpg b/src/img/2026/leatherworking-zine.jpg new file mode 100644 index 00000000..98a3ebd6 Binary files /dev/null and b/src/img/2026/leatherworking-zine.jpg differ diff --git a/src/posts/2026/2026-08-28-leatherworking-zine.md b/src/posts/2026/2026-08-28-leatherworking-zine.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..1f109734 --- /dev/null +++ b/src/posts/2026/2026-08-28-leatherworking-zine.md @@ -0,0 +1,135 @@ +--- +title: leatherworking zine +image: + src: 2026/leatherworking-zine.jpg + alt: "3 copies of the same zine with different colored cardstock covers. The cover reads 'Leatherworking Tools' and lists myself as the author. Surrounding the text are many small icons of tools and explanatory diagrams. The text is dark teal and the icons are dark pink." +tags: + - gallery + - zine + - leather +--- + +This page contains textual representation of and supplementary material for my Leatherworking Tools zine (purchase link to be added in the future), including links to all tools and additional information as needed. + +## On tool links + +Please note that links are examples, and you do not need the precise model linked. Where possible, I have found cheaper versions of tools - for example, you *can* get a fancy mallet or maul (they *are* nice), or you can get a 16oz or 32oz hardware store rubber mallet. I have linked the hardware store version. + +Some things, like thread or rivets, come in other colors or finishes. Feel free to explore; I have linked only one. + +## Retailers + +Please note that I am familiar with US retailers, and cannot make recommendations for other countries. + +My favorite leatherworking retailer is [Buckleguy](https://www.buckleguy.com/). They offer tools, hardware, leather, supplies, etc. and are generally extremely high quality with good customer service. + +Occasionally, I will link other retailers such as [Tandy](https://tandyleather.com/) (a common retailer, but with products that may be lower quality - great for bulk leather for prototype and practice though!), [Weaver](https://www.weaverleathersupply.com/), or [Springfield](https://springfieldleather.com/). I will also link to non-leather specific retailers such as [Blick](https://www.dickblick.com/) and [Ace Hardware](https://www.acehardware.com/) as is relevant. + +## Cover + +The front and back cover spread is patterned with many small icons of leatherworking tools and explanatory diagrams in dark pink. Dark teal text reads "Leatherworking tools" "by Lee," and, on the back "2026." + +## Page 1: Basics + +- [Scratch awl](https://www.buckleguy.com/4-2-scratch-awl-3-1-2/) for marking + - Do not use a pen/sharpie/similar for marking as it will very much show on the finished product +- [Pattern plastic](https://www.weaverleathersupply.com/products/pattern-sheet-24-x-45) for templating +- [Leather thickness gauge](https://www.buckleguy.com/bg-acrylic-tool-leather-thickness-gauge/) for measuring + - You can also use calipers and a table of sizes, but this is very handy + +## Page 2: Cut + +- [Craft knife](https://www.dickblick.com/products/x-acto-1-knife/) + - Replace blades often +- [Non-slip metal ruler](https://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-aluminum-non-slip-rulers/) + - Metal is a must if you don't want to cut into your ruler +- [Cutproof mat](https://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-self-healing-cutting-mats/) +- [Strap end template](https://www.buckleguy.com/bg-acrylic-tool-belt-tabs-multiple-styles/) + +If you're cutting a curve, make many straight cuts rather than one curved cut. + +## Page 3: Burnish + +### My core tools + +- [Canvas](https://springfieldleather.com/products/burnishing-cloth-10-pk) + - Of course you can just go find some at a fabric store, but this lets you buy just a few small pieces +- [Tokonole](tandyleather.com/products/tokonole-burnishing-agent) + - You'll want clear Tokonole + - Shake before use + - You can apply this with a bit of cloth, [wool dauber](https://www.buckleguy.com/wool-daubers-5-length-12-per-bag/), [micro spatula](https://www.dickblick.com/products/lineco-micro-spatula/), etc... I just use my finger + +### Other potential tools + +- [Edge beveler](https://www.buckleguy.com/bg-leather-edge-beveler-multiple-sizes/) + - Proper finished edges should be beveled, but you can get away without this when starting +- [Sandpaper](https://www.acehardware.com/departments/paint-and-supplies/painting-tools-and-supplies/sandpaper/F035922?variationProductCode=19808) + - Grit varies; use significantly higher grits for final finish +- [Beeswax](https://www.buckleguy.com/fiebing-s-beeswax-1oz/) + +## Page 4: Punch + +- [Cutting board](https://www.buckleguy.com/cutting-board-multiple-sizes/) + - Don't use hole punches on your cutproof mat! +- [Mallet](https://www.acehardware.com/departments/tools/hand-tools/deadblow-hammers-mallets/2037238) + - Mauls are also an option +- [Single hole punches](https://www.buckleguy.com/245-belt-punch-multiple-sizes/), or... +- [Rotary punch](https://www.buckleguy.com/cs-osborne-223-revolving-punch/) + - If you choose a rotary punch, you don't need the cutting board and mallet (at least for this) + - I find rotary punches are too big for my small hands! So I prefer single hole punches +- [Oblong punches](https://www.buckleguy.com/cs-osborne-151-bag-punch-oblong-multiple-sizes/) + - If you're setting buckles, you might want this, or... + +### Simulating an oblong punch + +1. **Plan:** draw your oblong shape. You'll probably want it about as long as your leather strap is wide, and the width should be determined by the width of the buckle tongue +1. **Punch two holes:** punch a hole at each end of the oblong +1. **Cut from one side *halfway* in:** from one hole, cut halfway through the oblong +1. **Cut remainder of line from other side:** meet your existing cut +1. **Success!** + +## Page 6: Stitch + +- [Wing divider/scratch compass](https://www.buckleguy.com/bg-leather-wing-divider-compass-0-20mm/) + - Lets you draw guidelines an even distance from edges + - Craft store compasses *may* work, but you'd want to ensure that they are pointed enough to mark a line +- [Stitching chisels](https://www.buckleguy.com/bg-stitching-punch/) + - Get a 2-tooth and one with lots of teeth - a full set is nice, but not as necessary + - Also called "pricking irons" + - **Use these with your cutting board, *not* your cutproof mat** + - You can also use a combination of a [marking wheel](https://www.buckleguy.com/japanese-stitching-marking-wheel-curved-handle/) and [awl](https://www.buckleguy.com/bg-leather-awls-detachable-needle/), but this *will* be slower and you won't be able to punch out 6-9 stitches at once +- 2 [Blunt tip needles](https://www.buckleguy.com/517-harness-needles-for-hand-sewing-blunt-tip-5-needles/) +- [Waxed polyester thread](https://www.buckleguy.com/ritza-25-tiger-thread-waxed-polyester-cream/) + - I use 0.8mm thickness +- Lighter (you don't need a link + +### Saddle stitch + +I recommend watching [How to Saddle Stitch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHL_duaJxWQ) in addition to reading my single-page overview. Particularly useful is his method of securing the thread to the needle (I just didn't have the space to cover this). + +1. Pre-punch holes +1. Thread needles on both ends +1. Thread through first hole +1. Needle 1 through next hole +1. Follow with needle 2. Pull existing thread to the side to avoid piercing it +1. Pull tight with even tension +1. Repeat + +To finish, stitch backwards for a few stitches. Trim ends short. Melt. Flatten by rubbing against metal end of lighter. + +## Page 8: Rivet + +One end of the rivet sits in the bowl of the **anvil**. The other end caps on and is nested in the **setter**, which is then hit with a mallet (or maul). + +A basic setter and anvil has an anvil that is larger than the rivet. + +- **Good:** works with multiple rivet sizes; cheap and common +- **Bad:** hard to set evenly + +My preference is a fixed-size setter and anvil. The anvil is sized to the rivet cap size. + +- **Good:** better looking and easier +- **Bad:** only one size of rivet; often higher quality which raises the price + +- [Basic double-cap rivets, setter, and anvil set](https://tandyleather.com/products/easy-to-do-rivets-setter) +- Fixed-size [setter](https://www.buckleguy.com/bg-rivet-setter-concave-end-multiple-sizes/) and [anvil](https://www.buckleguy.com/bg-rivet-setter-base-for-9-2-11-13mm-cap-rivets/); paired [double-cap rivets](https://www.buckleguy.com/double-cap-rivet-antique-brass-solid-brass-ll-100-sets-per-bag-multiple-sizes/)