Best Leathercrafting Books of 2026

Get Started in Leather Crafting is an excellent guide for both beginners and experienced leather artists. Authored by Tony and Kay Laier, this book covers everything from the basics of leather preparation to the use of tools, stamps, punches, cutters, and more. With step-by-step instructions and color photos, the Laier's provide expert tips on edge finishing methods, creative stitching, lacing, braiding, and embossing. The book also includes a traditional floral carving project. Overall, this book is an essential reference for anyone interested in leather crafting.

This leathercrafting guide is a comprehensive, step-by-step beginner's manual for creating leather armor, costume, and accessories for various events, including Ren fests, SCA, LARP, Cosplay, film, and theater. The author, Alex Agricola, shares his passion and techniques gathered over 25 years of experience, including sourcing materials, tool types and techniques, leather tooling, embossing, and more. The book also offers professional tips and tricks, making it the most comprehensive leatherworking book available. This book is perfect for anyone interested in mastering the traditional craft of leatherworking.

The Unofficial Book of Cricut Crafts by Crystal Allen is the perfect guide for anyone interested in using a Cricut machine. With over 300 pages, this book covers everything from the basics of the different Cricut machines to advanced techniques for cutting a variety of materials like fabric, vinyl, and even infusible ink. The step-by-step instructions and photos for each project make it easy to follow along and create personalized crafts like keychains, wine glasses, and even a rag quilt. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, this book is a must-have resource for all your Cricut crafting needs.

Leathercraft by Nigel Armitage is a comprehensive guidebook for leathercrafters who value quality and tradition. The book features beginner to advanced level projects, each rooted in the foundational techniques of the craft. Armitage, a master crafter with 30 years of experience, shares his expertise and passion for leatherworking, making this book a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced crafters. The projects use modern tools and materials but still prioritize longevity and durability. Overall, Leathercraft offers a timeless and traditional approach to leatherworking that will inspire and challenge readers to take their creations to the next level.

The Encyclopedia of Rawhide and Leather Braiding is a must-have for anyone interested in leathercrafting. Written by the late Bruce Grant, a braider and writer with years of experience on the subject, the book combines previously published material with completely new content. With over 350 illustrations, the step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, making it applicable to many other materials besides leather. From personal gear to horse equipment and decorative leatherwork, this book provides all the information needed for this satisfying pastime. Schiffer Publishing did an excellent job in producing this comprehensive guide to braiding.

This book is a practical guide to introduce you to the fascinating craft of shoemaking, providing step-by-step instructions to make your first pair of handmade shoes. With over 380 color photographs and straightforward explanations, Harry Rogers shows you how to make hand-welted shoes, using traditional techniques that have been used for many years to make high-end shoes. The book covers everything you need to know, from selecting leather and shoe lasts to making and using traditional wooden pegs to secure heels. It's a pretty detailed book comprising 270 pages with advice on what tools to get, and how to assemble your shoes. Overall, a great resource for anyone interested in shoemaking.

The Leather Crafting Starter Book by Design Originals is an excellent guide for beginners who want to learn the art of leather crafting. With over 1,200 step-by-step photos and instructions, readers can easily learn the basic techniques of leather crafting, from stitching to dyeing, punching, and pyrography. The book features 16 projects, ranging from simple to complex designs, with full-size patterns for wallets, cases, covers, bags, moccasins, and more. Overall, this is a comprehensive and informative guide that will help readers master the traditional craft of leatherworking.

Make: Props and Costume Armor is a comprehensive guide to creating realistic science fiction and fantasy weapons, armor, and accessories. Written by master prop maker Shawn Thorsson, the book provides detailed explanations of the tools, methods, and processes needed to create professional-looking props and armor. The book covers everything from basic fabrication methods to 3D printing, molding, casting, painting, and weathering techniques. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned builder, this book is a valuable addition to your workshop library. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to create their own props and costumes.

The Leatherworking Handbook by Valerie Michael is a comprehensive guide for both beginners and experienced craft enthusiasts. The book covers all the necessary materials, tools and techniques required to create leather goods and features well-chosen projects ranging from wallets to bags. The instructions are easy to understand and concise, making it a valuable reference work. The book has received positive reviews from Booklist and Library Journal. Overall, this book is an excellent introduction to the classic art of leatherworking and a must-read for anyone interested in this craft.

Deerskins into Buckskins: How to Tan with Brains, Soap or Eggs; 2nd Edition is a comprehensive guide to natural leather making that teaches tanning as a natural process, without the need for chemicals. The book is designed to be easily understood by beginners yet rich with details for the experienced. With over 165 photographs and illustrations, the book takes readers step-by-step from raw skin to velvety soft buckskin and then shows how to create beautiful garments and useful goods. The book is not only practical but also entertaining with history, humor, and science. Overall, it's a must-read for anyone interested in preserving and using their deer hide to make garments, gloves, or other goods.