5 Mistakes Beginners Make in Leatherwork (and How to Avoid Them)

Starting your journey into leatherwork is exciting – but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many tools, techniques, and materials, it’s natural to make a few missteps along the way. The good news? Mistakes are part of the learning process. And with a little guidance, you can avoid the most common ones and make your leatherworking experience more enjoyable (and successful).

Here are 5 of the most common mistakes beginners make in leatherwork – and how to avoid them:

1. Using Poor-Quality Leather

It’s tempting to start with the cheapest leather you can find, but poor-quality hides can lead to frustration. Low-grade leather can be tough to cut, stitch poorly, or have unpredictable results when dyed or burnished.

What to do instead:

Invest in vegetable-tanned leather, even for your first projects. It’s more forgiving, easier to work with, and allows you to develop your skills on a quality material that behaves consistently.

2. Over-Cutting or Rushing with the Knife

One slip of the blade can ruin a piece – and rushing often leads to jagged edges or unintended shapes.

How to avoid it:

Slow down and let the knife do the work. Use a sharp blade, a solid cutting surface, and always mark your cuts clearly. Over time, your control and accuracy will improve naturally.

3. Uneven Stitching

Hand-stitching is one of the most beautiful aspects of traditional leatherwork—but inconsistent spacing or depth can quickly throw off a project.

What helps:

Use a pricking iron or stitching chisel to mark evenly spaced holes, and always stitch using the traditional saddle stitch method. Take your time with the rhythm of your stitching – it’s where craftsmanship really shines.

4. Skipping the Burnishing Process

Burnishing might seem optional, but it’s the finishing touch that elevates your work. Rough or untreated edges can make even a well-made piece look unfinished.

Solution:

Learn to use gum tragacanth, edge slickers, or canvas cloths to smooth and polish your edges. It’s a simple but transformative step that adds professionalism to your work.

5. Not Allowing for Mistakes

Many beginners put pressure on themselves to make a perfect item right away. But leatherwork is a craft of patience and practice.

Mindset shift:

Treat every piece as a learning experience. Keep early projects as a benchmark of progress, and don’t be afraid to experiment or make small errors – they’re your greatest teachers.

Final Thought:

At Diamond Awl Leather Workshop, we believe that mistakes aren’t failures – they’re stepping stones. Our courses are designed to support beginners in a welcoming, hands-on environment, where you can learn, ask questions, and gain confidence in your craft.

Whether you’re making a wallet, notebook cover, or bag, every project teaches you something new. And with the right mindset – and a few expert tips – you’ll avoid common pitfalls and enjoy the process even more.

Find out more about our leather workshops at www.diamondawl.co.uk