The official website, from the author Charlie Trevor.
The Artisans Guide to Leatherwork offers a great introduction to leatherwork as well as a reference for good technique and knowledge for the more established leatherworker who wants to make sure they have the knowledge they need to progress in this wonderful craft. Welcome to its home on the web!
Signed copies are available to order now from this website as well as all good book shops and also available in the Kindle Store. "The Artisans Guide to Leatherwork" aims to offer a great introduction to the craft as well as a reference for good technique and knowledge for the leatherworker who wants to make sure they have the skills, tools and information they need to progress in this wonderful craft. Packed with information and with 150+ photographs the book is focused on the techniques, knowledge, tools and materials you need to achieve a given task well and to build a firm base that will allow you to progress in your leatherwork.
The book opens with details about the types of leathers available, their pros and cons and what you should look for when buying. We then move through cutting leather, the tools you need, how to use them and how to look after and sharpen them, in itself a crucial skill. Stitching is next, with detailed instructions for saddle stitch - a deceptively difficult thing to do well. We then look at Finishing - the details that make an object nice and Pattern making, the details that make an object function and have pleasing form. To bring the knowledge together we have two sample projects, making a belt and making a card case. Both simple objects, but brilliant places to improve technique. Every apprentice in my workshop spends their first months making belts because they exercise all the core skills, over and over again. Finally, I discuss what you could look at next, the techniques such as reverse pricking that further refine your work.
The book was officially published on the 6th July 2023 and copies are making their way to bookshops around the world. Buy yours now (£12.99 + Shipping) and we'll have a signed copy on its way to you ASAP, hot off the presses. The book is also be available in all good bookshops, but buying direct helps support both me, the author and my lovely publishers Crowood
My aim for the book is to show the beauty of both the craft of leatherwork, and the tools, techniques and leatherwork itself. Therefore much time and effort has been put into the imagery, with over 150 photos and illustrations showing leather, tools and techniques. Take a look at selection from across the chapters, I hope you enjoy them.
Image 1.3 - cross section of J&FJ Baker Oak Bark leather, showing the fibre structure
Image 1.4 - the front of bridle butt and shoulder, showing the creasing of the looser shoulder
Image 3.5 Straightening bridle leather with the round or head knife
Image 4.22 Coordinating needles and awl - a tiny dance of fingers and tools
Image 6.1 Card Pattern on Leather transferring the design to leather
Image 7.5 Cutting with a Plough Guage - a tricky tool, but brilliant when you have the hang of it
Image 7.8 Edge Shaving - a great tool for firm leather
Image 7.22 3 stitches done - all ready for the keeper to be inserted
Image 8.2 Tools layer out on the bench - all the tools required to make a wallet
Image 8.13 Prick marking the outer - good pricking and a good pricking iron is the key to good stitching
Image 8.21 Edge Painting - Great edge finishing is the difference between ok and excellent work
Image 9.4 Left and Right prick marks - Reverse pricking makes a huge difference to items like wallets
Leather - Picking the right type and cut of leather for a project, from an ethical source and making sure the quality is good is key
Tools - A good craftsman never blames his tools, because he also makes sure he has the right tools for the task at hand and knows how to sharpen them!
Cutting Leather - a foundational skill for any project. leather is tough to cut well, so we discuss how to do it well and with what tools
Hand Stitching - Saddle stitch is the love of my leather life. It is hugely satisfying to make a great line of stitching. I explain the technique in detail
Finishing and Embellishing - the details that can make good work great! A project is the sum of the details and finishing is especially important
Designing and Pattern Making in Leather - how to translate your ideas in to physical objects via templates and patterns.
Making a Belt - a seemingly simple thing, but one where a good pattern and good techniques can make the difference from average to exceptional
Making a Card Case - Card cases are a great starting point in to wallet making and we explore the techniques required, including reverse pricking
Developing Further Skills - I hope you will finish the book feeling inspired and keen to keep developing your skills. I talk about where you might go next
Take a peak inside the book at some pages from Chapter 3, Cutting Leather..
Cutting leather is fundamental to making anything. The book discusses the ins and out, techniques and safety..
..as well as how to transfer your patterns to leather and how to make and use the patterns
Cutting a parallel, straight strap is a seemingly basic but actually tricky skill. Learn how!
Come and join me in the workshop, in person or virtually
I offer training courses for individuals and small groups, either in person at my workshop or online. Take a look at my website to see the courses on offer or get in touch. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have, about the book, training, or leatherwork!
If you have questions, comments or feedback about the book, you are extremely welcome to get in touch