5 Common Mistakes Beginners Make in Leather Craft (And How to Avoid Them)

Starting out in leather craft is exciting — but it’s easy to fall into some avoidable traps. I’ve made plenty myself when I was just getting into it. At Halcyon Leather Co. , my goal isn’t just to sell quality goods, it’s also to share what I’ve learned along the way.

Whether you’re picking up your first awl or just curious about how your wallet was made, here are five beginner mistakes I see all the time (and how to fix them):

1. Using Cheap, Low-Quality Leather

You can’t make a great product with bad materials. Many beginners use chrome-tanned scraps or “genuine leather”, which crack, peel, and don’t age well. Start with vegetable-tanned, full-grain leather — it’s forgiving, long-lasting, and ages beautifully. (Read more about why in this post)

If you’re not ready to commit to a full hide, check out small off-cut bundles from places like District Leather Supply — they’re affordable and great for practice!

2. Rushing the Process

Leather craft rewards patience. Whether you’re hand-stitching a belt or beveling edges on a wallet, rushing leads to sloppy work. Take your time — especially on prep work like cutting, measuring, and gluing. Speed comes later.

3. Not Using Sharp Tools

A dull blade will ruin your cuts and your patience. Beginners often use cheap utility knives that tear leather instead of slicing it. Invest in a decent skiving knife or rotary cutter — even on a budget. (I’ll share some favorites in my next blog — stay tuned.)

4. Ignoring the Edges

Beginners often finish a project without smoothing, beveling, or burnishing the edges. It might seem minor, but it makes a huge difference. Use edge tools, water, and a bit of elbow grease (or a wood slicker) to round things out… literally.

Want to see what a finished edge should look like? Take a peek at some of our products here.

5. Skipping the Stitch Practice

Saddle stitching by hand is a skill — and it’s worth practicing before going straight to your final piece. Uneven holes, loose threads, and wobbly spacing are super common in beginner projects. A cheap pricking iron and some scrap leather go a long way here.

If you’re stuck, the folks at Armitage Leather have incredible tutorials.

One Last Thing:

Every leather crafter starts somewhere. Making mistakes is part of the process — what matters is learning from them. Whether you’re just getting into the craft or are curious about how we do things at Halcyon Leather Co., I hope this gave you a helpful peek behind the curtain.