Cutting, Stitching, and Caring for Leather

Practical notes on working with full-grain and vegetable-tanned leather — from choosing cutting tools to maintaining finished pieces through Canadian winters.

Articles

Three Topics Worth Reading

Cutting

Essential Leather Cutting Techniques

A breakdown of the tools and methods used to cut vegetable-tanned and chrome-tanned leather cleanly — from utility knives to strap cutters.

Read article →

Saddle stitch technique demonstrated on leather with two needles

Stitching

Hand Stitching Leather: A Practical Guide

Saddle stitch, whip stitch, and running stitch explained with notes on thread choice, awl sizing, and stitch spacing for durable seams.

Read article →

Leather working tools including edgers, creaser and punches

Care

Leather Care and Conditioning

How to clean, condition, and store leather goods year-round, with attention to humidity changes common in Canadian climates.

Read article →

Overview

What This Site Covers

Leather working is a broad craft. This site focuses on three interconnected areas: how leather is cut, how pieces are joined by hand, and how finished goods are maintained over time.

The articles draw on widely documented techniques used by craftspeople in Canada and internationally. No proprietary methods or brand endorsements are included.

Content is updated periodically as practices evolve — particularly around conditioning products, many of which have changed formulations in recent years.

Quick Reference

Common Tools

Tool	Primary Use
Swivel knife	Carving decorative cuts
Strap cutter	Uniform-width straps
Pricking iron	Marking stitch spacing
Edge beveler	Rounding cut edges
Wing divider	Marking stitch lines

Contact

Get in Touch

Questions about content accuracy or article suggestions can be submitted using this form. Responses are not guaranteed but submissions are read.

Tanexresol
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
info@tanexresol.org