There are various tools used in the leather goods field. Most of these tools are manufactured locally, while others are purchased from stores that sell imported leather tools. The tools used in leather goods are many and varied. Therefore, to facilitate identification and study, this article describes marking tools, measuring tools, cutting tools, and sewing tools.
1. Marking tools
This category of leather tools is used for marking. They are used to create guide lines before sewing, cutting, thonging, or sewing. Examples of tools in this category are:
Edge Crimper – This tool is typically dragged along the edges of leather products to create a crease guide for sewing and strapping purposes.
Edger – This is a marking tool used to create lines along the edge of leather items to aid in sewing.
Leather Marker: This tool is used to mark lines as a guide for cutting and designing.
Trace Tool – Used to mark and trace lines of templates or patterns before sewing.
Spacer Wheel – This tool is used to mark equivalent gaps in leather before drilling holes for sewing.
Sewing groove: used to mark lines that serve as a guide when sewing.
Edge Beveler: This tool is used to bevel and polish the edges of thick leather.
Edge Groover – This is a metal tool with a round wooden handle. It has a flat end with an adjustable screw recessed in the end, and the slot cutter extends from the tool onto a metal shaft that can be adjusted in length via the recessed screw. It is used to produce a shallow groove in the surface of the leather into which the thread is embedded under the surface of the leather.
2. Measurement tools
They are tools that are responsible for ensuring straight and precise paths for sewing, cutting, thong and decorating. Examples of measurement tools used in leather goods are:
Dividers- Used for measuring, creating small seam intervals and setting circles for cutting strips and thongs.
Metal ruler or straight edge – used for measuring. It also serves as a guide when creating straight leather cuts.
Tape Measure: This is a long rubber tape that is used to take precise measurements.
3. Cutting tools
This group of leather tools is used for general cutting purposes. They are used to cut patterns and pieces or parts of leather. Examples of cutting tools for leather goods are:
Scissors or Scissors: This is a combo sharp cutting tool used to cut cards and papers to use as templates and to cut light leather, linings, foams and fabrics.
Chopping Knife – This is a sharp knife used to remove bulk from leather by thinning it. This technique is commonly known as chamfering.
Strap Cutter – This cutting tool is used to cut long leather straps that are used to make handles for bags, belts, etc.
Rotary Knife – Used to make light cuts or chamfered lines to help bend leather.
Head Knife: This knife is used for cutting and trimming thick pieces of leather.
Gouge – This cutting tool is used to create grooves to facilitate folding and creasing in leather work. V-Gouge: This type of groove is used to create ‘V’ grooves. U-Groove – This type of groove is used to create ‘U’ grooves.
Beveled Point Knife: This cutting tool is used to cut leather at right angles.
Glass or zinc plate: it is the surface on which the leather is placed to cut.
3. Sewing tools
These tools are used to sew pieces of leather to form the item. Some of the tools in this category help make thonging and decorative stitching a breeze. Some of the sewing tools used in leather goods are:
Needles: There are several types of needles that are used in leather goods. While some types, such as the lacing needle, are used to sew pieces of leather, others, such as gloves and harnesses, are used to sew straps to the edges of leather goods.
Thimble: This is a metal protective tool that is mainly used on the index finger as an excellent sewing aid.
Sewing Machine: This machine helps to sew pieces of leather, foam, and other synthetic leather materials.
Loop Clamp – This is a tool used to attach small belt loops to the sewing clamps when they are closed. The jaws are small enough to fit into the loop and the clamp can usually be clamped in the jaws of a pair of sewing clamps.