Leather working

Leather working is a complex of craft techniques for working natural leather: cutting, stitching, embossing, carving, edge painting, plaiting and forming. Leather is a demanding material: it does not stretch like fabric, does not forgive extra punctures (a needle mark stays forever) and requires special tools and strong threads. So the leatherworker's craft is a union of strength, precision and patience. Historically leather was made into footwear, belts, bags, horse harness and book covers; saddlers and shoemakers were respected artisans. Today hand leatherworking is prized in premium accessories as a mark of durability, authenticity and a mastery unattainable by mass production.