The majority of leatherworking projects need cutting the leather. To cut thin or thick leather, use these guidelines.
Steps:
Place the leather on a flat area to work with. Use a rubber pad developed specifically for leather crafting to protect the surface. This mat will also protect your tools from getting dulled or damaged when they come into touch with the surface.
Make a cutting line along the leather’s surface with a pencil and a ruler or yardstick. Make extremely light pencil markings on the leather that do not score it.
To trace a curved line, use a French curve or another rounded edge.
Along the sketched line, place a straightedge, such as a metal ruler. The cutting blade is stabilized by a strong straightedge.
Cut through the leather with the tip of a razor knife as you travel along the straightedge. As you cut into the leather, keep the blade pressed on the straightedge.
Only go as deep as you can while maintaining control of the blade. To cut through the leather, use as many cutting passes as necessary.
In the same way, cut curved lines. If you’re freehanding your curve, make sure your razor is parallel to the leather’s surface. Using the razor, make numerous light passes along the sketched line until the leather is sliced.
To cut suede and garment leather, use leather shears.
Tips:
As often as necessary, replace the knife blade. A single blade should be sufficient for a project’s duration.
While working with the leather, keep it moist. This makes it easier to work with the leather. Using a spray bottle of water, lightly mist the entire item or dampen it with a sponge.
Using water, uniformly dampen the item. If a few drops of water accidentally fall onto the piece, moisten it completely. This will aid in the prevention of water spots.
