Leatherworking Linkspage

Useful links about medieval leatherworking.
History of Leatherworking

The Tanning Industry of Medieval Britain
How leather was tanned in the Middle Ages, with a discussion of archeological tannery sites in England. http://anthrojournal.com/issue/october-2011/article/the-tanning-industry-of-medieval-britain

Leather and Leatherworking in Anglo-Scandinavian and Medieval York
A huge PDF. This is a ridiculously amazing resource for leathworking, with information about tools, decorative techniques, shoe making, shoe types, sheath making, sheath types, pouches, belts, and more. Highly recommended. http://www.yorkarchaeology.co.uk/resources/AY17-16-Leather%20and%20leatherworking.pdf

Period Leatherworking Techniques
An overview of tools and techniques used to craft leather items. http://www.personal.utulsa.edu/~marc-carlson/leather/plwt.html

Historical Leather Dyeing
Information from 16th century sources. This will have to do until something better comes up. http://www.personal.utulsa.edu/~marc-carlson/leather/ld.html

 Modern Leather Information

Leather Guide
A guide to modern leather weights and cuts, with some definitions. http://www.tandyleatherfactory.ca/en-cad/home/infoandservices/leatherguide/leatherguide.aspx



 Leather Project Guides                                                           

Leather Costrel
A build-along describing how to make a leather costrel (water bottle). http://haandkraft.blogspot.ca/2009/02/leather-costrel.html

(Another) Costrel
Another build-along about how to make a leather costrel, with reference to an extant one in the British Museum. http://leatherworkingreverend.wordpress.com/2009/10/18/costrels/

Making a Leather Case
A guide to making a medieval leather case, handy for storing pins, needles, and other small items. http://coblaith.net/PeriodPresents/SewingKit/leathercase.html

Making a Historical Leather Scabbard
With lots of information about leatherworking. http://jacksparrowcostuming.wikispaces.com/file/view/sccabards1.pdf/250905592/sccabards1.pdf

Making Black Leather Dye
A short description of how to make black leather dye with vinegar and iron. At the very least, it's better than using modern black dyes. http://www.woodwose.net/thatremindsme/2010/03/vinegar-black-medieval-leather-colouring/