Learn Leathercraft
Our favorite learning resources for beginners, hobbyists, and experienced makers
Looking for the best way to learn leathercraft—or level up your skills? This page is a curated list of the platforms, creators, podcasts, and publications we recommend most at Odin Leather Goods. Whether you’re a beginner learning fundamentals or an experienced maker refining your process, these resources can help you build faster, cleaner, and with more confidence.
We’ve included a short summary of each source so you can quickly find the learning style that fits you best—video, courses, podcasts, magazines, and more.
Learning Platforms
If you learn best through structured courses—these are the platforms we recommend first. Many offer beginner-friendly fundamentals and deeper skill-building for experienced makers.
LearnLeathercraft.com
An aggregation of leathercraft lessons from across the community—new and old. Great for exploring different instructors and teaching styles. Many classes are sold individually, making it easy to learn one skill or project at a time.
Visit LearnLeathercraft.com →Illume Connect
A deep library of courses covering a wide range of leathercraft skills—saddle making, horse tack, tooling, bag making, pattern making, boot making, and more. You’ll find free classes, individual paid courses, and subscription options with lifetime access. Odin Clack (Odin Leather Goods) is also an instructor on Illume, with classes ranging from bag builds and workshop fundamentals (like setting copper rivets) to business-focused topics (pop-up markets, marketing basics, and more).
Browse Illume Courses →Podcasts
Podcasts are perfect for learning on the go—shop time, commuting, or when you need a dose of inspiration, business thinking, and maker mindset.
Beyond the Workbench (Odin Clack & Michael Magnus)
Conversations for makers who want to build better work and stronger businesses—covering craft, mindset, entrepreneurship, and the behind-the-scenes realities of running a maker brand.
Listen on Spotify →Lost Trade Podcast (Don Gonzales)
A respected voice in leathercraft—great for learning from a seasoned maker and hearing practical insight into craft, tradition, and improvement over time.
Listen on Spotify →Monday Mornings (Carey Schwartz & Willie Capron)
A steady mix of maker encouragement, craft perspective, and thoughtful conversation—great for staying motivated and sharpening how you approach your work.
Listen on Spotify →Leather Life Podcast (Joe Meling)
A maker-focused show that blends craft discussion with practical insight from the leatherworking world—great for learning new ideas and staying connected to the community.
Link coming soonIndustry Publications
If you like learning through articles, interviews, patterns, and community stories, these publications are excellent resources for both beginners and experienced makers.
Illume Magazine
A modern leathercraft publication featuring maker stories, education, and inspiration—great for staying current on trends, techniques, and community highlights.
Read Illume Magazine →Leathercrafters Journal
A long-standing resource in the leathercraft world—packed with practical articles, projects, and maker-focused learning across many styles of work.
Visit Leathercrafters Journal →YouTube Channels to Follow
YouTube is one of the fastest ways to learn leathercraft fundamentals and pick up new techniques. Follow these channels for tutorials, builds, tool reviews, shop workflow, and inspiration across a variety of styles.
Odin Leather Goods
Shop-tested builds, patterns, production insights, and practical leathercraft learning—made for makers who want to improve their work and their workflow.
Watch OLG on YouTube →23+ Leather
Clear, practical leathercraft content with a strong focus on technique and execution—great for makers who want to tighten up their skills.
Watch 23+ Leather →Girty Leather
Project builds and process-focused videos that help newer makers see how things come together step by step—useful for learning workflow and pacing.
Watch Girty Leather →Don Gonzales Saddlery
World-class traditional leatherwork and tooling insight—excellent for makers who want to level up craftsmanship, precision, and classic technique.
Watch Don Gonzales →Weaver Leather Supply
A strong mix of leathercraft education, tool demos, and shop-friendly technique—especially helpful if you’re learning fundamentals or exploring new tools.
Watch Weaver Leather Supply →Illume Connect
A great companion to the Illume course platform—clips, education highlights, and maker-focused learning across a wide variety of skill areas.
Watch Illume Connect →Armitage Leather
Some of the best instruction available for refining fundamentals—especially stitching, precision, and clean execution. Great for makers leveling up.
Watch Armitage Leather →