1. I used my domestic sewing machine. Now, I do have a button that adjusts settings for sewing leather, but I don't know that you necessarily need this. I think that if you can quilt on your machine, it can probably handle leather.
2. Leather sewing machine needles.
They have a very sharp point and blades on the edges to punch through leather.3. Binder clips. Use these in place of pins. Pins will leave holes that won't go away.
4. Thread. I read about using a heavy duty thread, so that's what I started with. My machine didn't like it at all, and I found that as I sewed it was shredding through the leather. I ended up using good old Gutermann polyester thread.
5. Where to get your leather. All the projects that I showed were using 'recycled' leather. I used an old leather coat of Mr. Riley's and also purchased three leather skirts from the thrift store. I paid $3.00 each! The leather used for clothing is not the thick leather used for making shoes and belts. It is easier to sew on a domestic machine. It really does act just like fabric. If you are looking for large pieces without seams, I'm sure there are many online sources. I just went with what was easiest (and cheapest).
6. Cutting your leather. I found that a rotary cutter worked quite well. The leather could lay flat while I cut around pattern pieces that were held with weights. Remember, no pins. I wouldn't use the blade you used on leather to go back and cut silk, though.
If I missed something, or you have any questions, just let me know and I will try to answer them.
Here is a list of things I made out of leather.
Pouches
Boot Cuffs
Bracers
Belt
Sword Belt Attachment
Vest
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