How to Customize Veg Tan Leather with Tooling, Carving & Dyeing

A leather crafting workspace featuring tools, a patterned leather sheet, and a granite slab, with a container holding a sponge.

If you’re just getting started in leatherworking, one of the most rewarding skills you can learn is how to customize veg tan leather. With a few basic tools and techniques, you can transform natural veg tanned leather into custom leather projects with rich color, detailed texture, and one-of-a-kind character.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps for leather tooling, carving, and dyeing—perfect for adding a personal touch to wallets, belts, bags, and other handmade leather projects.

Why Veg Tan Leather is Perfect for Leather Tooling and Dyeing

Three rolls of Veg Tan Leather resting on a flat surface.

When it comes to custom leatherwork, not all leathers are created equal. Vegetable tanned leather—often called “veg tan” for short—is the go-to choice for tooling and dyeing leather because of its natural finish and workability.

Benefits of Veg Tan Leather for Custom Leather Projects:

Absorbs water and dye easily for carving and adding color
Responds well to hand tools, stamps, and knives
Softens and can develop a natural patina over time with use
Holds detailed impressions for intricate designs

Weaver Leather Supply offers a wide selection of premium veg tan leather sides, bellies, and cut pieces—all carefully selected for quality and consistency so you can get beautiful results every time.

How to Prepare Veg Tan Leather for Tooling and Carving

A person using a sponge to apply water to a piece of vegetable-tanned leather on a cutting mat.

Proper leather prep sets the foundation for success. Before you begin leather stamping or carving, lightly moisten the leather in a process called casing. This makes the surface more receptive to impressions and easier to cut.

Quick Tip for Leather Casing:

Use a sponge or spray bottle to evenly dampen the leather. Let it rest until the surface returns to its natural color but still feels cool to the touch. That’s the sweet spot for working with it.

Prepping your leather properly will give you sharper, cleaner results whether you’re hand tooling or getting ready to apply leather dye.

Leather Tooling for Beginners – Tools and Techniques

A textured leather piece surrounded by various crafting tools on a granite surface, showcasing intricate details for leatherwork.

Leather tooling is the art of creating designs by pressing patterns and textures into the surface of the leather. It’s a great way to add personality to your leather projects—from western floral patterns to geometric borders.

Essential Leather Tooling Supplies

Weaver Leather Supply carries everything you need to get started with leather stamping and tooling, including:

Swivel knives - for carving outlines
Bevelers and shaders - to create depth and texture
Background tools - to fill in negative space
Stamp sets - for decorative impressions
Mallets and mauls - for consistent striking

If you’re new to leathercraft, check out our Basic Stamping Tool Set with Swivel Knife to get started with high-quality, easy-to-use tools.

Leather Stamping Basics

A hand using a stamping tool to stamp designs onto a piece of veg tan leather resting on a granite surface

Case your leather.
Decide what stamp pattern you want to create—you can test patterns and shapes on a scrap piece of leather.
Place your stamp straight up and down on the leather so that it forms a 90 degree angle.
Strike the top of the stamp evenly with your maul or mallet.

For a hands-on demonstration, check out our video on Basic Leather Stamping, where Chuck Dorsett breaks down how to case your leather, how to arrange your stamp, and how to strike evenly and achieve consistent results.

Leather Carving Basics

A person skillfully carving an intricate design into a piece of vegetable-tanned leather using a swivel knife.

Case your leather.
Transfer your design onto the leather using tracing film and a stylus.
Cut the design using a swivel knife to define edges.
Use stamps and bevelers to enhance your project with texture and shape.

Leather Carving Techniques for Floral and Scroll Designs

Leather carving takes your tooling to the next level. With curved, flowing cuts and intricate designs, you can create traditional Western floral patterns, scrolls, and even custom lettering.

In our Introduction to Floral Carving video series, Joe Meling walks you through how to carve petals, stems, and scrolls with clarity and precision.

How to Use a Swivel Knife

A sharp swivel knife is essential for smooth, flowing cuts in leather carving. Hold the knife vertically and guide it with your fingers, not your wrist. Keep your blade sharp and stropped for clean cuts that follow your design lines.

Adding Depth with Bevelers and Lifters

Once your design is carved, use bevelers to raise and lower sections of the leather. This creates a realistic, three-dimensional effect that makes your work stand out.

Whether you’re carving leather belts, wallets, notebook covers, or decorative panels, taking the time to learn the basics of leather carving will make your projects more expressive and professional.

Leather Dyeing Techniques for Custom Finishes

A mahogany leather dye bottle, brush, sponge, and leather piece scattered with dye on a work surface, ready for leather crafting.

Color is the final layer of personality in any custom leather project. Leather dyeing allows you to add bold tones, vintage finishes, or subtle shading to make your design truly one-of-a-kind.

Choosing the Right Leather Dye

Weaver Leather Supply offers a wide variety of leather dyes for every kind of finish:

Fiebing’s Pro Dye - for deep, professional-grade color
Antique Gel - for enhancing tooling and carved details
Fiebing’s Edge Kote - for giving edges consistent, waterproof color

Not sure which dye to use? Start by testing on a scrap piece of veg tanned leather to see how it takes the color.

How to Dye Leather

There are several ways to apply dye depending on the finish you want:

Daubers or wool pads - for even, all-over color
Brushes - for precise or multi-color detailing
Sponges or airbrushes - for soft blends or gradient effects

For a visual walkthrough, check out Chuck’s video on Hand Dyeing Leather to see the process step-by-step.

Antiquing Tip:

Apply antique gel generously, then wipe off the surface to leave color in the recessed tooling. It’s one of the best ways to highlight your hard work.

Protecting and Finishing Your Leather Project

A person applies leather balm to decorated leather coasters on a work surface, surrounded by crafting tools and supplies.

Once you’ve tooled, carved, and dyed your leather, apply a leather finish or top coat to protect your work. This locks in the color and gives your piece a polished, professional look.

Popular leather finishes include:

Resolene - for a glossy, water-resistant finish
Pro Resist - for a tough finish that resists moisture, sun, and dirt
Leather Balm with Atom Wax - for a natural, hand-rubbed finish

Apply your top coat in thin, even layers and let it dry completely before use.

Bring Your Leather Craft Vision to Life

Customizing veg tanned leather with tooling, carving, and dyeing isn’t just a skill—it’s a creative journey that adds personality and depth to every project you make. Whether you’re crafting a hand-tooled wallet, a carved belt, or a custom-dyed bag, the right techniques can take your work from simple to stunning.

Every maker should have access to high-quality vegetable tanned leather, professional tools, and expert guidance. That’s why Weaver Leather Supply offers everything you need to bring your leathercraft vision to life—from handmade leather project inspiration to top-tier supplies and tutorials trusted by beginners and pros alike.

So grab your tools, case your leather, and start carving. The only limit is your imagination—and we’re here to help you every step of the way.