Have you ever gazed upon a beautifully handcrafted leather item – a sleek wallet, a sturdy tote, or a personalized key fob – and felt that familiar tug of inspiration? That quiet whisper that says, "I could make that"? If you're anything like me, that whisper quickly turns into a delighted hum of possibility, followed by the inevitable question: "But where do I even *start*?"
For many, the world of leather crafting feels like an exclusive club, guarded by complex tools, expensive materials, and years of accumulated knowledge. But I'm here to tell you a secret, a game-changer that levels the playing field for everyone from curious beginners to seasoned artisans looking for fresh inspiration: free printable leather templates. Trust me, I once spent hours sketching out patterns on cardboard, only to find my finished piece looking… well, let's just say "rustic" was a generous term. Discovering the treasure trove of free printable leather templates was like unlocking a cheat code for precision and professionalism. It transformed my crafting journey, allowing me to dive straight into the joy of creation without the initial hurdle of design.
This isn't just about saving a few bucks on patterns; it's about unlocking a universe of creative potential. It's about empowering you to turn a humble piece of leather into something truly remarkable, something you can be proud to use, wear, or gift. In this comprehensive guide, we're going to embark on an exciting adventure through the world of free printable leather templates. We'll explore where to find them, what projects you can tackle, how to use them effectively, and even some advanced tips to elevate your leatherworking game. Whether you're cutting your very first stitch or looking for that unique design to challenge your skills, you're in the right place. So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, get comfortable, and let's dive into the incredible possibilities that await!
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Table of Contents
- [Getting Started: Essential Free Printable Leather Templates for Beginners](#getting-started-essential-free-printable-leather-templates-for-beginners)
- [Wallet Wonders: Free Printable Leather Templates for Every Style](#wallet-wonders-free-printable-leather-templates-for-every-style)
- [Bag Bonanza: From Pouches to Totes with Free Printable Leather Templates](#bag-bonanza-from-pouches-to-totes-with-free-printable-leather-templates)
- [Accessory Alchemy: Belts, Keychains, and More with Free Printable Leather Templates](#accessory-alchemy-belts-keychains-and-more-with-free-printable-leather-templates)
- [Home & Office Hacks: Desk Organizers & Decor with Free Printable Leather Templates](#home--office-hacks-desk-organizers--decor-with-free-printable-leather-templates)
- [Gift-Giving Goldmines: Personalized Template Ideas Using Free Printable Leather Templates](#gift-giving-goldmines-personalized-template-ideas-using-free-printable-leather-templates)
- [Niche & Novelty: Unique Free Printable Leather Templates for Creative Souls](#niche--novelty-unique-free-printable-leather-templates-for-creative-souls)
- [Advanced Techniques: Modifying & Designing Your Own Free Printable Leather Templates](#advanced-techniques-modifying--designing-your-own-free-printable-leather-templates)
- [The Template Toolkit: Essential Software & Printing Tips for Free Printable Leather Templates](#the-template-toolkit-essential-software--printing-tips-for-free-printable-leather-templates)
- [How to Choose the Best Free Printable Leather Template for Your Needs](#how-to-choose-the-best-free-printable-leather-template-for-your-needs)
- [Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Using Free Printable Leather Templates](#common-pitfalls-to-avoid-when-using-free-printable-leather-templates)
- [Advanced Tips for Leather Crafting Experts Using Free Printable Leather Templates](#advanced-tips-for-leather-crafting-experts-using-free-printable-leather-templates)
- [Conclusion: Your Leather Crafting Journey Starts Here](#conclusion-your-leather-crafting-journey-starts-here)
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Getting Started: Essential Free Printable Leather Templates for Beginners
Stepping into the world of leather crafting can feel daunting, but with the right free printable leather templates, it becomes an accessible and incredibly rewarding hobby. For beginners, the key is to start simple, build confidence, and get a feel for the material and basic tools. These initial projects are designed to teach you fundamental skills like cutting, punching holes, and basic stitching, without overwhelming you.
1. Simple Cardholder/Wallet: This is the quintessential beginner project. Most free printable leather templates for cardholders involve just a few pieces, often only requiring a straight cut and some stitching. They're quick to make, functional, and instantly gratifying. I remember making my first one; it wasn't perfect, but holding that small, useful item I made myself was a huge confidence boost.
2. Key Fob/Keychain: These tiny projects are fantastic for practicing precise cutting and hole punching. Many free templates offer various shapes – rectangles, teardrops, or even simple animal outlines. They use very little leather, making them economical for practice.
3. Leather Coasters: Simple circles or squares, these templates help you master consistent cutting and edge finishing. You can experiment with different leathers and finishes without the pressure of a complex assembly. Plus, they make great practical gifts!
4. Luggage Tag: A slightly larger flat project, luggage tags allow for more detailed stamping or carving if you're feeling adventurous. The templates are straightforward, usually just two pieces and a strap slot.
5. Bookmark: Another excellent flat project, bookmarks are perfect for practicing decorative cuts or simple tooling. They're quick, satisfying, and a wonderful way to personalize a gift for a book lover.
6. Cable Organizers/Wraps: These small, functional items are fantastic for using up scraps. Many free printable leather templates for cable wraps are just simple rectangles with a slit or a snap closure. They teach you about small hardware application.
7. Simple Valet Tray/Catch-All Dish: While slightly more involved, many free templates exist for simple valet trays that use a single piece of leather, folded and secured with snaps or rivets at the corners. This introduces the concept of 3D shaping.
8. Pencil Pouch (Basic): A minimalist pencil pouch template usually involves one or two pieces and a zipper. It's a great way to learn about integrating zippers into leather projects, which can be tricky but rewarding.
9. Sunglass Sleeve: A simple, protective sleeve is often just two pieces stitched together. It's a practical project that teaches you about lining up edges for stitching.
10. Basic Tool Roll/Wrap: If you have a few small tools you want to organize, a simple tool roll template is excellent. It's usually a large rectangle with pockets stitched on, teaching you how to create compartments.
11. Guitar Pick Holder: For musicians, a small pick holder is a fun, quick project. These free printable leather templates are often quite small, perfect for using up tiny leather scraps.
12. Small Leather Patches: Ideal for practicing stamping, dyeing, or carving, patches are simple shapes that can be sewn onto bags, jackets, or used as decorative elements. They're a blank canvas for artistic expression.
*Hypothetical Scenario:* My friend, Sarah, was incredibly nervous about starting leather crafting, fearing she'd ruin expensive leather. I pointed her to some free printable leather templates for a simple cardholder and a key fob. She was amazed at how easily she could follow the patterns and how professional her first pieces looked. It totally ignited her passion, and now she's tackling much more complex projects!
*My Subjective Take:* For absolute beginners, I always recommend starting with a simple cardholder. The satisfaction of creating something functional so quickly is unparalleled and really fuels the motivation to keep going.
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Wallet Wonders: Free Printable Leather Templates for Every Style
Wallets are arguably one of the most popular leather crafting projects, and for good reason! They're practical, personal, and offer endless design possibilities. The beauty of free printable leather templates for wallets is that they cater to every taste, from minimalist to feature-packed.
1. Minimalist Card Wallets: Often just two or three pieces, these templates focus on a slim profile for a few cards and folded cash. They are excellent for practicing clean lines and precise stitching.
2. Bi-Fold Wallets: The classic choice. You'll find a plethora of free printable leather templates for bi-folds, ranging from simple designs with a single bill slot and a few card slots to more complex ones with hidden pockets and ID windows.
3. Tri-Fold Wallets: Offering more storage in a compact form, tri-fold templates are a step up in complexity. They involve more pieces and precise folding to create multiple compartments.
4. Long Wallets/Clutch Wallets: These are larger templates, often designed to hold cash flat, multiple cards, and even a phone. They can be simple, elegant designs or feature more intricate closures and internal layouts.
5. Coin Purses (Various Styles): From simple pouch designs with a snap closure to more structured, gusseted coin purses, free printable leather templates offer great variety. Some even mimic vintage coin purse styles.
6. Passport Wallets: Perfect for travelers, these templates are designed to hold a passport, boarding passes, and cards securely. They often feature multiple slots and a slim profile.
7. Zipper Wallets: Incorporating a zipper adds a new challenge but also enhances security. You'll find templates for small zippered cardholders or larger zippered clutch wallets. This is a skill worth mastering!
8. Vertical Card Wallets: A modern take on the cardholder, these templates feature vertical card slots, often allowing for easier access. They offer a sleek, contemporary look.
9. Magnetic Closure Wallets: Some innovative free printable leather templates incorporate magnetic snaps, adding a touch of sophistication and ease of use. This requires careful placement of the magnets.
10. "Magic" Wallets: These clever templates use elastic straps to "magically" secure cash and cards. They are incredibly fun to make and demonstrate a unique functionality.
11. Wallet with External Quick-Access Slot: Many templates now include a dedicated external slot for a frequently used card, making transactions faster and smoother.
12. Customizable Wallet Inserts: Beyond full wallet templates, you can find free printable leather templates for individual card slots, bill dividers, or ID windows that you can mix and match to create your own unique wallet layout.
*Hypothetical Scenario:* I spent a weekend meticulously crafting a custom bi-fold wallet for my brother's birthday. The free printable leather template I found online was a lifesaver; it had perfectly aligned card slots and a smart design for the billfold. He uses it every day, and it's so satisfying to see something I made from scratch being put to such good use!
*My Subjective Take:* For me, the beauty of wallet templates lies in their modularity. I often take elements from different free printable leather templates – say, the card slot design from one and the billfold from another – and combine them to create a truly personalized piece. It's like building with leather LEGOs!
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Bag Bonanza: From Pouches to Totes with Free Printable Leather Templates
Creating a leather bag, even a small one, feels like a major accomplishment. It combines multiple leatherworking skills and results in a truly substantial item. The good news is that there are many fantastic free printable leather templates available to guide you through the process, from simple pouches to elegant totes.
1. Simple Drawstring Pouches: These are excellent for beginners venturing into 3D objects. Most templates are a single piece of leather that folds up and is secured with a drawstring. Perfect for holding dice, jewelry, or small trinkets.
2. Gusseted Pouches/Clutches: These templates introduce the concept of gussets, which give a bag its depth. You'll find free printable leather templates for small zippered pouches, cosmetic bags, or flat clutches with a flap closure.
3. Minimalist Cross-Body Bags: Often designed with just a few pieces, these templates focus on clean lines and a simple main compartment. They're ideal for carrying essentials and getting comfortable with strap attachment.
4. Tote Bags (Basic): While larger, many basic tote bag templates are surprisingly simple, often just two main body pieces and a few strap pieces. They're fantastic for learning about larger cuts and robust stitching.
5. Small Satchels/Messenger Bags: These templates are more complex, involving flaps, buckles, and often multiple pockets. They're a great challenge for intermediate crafters and yield truly impressive results.
6. Tablet/Laptop Sleeves: Designed for protection, these templates are usually straightforward – two pieces of leather stitched together with a closure. They teach precision in fitting and often involve soft lining.
7. Backpack (Mini/Drawstring): Don't expect a full hiking pack, but many free printable leather templates exist for small, stylish drawstring backpacks or mini rucksacks. These are great for learning about shoulder strap construction.
8. Bucket Bags: These templates create a cylindrical bag, often with a drawstring closure. They're unique and provide a good exercise in shaping leather into a round form.
9. Belt Bags/Fanny Packs: Making a comeback, these templates range from very simple, flat designs to more structured versions with multiple compartments. They're practical and fashionable.
10. Camera Bags (Small/Mirrorless): For photographers, some free printable leather templates offer designs for compact camera bags, often with padded interiors and specific lens compartments.
11. Tool Rolls (Advanced): While we mentioned simple ones, more advanced tool roll templates can be quite large, with many individual pockets and a secure tie-down system. Great for workshop organization.
12. Pattern for Bag Flaps & Closures: Sometimes, you'll find free printable leather templates not for a whole bag, but for specific components like unique flap shapes, buckle straps, or magnetic closures, allowing you to customize existing designs.
*Hypothetical Scenario:* I once thought making a leather bag was way beyond my skill level. But then I discovered a free printable leather template for a simple gusseted clutch. It looked complicated, but the template broke it down into such manageable steps. Following it meticulously, I ended up with a beautiful, fully functional clutch that I carry all the time. It was a huge confidence booster!
*My Subjective Take:* My absolute favorite type of bag template is the minimalist cross-body. It's elegant, practical, and teaches you so much about balancing form and function with minimal material. It’s also incredibly rewarding to wear something you’ve made that looks store-bought.
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Accessory Alchemy: Belts, Keychains, and More with Free Printable Leather Templates
Leather accessories are the perfect way to add a touch of handmade elegance to your everyday life. They're often smaller projects, making them quicker to complete and ideal for experimenting with different leather types, finishes, and hardware. With free printable leather templates, the possibilities for personalizing your style are endless.
1. Classic Belts (Various Widths): While a belt might seem like just a strip of leather, free printable leather templates provide precise measurements for cutting the strap, marking buckle holes, and punching slots for the tang. You can find templates for casual, dress, or even western-style belts.
2. Custom Keychains/Key Fobs: Beyond the basic shapes, you'll find templates for more intricate keychains, like those with multiple loops, integrated bottle openers, or complex layered designs. These are fantastic for using up small leather scraps.
3. Watch Straps: Making your own watch strap is incredibly satisfying. Free printable leather templates for watch straps will give you the exact dimensions for the lug width, tapers, and buckle holes, ensuring a perfect fit for your timepiece.
4. Bracelets (Cuff, Wrap, Braided): From simple leather cuff templates that you can tool or dye, to more complex wrap bracelets with buckle closures, and even templates for pre-cutting strips for braiding, there's a huge variety.
5. Phone Grips/Pop Socket Covers: A modern accessory, these templates allow you to create custom leather tops for phone grips, adding a unique, tactile element to your device.
6. Earbud Cases/Wraps: Keep your wireless earbuds safe and tangled-free with small, custom-fit cases. Many free printable leather templates offer creative solutions for these tiny essentials.
7. Cable Ties/Wraps (Detailed): While simple cable wraps were for beginners, more detailed templates include designs for headphone wraps with snap closures, or multi-slot cable organizers.
8. Eyeglass Sleeves/Cases: Protect your spectacles with a custom leather sleeve. Templates vary from simple slip-in designs to more structured cases with a magnetic closure.
9. Lighter Cases: A unique and often requested item, free printable leather templates for lighter cases allow you to craft a snug, stylish holder for standard lighters.
10. Guitar Straps: For the musician, some generous creators offer free printable leather templates for full-sized guitar straps. These are larger projects but incredibly rewarding and allow for extensive customization.
11. Hair Barrette/Clip Covers: Add a touch of leather to your hair accessories with templates for covering standard hair clips or creating decorative barrettes.
12. Pet Collars (Simple): While requiring sturdy leather and hardware, basic pet collar templates provide the dimensions and hole placements for a simple, durable collar for your furry friend.
*Hypothetical Scenario:* My partner loves vintage watches, and finding custom straps can be expensive. I found a fantastic free printable leather template for a watch strap that perfectly fit his watch's lug width. It took some patience, but the result was a unique, high-quality strap that looked professionally made. He was absolutely thrilled!
*My Subjective Take:* I'm a big fan of making custom keychains. They're quick, use up small scraps, and you can get really creative with the designs. Plus, they make fantastic small gifts. Free printable leather templates for keychains are truly a goldmine for quick wins and unique expressions.
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Home & Office Hacks: Desk Organizers & Decor with Free Printable Leather Templates
Leather isn't just for personal wear; it can also bring warmth, organization, and a touch of rustic elegance to your living and working spaces. Utilizing free printable leather templates for home and office items is a fantastic way to combine practicality with sophisticated design, often transforming overlooked corners into stylish statements.
1. Desk Mats/Mouse Pads: A large, flat piece of leather makes for a luxurious desk mat or mouse pad. While seemingly simple, templates can offer precise corner radii or even integrated pen holders. They provide a smooth, comfortable surface.
2. Pen Holders/Pencil Cases (Desk Top): Beyond the simple pouch, many free printable leather templates are designed for desk-standing pen holders, often with multiple compartments or unique shapes. They help keep your workspace tidy.
3. Coasters (Advanced Designs): While basic coasters are beginner-friendly, you can find free printable leather templates for more intricate coaster designs, such as those with decorative cut-outs, stitched edges, or even stacked layers.
4. Valet Trays/Catch-All Dishes (Structured): Moving beyond the simple single-piece design, templates for more structured valet trays might include separate side pieces, reinforced corners, or dividers to organize keys, coins, and phones.
5. Plant Pot Sleeves/Covers: Give your potted plants a stylish upgrade with a custom leather sleeve. Templates can accommodate various pot sizes and often feature attractive stitching patterns or closures.
6. Remote Control Caddies: Keep your remotes organized and easily accessible with a custom leather caddy. Free printable leather templates for these are designed to hold multiple remotes upright and neatly.
7. Book Covers/Journal Wraps: Protect your favorite books or journals with a custom leather cover. Templates ensure a snug fit and often include slots for pens or bookmarks. This is a wonderful way to personalize a gift for a stationery lover.
8. Small Storage Baskets/Bins: For organizing craft supplies, office clutter, or small household items, these templates allow you to create charming leather bins. They often involve gusseted sides and sturdy construction.
9. Cable Management Boxes/Wraps (Desk): Beyond simple cable ties, some free printable leather templates are for larger leather boxes or wraps designed to neatly hide power strips and unruly cables under or on your desk.
10. Decorative Wall Hangings/Art: Leather can be a beautiful medium for home decor. You might find templates for geometric wall hangings, small framed leather art, or even decorative tassels to adorn furniture.
11. Drawer Organizers: Create custom-fit leather dividers or trays for your drawers to keep items neatly separated and protected. Templates can be adapted to specific drawer dimensions.
12. Key Holders (Wall Mounted): Combine function and style with a wall-mounted leather key holder. These templates often feature hooks or slots for keys and can be a focal point in an entryway.
*Hypothetical Scenario:* My home office used to be a chaos of cables and pens. I stumbled upon a free printable leather template for a desktop organizer that combined a pen holder with a small tray. It totally transformed my workspace, making it feel more intentional and calming. It's one of those small changes that makes a big daily difference.
*My Subjective Take:* I absolutely adore making leather coasters. They're quick, satisfying, and a great way to use up smaller scraps. Plus, you can stamp or brand them for a truly personalized touch. My go-to is a simple circular template with a nice, burnished edge.
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Gift-Giving Goldmines: Personalized Template Ideas Using Free Printable Leather Templates
There's something incredibly special about receiving a handmade gift, and a handcrafted leather item takes that sentiment to a whole new level. Leather gifts are durable, personal, and often become cherished heirlooms. The beauty of free printable leather templates is that they make crafting these thoughtful presents accessible, allowing you to focus on the personalization that makes them truly unique.
1. Personalized Cardholders/Wallets: As mentioned, wallets are popular. Add initials, a meaningful date, or a small custom design using stamping or laser engraving (if you have access) to a basic cardholder template.
2. Custom Keychains with Names/Dates: Keychains are perfect for small, personalized gestures. Find a simple free printable leather template and stamp the recipient's name, a significant date, or a symbol that represents them.
3. Engraved Leather Bookmarks: For the avid reader in your life, a leather bookmark with their name, a favorite quote, or a unique design from a free printable leather template is a thoughtful and practical gift.
4. Monogrammed Valet Trays: A valet tray with a debossed monogram or initial is a sophisticated gift for anyone who needs a stylish spot for their everyday carry items.
5. Customized Passport Covers: For the frequent traveler, a leather passport cover with their initials or a travel-themed design made from a free printable leather template is both practical and luxurious.
6. "His & Hers" or "Couple" Key Fobs: Create matching key fobs using simple free printable leather templates, perhaps with complementary designs or initials, for a lovely couple's gift.
7. Personalized Guitar Picks/Holders: If you know a musician, a custom leather guitar pick (using a template) or a small pick holder is a unique and cherished gift.
8. Pet Tags/Collar Decorations: For pet lovers, a custom leather tag for their furry friend, perhaps with the pet's name or a charming design, made from a free printable leather template, is incredibly sweet.
9. "First Home" Keychain/Coaster Set: Using a simple house-shaped keychain template or a coaster template, you can commemorate a new home with a stamped date or address.
10. Wedding/Anniversary Gifts: Small leather items like a personalized ring dish (using a valet tray template), or custom coasters with wedding dates, make for memorable and unique gifts.
11. "Thank You" Gifts for Teachers/Mentors: A simple, elegant leather bookmark or a personalized pencil case made from a free printable leather template is a thoughtful way to show appreciation.
12. Gift Card Holders/Small Envelopes: Instead of a generic paper holder, craft a beautiful leather gift card holder using a small envelope template. It elevates the simplest gift.
*Hypothetical Scenario:* For my sister's birthday, I wanted something truly special. She loves to read, so I found a beautiful scroll-shaped free printable leather template for a bookmark. I then carefully stamped her initials and a small floral design onto it. She literally teared up when she saw it, saying it was the most thoughtful gift she'd ever received because I made it myself.
*My Subjective Take:* I truly believe that the best gifts aren't bought, they're made. And for that, free printable leather templates are an absolute game-changer. They provide the perfect foundation for you to pour your love and effort into something truly unique. My absolute favorite for gifts is a custom valet tray – it's practical, looks impressive, and offers a great surface for personalization.
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Niche & Novelty: Unique Free Printable Leather Templates for Creative Souls
Once you've mastered the basics and explored common projects, the world of free printable leather templates opens up to truly unique and whimsical creations. These niche templates allow you to explore different facets of leather crafting, challenge your skills, and create items that are out of the ordinary, often sparking conversations and showcasing your creative flair.
1. Tiny Leather Animals/Figures: Many designers offer free printable leather templates for crafting small, delightful leather creatures like owls, foxes, turtles, or even abstract geometric animals. They're excellent for practicing intricate cuts and small-scale assembly.
2. Dice Trays (Collapsible): For board game enthusiasts, a collapsible leather dice tray is a fantastic project. These templates often involve snaps at the corners, allowing the tray to lie flat for storage.
3. Small Boxes/Containers (Non-Valet): Beyond valet trays, you can find templates for fully enclosed leather boxes with lids, perfect for small treasures, jewelry, or even custom card decks.
4. Leather Flowers/Botanical Elements: Explore your artistic side with templates for creating beautiful, lifelike leather flowers, leaves, or other botanical decorations. These can be used as embellishments or stand-alone art.
5. Tool Sheaths/Covers (Specific): If you have a unique tool (e.g., a multi-tool, a specific knife, a small axe), you might find free printable leather templates for custom-fit sheaths that offer protection and a secure carry.
6. Cable Holders/Wraps for Chargers (Structured): More than just simple wraps, some templates offer structured holders for phone chargers or laptop power bricks, keeping them neat and protected.
7. Leather Armor Cosplay Elements (Small): For cosplayers or history enthusiasts, you might find free printable leather templates for small armor components like bracers, gauntlets, or decorative scales, perfect for beginners in prop making.
8. Camera Lens Cap Holders: A simple yet ingenious item, these templates create a small leather pouch or clip to keep your camera lens cap secure and easily accessible.
9. Headphone Wraps/Straps: Beyond basic cable wraps, some templates are designed for more ergonomic and stylish wraps for larger over-ear headphones, often incorporating a closure.
10. Small Decorative Masks/Key Holders: For a unique wall hanging or a very distinct keychain, some free printable leather templates feature abstract or stylized mask designs that can be tooled and painted.
11. Leather Buttons/Toggles: Learn to make your own custom leather buttons or toggles using small templates. These are perfect for adding a handmade touch to garments or bags.
12. Miniature Prop Replicas: You might even stumble upon free printable leather templates for tiny replicas of historical items, like miniature satchels or scrolls, perfect for dollhouses or collectors.
*Hypothetical Scenario:* I was looking for a unique gift for my D&D-loving friend, and I found a free printable leather template for a collapsible dice tray. It was a bit more complex than my usual projects, but the step-by-step instructions were clear. When I gave it to him, he was absolutely blown away! He uses it for every game night, and it's a huge conversation starter.
*My Subjective Take:* I love how these niche free printable leather templates push the boundaries of what you think you can make with leather. My personal favorite unexpected find was a template for a tiny leather octopus – totally whimsical and a joy to assemble. It's hanging on my desk now, a testament to the fun you