Leatherwork Merit Badge Pamphlet Leatherwork Merit Badge

Leatherwork


Requirements were REVISED effective January 1, 2014.
A new merit badge pamphlet was issued during 2013.

New text is in bold GREEN underlined Serif text like this sentence.
Deleted portions are struck through RED italic text like this sentence.

To see the requirements, without the changes highlighted, Click here.

For the previous requirements, Click here.


  1. Identify and demonstrate to your counselor the safe use of leatherworking tools. Show correct procedures for handling leathercraft dyes, cements, and finishes. Know first aid for cuts, internal poisoning, and skin irritation.
    Do the following:
    1. Explain to your counsel the hazards you are most likely to encounter while using leatherwork tools and materials, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, or lessen these hazards.
    2. Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while working with leather, including minor cuts and scratches, puncture wounds, ingested poisoning, and reactions from exposure to chemicals such as dyes, cements, and finishes used in leatherworking.
  2. Explain to your counselor
    1. Where leather comes from
    2. What kinds of hides are used to make leather
    3. What are five types of leather
    4. What are the best uses for each type of leather
  3. Make one or more articles of leather that use at least five of the following steps:
    1. Pattern layout and transfer
    2. Cutting leather
    3. Punching holes
    4. Carving or stamping surface designs.
    5. Applying dye or stain and finish to the project.
    6. Assembly by lacing or stitching
    7. Setting snaps and rivets
    8. Dressing edges
  4. Recondition or show that you can take proper care of your shoes, a baseball glove, a saddle, furniture or other articles of leather.
  5. Do ONE of the following:
    1. Learn about the commercial tanning process. Report about it to your merit badge counselor.
    2. Tan the skin of a small animal. Describe the safety precautions you will take and the tanning method that you used.
    3. Braid or plait an article out of leather or vinyl lace.
    4. Visit a leather-related business. This could be a leathercraft supply company, a tannery, a leather goods or shoe factory, or a saddle shop. Report on your visit to your counselor.

BSA Advancement ID#: 69
Requirements last updated in: 2013
Pamphlet Publication Number: 35914
Pamphlet Stock (SKU) Number: 617936
Pamphlet Revision Date: 2013

Worksheets for use in working on these requirements: Format
Word Format PDF Format

Blanks in this worksheets table appear when we do not have a worksheet for the badge that includes these requirements.


Page updated on: November 18, 2021



Scouts Using the Internet Cartoon - Courtesy of Richard Diesslin - Click to See More Cartoons
© 1994-2024 - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Site Map | Disclaimer | Project Team | Contact Us | Privacy Policy

Materials found at U. S. Scouting Service Project, Inc. Websites may be reproduced and used locally by Scouting volunteers for training purposes consistent with the programs of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) or other Scouting and Guiding Organizations. No material found here may be used or reproduced for electronic redistribution or for commercial or other non-Scouting purposes without the express permission of the U. S. Scouting Service Project, Inc. (USSSP) or other copyright holders. USSSP is not affiliated with BSA or WOSM and does not speak on behalf of BSA or WOSM. Opinions expressed on these web pages are those of the web authors. You can support this website with in two ways: Visit Our Trading Post at www.ScoutingBooks.com or make a donation by clicking the button below.
(U.S. Scouting Service Project Donation)


(Ruth Lyons Memorial Donations)