FAQ

The kits

What is in a kit?

Every kit contains the leather pieces for one item, already cut to shape, punched with stitch holes and bevelled along the edges; any hardware (split rings, press studs, buckles); two blunt harness needles; Wax Yellow waxed thread measured for that kit; a canvas burnishing cloth; and a fold-out step card. Each kit page lists everything under “In the box”.

Do I need a knife or any tools?

No knife, ever. The cutting and punching are done for you. To finish a kit you only need small scissors to trim the thread and a clear table. The tool list on each kit page also shows optional tools — a stitching pony, an edge slicker, stamps — that make the work easier or neater, but none of them is needed.

How long does a kit take?

We sort kits into three columns by the time they usually take a first-timer: one hour (45–75 minutes), half a day (3–4 hours) and one day (6–8 hours, or two evenings). It is a guide, not a race.

I have never stitched leather. Where do I start?

With a one-hour kit, such as the Card Sleeve Kit or the Key Fob Loop Kit. Each kit page shows the steps one at a time, and the same steps are printed on the card in the box. If you want to practise first, the Stitch Practice Strips are pre-punched strips with nothing to make but better stitches.

What is the 4 mm stitch?

All our kits are punched with diamond-shaped holes 4 mm apart, and our pricking irons and spacing wheel use the same 4 mm. Stitches from a kit and from your own projects look the same.

Can children make the kits?

Our kits use blunt needles and need no blades, but they contain small parts and are not toys. Older children can make a one-hour kit with an adult. Tool sets with pointed tools are sold to adults (18+) only.

Leather and tools

What leather do you use?

Vegetable-tanned cowhide, tanned with plant tannins. Each kit page states the thickness in millimetres. It is a natural material: scars, growth marks and shade differences between pieces are normal.

Why does natural leather darken?

Undyed vegetable-tanned leather reacts to light, air and the oils in your hands, so it slowly turns a deeper honey colour. This is called patina and it is expected.

Do you sell knives or blades?

No. We do not sell knives, cutters, blades or any bladed article. Some tool sets contain pointed tools — an awl, pricking irons or a wing divider — which come with guards and are sold to adults only. See Tool safety.

How do I look after leather?

Keep it dry. If it gets wet, let it dry slowly away from heat. Rub in a little beeswax-based balm once or twice a year. Water can leave marks on natural leather.

Prices, currencies and payment

Which currency will I pay in?

The currency of your delivery country: US dollars, euros, pounds sterling, Danish, Swedish or Norwegian kroner, or Swiss francs. Prices always show the currency code. You can change the currency in the header; this also sets the matching delivery country.

How can I pay?

The payment methods available for your order are shown at checkout. Payments go over an encrypted HTTPS connection to our payment provider, which is PCI DSS certified; your card number never passes through or is stored on our servers. Your statement shows YOVAREL.

Do you have discount codes?

No. We do not run promotions, countdowns or discount codes. The price you see is the price.

Delivery and returns

Where do you deliver and how much does it cost?

To 18 countries in North America and Europe, at one flat tracked rate per country. See Shipping.

Can I return something?

Yes — within 30 days of delivery if it is unused. Customers in the EU, the UK, Norway and Switzerland can also use the 14-day right of withdrawal online: Withdraw from contract here. See Returns & Refunds.

Who are you?

YOVAREL is a trading name of LEATHER 4 CRAFT LIMITED, a company registered in England and Wales (company number 06941137). See Legal Information.