Boy Scout Archives: Leatherwork Merit Badge

Leatherwork Merit BadgeScouts who complete the requirements to earn the Leatherwork merit badge will explore leather’s history and its endless uses. They will learn to make a useful leather item using the same types of raw materials that our ancestors used; be challenged to master skills like hand-stitching, lacing, and braiding.; and learn how to preserve and protect leather items so they will last a lifetime and beyond.

Leatherwork Merit Badge Requirements

  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.
  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.

Related Articles:

Leatherwork Merit Badge for Boy ScoutsLeatherwork Merit Badge for Boy Scouts  You can always find the area of Boy Scout summer camp where they are working on the Leatherwork merit badge by the noise of boys busily stamping leather.

 

Summer CampCamp Programs for First Year Boy Scouts  Summer camp is usually the highlight of the Scouting year. It can be particularly exciting for first year Boy Scouts. It can also be a little intimidating. A program designed specifically for new Scouts will help them adjust to camp life.

 

Personal Management Merit Badge for Boy ScoutsRequirements and Helps for Boy Scout Merit Badges  You can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers as you earn merit badges. There are more than 100 merit badges.