Leatherworking: Custom Chaps or Chinks Workshop

Spend two full days learning the traditional leatherworking skills used to create your own custom pair of chinks or zip-up chaps. This hands-on workshop is designed for students who want to take a deeper dive into leatherworking while creating a functional, personalized piece they can wear and use for years to come.

The workshop begins with an introduction to basic leather tooling and design, where you'll learn fundamental techniques for creating a design with proper flow, functionality, and visual balance. After a lunch break, you'll begin laying out and cutting the leather for your project.

On Day Two, you'll focus on construction and assembly, learning how to use a sewing machine, NP-4, hand tools, and other leatherworking equipment to bring your project together. Your instructor will guide you through the process from cut pieces to finished chaps or chinks.

You'll leave with a completed pair of custom leather chaps or chinks, along with new leatherworking skills that you can continue to build on.

Please bring your own lunch, drinks, and snacks. A lunch break will be provided each day.

What You'll Learn
Basic leather tooling techniques
Leather design, flow, and functionality
Design layout and project planning
Leather cutting and preparation
Hand-tool techniques
Use of an NP-4
Sewing machine operation
Leather construction and assembly
Techniques for creating functional, wearable leather goods
Choose Your Project

At registration, choose between:

Leather Chinks
Zip-Up Leather Chaps
Leather Color

Your registration includes light brown or dark brown leather. Please indicate your preferred color when registering.

Other leather colors may be available by request and may require an additional charge. Please contact Rocky Mountain Folk School before registering if you are interested in a different color.