Leatherwork

Leatherwork requirements

1. Do the following:

   a. 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.

   b. how 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

   a. Where leather comes from

   b. What kinds of hides are used to make leather

   c. What are five types of leather

   d. 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:

   a. Pattern layout and transfer

   b. Cutting leather

   c. Punching holes

   d. Carving or stamping surface designs.

   e. Applying dye or stain and finish to the project.

   f. Assembly by lacing or stitching

   g. Setting snaps and rivets

   h. Dressing edges

4. Braid or plait an article out of leather, vinyl lace, or paracord.
5. Do ONE of the following:

   a. Learn about the commercial tanning process. Report about it to your merit badge counselor.

   b. Tan the skin of a small animal. Describe the safety precautions you will take and the tanning method that you used.

   c. Recondition or show that you can take proper care of your shoes, a baseball glove, a saddle, furniture, or other articles of leather. Discuss with your counselor the advantages or disadvantages of leather vs. synthetic materials.

   d. 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.

The official source for the information shown in this is: Boy Scout Requirements, 2018 Edition (BSA Supply SKU #641568)

A FREE workbook for Leatherwork is available here! (PDF or Word) with the maps, charts, links, diagrams, and checklists you need! Or click here to print just the Leatherwork requirements.

usscouts.org has PDF and Word versions of workbooks for Scouts BSA ranks and merit badges, Cub Scouting ranks and adventures, and STEM Nova awards.

• Per the BSA: "You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject." The Leatherwork merit badge pamphlet can purchased at ScoutSthop.org or at your local Scout Shop.
• "Get a signed Application for Merit Badge ... from your unit leader." An electronic, fillable, and printable PDF file version is available.

• Scouts BSA Merit Badges: Architecture  •  Art  •  Basketry  •  Bugling  •  Graphic Arts  •  Indian Lore  •  Leatherwork  •  Metalwork  •  Model Design and Building  •  Moviemaking  •  Music  •  Photography  •  Pottery  •  Sculpture  •  Theater  •  Wood Carving  •  Woodwork
• Venturer: Outdoor Living History (Ranger Award elective)
• Webelos/Arrow of Light Adventures: Art Explosion  •  Maestro!  •  Moviemaking

• An Introduction to Merit Badges – how to get started, who chooses the counselor, etc.
• Merit Badge revision dates – latest revision dates of each merit badge pamphlet.
• Merit Badge Worksheets & Requirements – with the revision dates, diagrams, charts, checklists, logs, and links you need.
• Merit Badge Application – offers online resources to let you print "Blue Cards," etc.
• Merit Badge FAQ – answers dozens of questions like: Who can be a counselor? Can requirements be added or removed?
• Merit Badges Requiring Prior Approval – Certain requirements need prior approval. Most do not. Here is the list.
• Also see: List of how many youths have earned each Merit Badge – Merit Badge policies – Merit badges required for the Eagle Scout rank – Merit Badge Days
• Additionally: List of Merit Badges by Field of Study – Merit Badge Pamphlets & Libraries
• Merit Badge Counselors must complete Youth Protection Training, file an Adult Application (and Merit Badge Counselor Information Form); and be approved by the local council. (See the Guide for Merit Badge Counselors for additional details.)
• See Submitting New Merit Badge Ideas for guidance on how to submit suggestions for new merit badges to BSA.