The workbench blog
Guides, free patterns and maker tips
How-tos for leather, laser and Cricut makers, plus new free patterns as we add them.
-
Laser Power and Speed Settings: How to Test Any Material
Stop guessing laser settings. How to make a power and speed test card, read the results, and keep a settings book so you never test the same material…
-
How to Price Handmade Items (and Actually Make a Profit)
A simple way to price handmade items that covers your materials, your time and selling fees, with a worked example and the mistakes most makers make.
-
How to Turn a PDF Leather Pattern into a Laser Cut File
Most leather patterns come as PDFs, but laser software wants DXF or SVG. Here is how to convert a PDF pattern into a clean, closed cut file that…
-
How to Make a Leather Card Holder (Free Pattern)
A step-by-step guide to making a slim three-layer leather card holder, with a free printable pattern. Holds four to six cards and makes a great first stitching project.
-
How to Print a Leather Pattern at Actual Size
Printers quietly shrink PDF patterns to fit the page. Here is how to print a leather pattern at true size on Windows, Mac, phones and tablets, and how…
-
10 Free Leather Patterns for Beginners (Printable PDFs)
Ten free, printable leather patterns for beginners, from a key fob and bookmark to a card holder and bifold wallet. Each is a true-scale A4 PDF with stitch…