Elktracks Studio Foundation

Founded by Jim Linnell, the Elktracks Studio Foundation is dedicated to teaching leatherwork and promoting leathercraft as an art.  Learn leather with online leathercraft classes, leatherworking videos, original patterns, or private lessons.

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Learn leathercraft with award-winning instructor jim linnell

Leathercraft Patterns

Leathercraft Videos

Free Leathercraft Patterns

What is Elktracks Studio?

Elktracks Studio is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the leatherworking industry through leathercraft classes, interviews, and the sharing of leather history.

Jim Linnell has spent the last 50 years developing his passion for artistry of leathercraft.  After retiring from nearly 40 years with Tandy Leather, Linnell has committed his time to helping teach others.  Whether you are a master craftsman or just starting out with your first beginner leathercraft kit, Elktracks has something for you.  Learn leatherworking with an award-winning leather artisan through leathercraft videos on swivel knife finesse, figure carving, dyeing, and more.  Leather pattern packs are available for the more advanced craftsman, however there are also free leatherworking patterns and leathercraft tips for beginners. 

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Testimonials

Jim is an awesome teacher! He is patient with his students and thorough in explaining difficult concepts to grasp.

Clint Manning

Top of the line craftsman & top of the line man. I don't know how he does it time after time.

Arthur Parramoure

Jim is so excited to share his erudition of leather with all of his students. Thank you Jim! I can't wait to take another class.

Dian Allred Sierra

Featured Patterns

Belts Pattern Pack #1 by Jim Linnell
Belts Pattern Pack #1 by Jim Linnell
From $16.00
Classic Old West Billfold Patterns by Jim Linnell
Classic Old West Billfold Patterns by Jim Linnell
From $15.00
Sheridan Style Corner Tap-Off Tracings by Jim Linnell
Sheridan Style Corner Tap-Off Tracings by Jim Linnell
From $15.00
Sunflower Patterns for Leather Carving by Jim Linnell
Sunflower Patterns for Leather Carving by Jim Linnell
From $12.00

Latest News

How to Walk Bevelers, Pear Shaders, and Other Leather Stamping Tools

How to Walk Bevelers, Pear Shaders, and Other Leather Stamping Tools

by Jim Linnell

When I’m using stamping tools, it may look like I'm sliding the tool along as I use it, but that's not what's going on at all. When I hold these tools, I'm actually holding it with a pretty tight grip. I'm holding it so that the thumb's on one side, all the other fingers hold it, and I actually have my ring finger resting on the leather. The tool, when I hold it, is hovering just on the surface of the leather a little bit.

Swivel Knife Tips for the Beginning Leatherworker

Swivel Knife Tips for the Beginning Leatherworker

by Jim Linnell
Something I wish someone had showed me when first starting out is how to properly use the swivel knife. Learning how to work this tool is hard enough, but learning how to use it if were dull and not working right makes it even harder. One of the first things you need to do is learn how to get it sharp and keep it sharp...
Jim Linnell Leather Carving Leathercraft
How to Wet Leather

How to Wet Leather

by Jim Linnell
One of the first and most important things to learn is the proper moisture content in a piece of leather. Having it properly dampened, having just the right amount of moisture in a piece of leather, determines how well your tools react.
Leather Carving Leathercraft Leatherworking