Jim Linnell's Elktracks Studio

The official website of Jim Linnell, dedicated to teaching leatherwork and promoting leathercraft as an art form.  Learn leather with 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

Leather Art - Volume 1 by Bob Moline
Leather Art - Volume 1 by Bob Moline
From $40.00
Leather Art - Volume 2 by Bob Moline
Leather Art - Volume 2 by Bob Moline
$17.00
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

Latest News

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
Making Leather Tap-Off Patterns

Making Leather Tap-Off Patterns

by Jim Linnell
A lot of folks often get requests to do the same pattern over and over again, and they really don't want to have to trace every single line, every time. Leather workers, a long time ago, figured out how to do tap offs, and I'd like to show you how tap offs are made. A free video of this tutorial is available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/4NHwS_CIzmE
Jim Linnell Leathercraft Leatherworking

How to Make Your Leathercraft Pay for Itself

by Jim Linnell
How to Make Your Leathercraft Pay for Itself