Leatherwork Merit Badge

Five requirements, with the hazards and first aid of requirement 1 drawn first, the leather articles of requirement 3 drawn with their steps as a multiple-choice question (at least five of eight), the braided article of requirement 4, and requirement 5 (one of four) drawn as a question.

6 steps (14 parts inside them). 12 parts depend on questions you have not answered yet. · Version 1, published 8 October 2026 · About Leatherwork Merit Badge

No questions answered

This is the whole plan: everything that could apply to anybody. Answering the 2 questions at the address above takes out the parts that are not for you.

Which of this applies to you

You have not answered anything yet, so this is the whole plan: everything that could apply to anybody. Answering 2 short questions will take out the parts that are not for you.

Answer the questions

18 steps can be started now; 1 is waiting on something else.

Clear ticks

Your ticks are kept in this browser, so they will still be here next time. They are in the address as well, so a link to this page carries them to another device.

The steps

Stage 1 of 6

1 step

1. Hazards and first aid Requirement

Two parts: the hazards explained, and first aid shown.
2 parts, 1 ticked
- 1(a). The hazards of leatherwork tools and materials
- 1(b). First aid for leatherwork injuries and illnesses

Stage 2 of 6

1 step

2. Leather, hides, and five types and their uses Requirement

Explain (a) where leather comes from; (b) kinds of hides that are used to make leather; (c) five types of leather; (d) best uses for each type of leather.

Stage 3 of 6

1 step

3. Make leather articles using at least FIVE steps Requirement

One or more articles of leather. The badge states the choice: at least five of eight steps.
8 parts
- 3(a). Pattern layout and transfer Optional May not apply
- 3(b). Cutting leather Optional May not apply
- 3(c). Punching holes Optional May not apply
- 3(d). Carving or stamping surface designs Optional May not apply
- 3(e). Applying dye or stain and finish to the project Optional May not apply
- 3(f). Assembly by lacing or stitching Optional May not apply
- 3(g). Setting snaps and rivets Optional May not apply
- 3(h). Dressing edges Optional May not apply

Stage 4 of 6

1 step

4. Braid or plait an article Requirement

Out of leather, vinyl lace, or paracord.

Stage 5 of 6

1 step

5. Tanning, leather care or a visit. Do ONE Requirement

The badge states the choice: the commercial tanning process, tanning a small skin, caring for leather articles, or a leather-related business.
4 parts
- 5(a). Learn about the commercial tanning process Optional May not apply
- 5(b). Tan the skin of a small animal Optional May not apply Often forgotten
- 5(c). Recondition or care for articles of leather Optional May not apply Often forgotten
- 5(d). Visit a leather-related business Optional May not apply

Stage 6 of 6

1 step

Counselor signs it off Milestone

The completion date is the date you met the requirements, not the date of the signature.

Usually comes after 1. Hazards and first aid, 2. Leather, hides, and five types and their uses and 3 others.

Merit badge requirements are republished annually. A Scout beginning work uses the requirements as they stand then; a Scout already working may finish under the ones they started with. Guide to Advancement 7.0.4.3 governs which applies. This page records the date its copy was read. Check it against the official page before relying on it.

This plan is a planning aid: the current Boy Scouts of America publication is always the authority, and the sources used here are listed in full. Each step names its own.

No questions answered

Which of this applies to you

Your progress

The steps

Stage 1 of 6

Stage 2 of 6

Stage 3 of 6

Stage 4 of 6

Stage 5 of 6

Stage 6 of 6