Floral carving is a leathercraft technique that combines artistry and precision. Learning the basics is easier than you might think. Whether you’re new to leatherworking or ready to expand your skills, this beginner’s guide will show you how to start floral carving with confidence.

Watch the Video: Learn by Doing

We’ve created a step-by-step floral carving video tutorial designed specifically for beginners. You’ll get a close-up look at how to use a swivel knife and practice with all six essential leather stamping tools:

• Camouflage Tool – for petals and scrolls

• Pear Shader – adds natural shading

• Beveler – creates dimension

• Veiner – mimics the look of leaf veins

• Seeder – adds floral centers

• Background Tool – makes your design pop

Tools & Materials You'll Need

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

• Swivel knife

• Camouflage, pear shader, beveler, veiner, seeder, and background tools

• Mallet or maul

• Cased veg-tan leather

• Tracing film or paper and stylus 

Why Learn Floral Carving?

Floral tooling is a cornerstone of Western leathercraft, used in belts, wallets, saddles, and more. Mastering the basics opens up endless possibilities for personal projects, gifts, or even selling your work. It's a craft that rewards both patience and practice—and watching your design take shape under your tools is incredibly satisfying.

Ready to Carve?

Grab your tools and follow along with our floral carving tutorial for beginners. By the end, you’ll have a strong foundation in leather tooling and a finished floral piece to be proud of.