If you've ever wanted to add a bit of Highland flair to your leathercraft projects, building a leather sporran is a perfect way to do it. These traditional Scottish pouches are as functional as they are iconic—perfect for Renaissance fairs, historical reenactments, or just adding a bit of classic style to your look.

In this post, we’re walking you through the process of building your own leather sporran using a paper pattern. Whether you're brand new to leatherworking or a seasoned maker looking to try something new, this is a great project that introduces skills like forming, edge finishing, hand stitching, and hardware installation—all in one tidy package.

What to Expect

This blog post is paired with a full build-along video that covers the entire process from start to finish.

We won’t be writing out the full instructions here—everything you need to follow along is in the video below. We’ve also included tips along the way to help you adapt the pattern to your own style, whether that’s rugged and rustic or finely tooled and ornate.

Why Build a Sporran?

Sporrans are a fantastic leatherworking project because they pack a lot of learning into a small form. You’ll practice essential leathercrafting techniques like:

• Working with layers and gussets
  

• Stitching around curves and working with formed leather

Plus, when you’re done, you’ve got a fully functional piece you can wear or gift. And with just a few tweaks—like using different flap shapes, adding fringe, or tooling in Celtic knotwork—you can personalize your sporran into something truly unique.

Tools and Materials

The specific materials used in the video are listed in the description, but here’s a general idea of what you’ll need:

• A printed paper pattern (from your favorite maker or your own design)

• 4-6 oz. vegetable-tanned leather

• Stitching supplies (needles, thread, awl, etc.)

• Snaps, rivets, or other hardware

• Edge tools and dyes (optional but recommended)

Grab Your Pattern and Join In

If you're ready to dive in, download your pattern, gather your supplies, and click play on the video. Whether you follow along in real-time or just want to watch and plan out your next weekend project, this build-along is a great way to grow your leatherworking skills.