Scouting/BSA/Leatherwork Merit Badge

The requirements to this merit badge are copyrighted by the Boy Scouts of America. They are reproduced in part here under fair use as a resource for Scouts and Scouters to use in the earning and teaching of merit badges. The requirements published by the Boy Scouts of America should always be used over the list here. If in doubt about the accuracy of a requirement, consult your Merit Badge Counselor.

Reading this page does not satisfy any requirement for any merit badge. Per National regulations, the only person who may sign off on requirements is a Merit Badge Counselor, duly registered and authorized by the local Council. To obtain a list of registered Merit Badge Counselors, or to begin a Merit Badge, please contact your Scoutmaster or Council Service Center.

Requirement 1

Do the following:

A. Explain to your counsel the hazards you are most likely to encounter while using leatherwork tools and materials, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, or lessen these hazards.

B. how that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while working with leather, including minor cuts and scratches, puncture wounds, ingested poisoning, and reactions from exposure to chemicals such as dyes, cements, and finishes used in leatherworking.

Requirement 2

Explain to your counselor:

A. Where leather comes from

B. What kinds of hides are used to make leather

C. What are five types of leather

D. What are the best uses for each type of leather

Requirement 3

Make one or more articles of leather that use at least five of the following steps:

A. Pattern layout and transfer

B. Cutting leather

C. Punching holes

D. Carving or stamping surface designs.

E. Applying dye or stain and finish to the project.

F. Assembly by lacing or stitching

G. Setting snaps and rivets

H. Dressing edges

Requirement 4

Braid or plait an article out of leather or vinyl lace.

Requirement 5

Do ONE of the following:

A. Learn about the commercial tanning process. Report about it to your merit badge counselor.

B. Tan the skin of a small animal. Describe the safety precautions you will take and the tanning method that you used.

C. Recondition or show that you can take proper care of your shoes, a baseball glove, a saddle, furniture or other articles of leather.

D. Visit a leather-related business. This could be a leathercraft supply company, a tannery, a leather goods or shoe factory, or a saddle shop. Report on your visit to your counselor.

External links

• Leatherwork Merit Badge with Workbook PDF, current requirements, and resources.