An Introduction to Operational Efficiency for Leathercrafters
Let’s face it — most of us got into leathercraft for the love of making, not for the love of organizing. But when you’re tripping over tools, hunting for that one missing buckle, or wondering where the last two hours went… it’s time to rethink how your workshop works.
This series is here to help you bring a little flow to your leathercrafting — not with complicated systems, but with smart, practical ideas rooted in Operational Efficiency (OE). Inspired by time-tested methods (think Toyota’s lean production system) and adapted for small-batch, hands-on craftsmanship, this is OE for the rest of us.
Why It Matters
We know that leathercrafters work in all kinds of spaces — spare rooms, garages, shared studios. No matter where you’re crafting, the way your workspace is set up directly affects how much you enjoy the work (and how long your back lasts doing it).
- Save time
- Cut material waste
- Work with more focus
- Finish projects with fewer errors
- Feel less tired at the end of the day
What to Expect
This 4-part series will walk through the essentials of efficiency:
- From Bench Chaos to Crafting Flow (this post)
- Designing a Workspace that Works With You
- Small Batch Production: The Crafter’s Sweet Spot
- How to Standardize Without Killing Your Creativity
Why THOL Is Sharing This
At THOL, we believe that beautiful leather deserves a beautiful process behind it. We’re here not just to supply premium materials — but to help you thrive with them.
Next in the Series: Part 2: Designing a Workspace That Works With You