Using Cold Connection in Jewelry: How to Rivet Leather

Cold connection is a unique metal technique that connects metal components without the use of heat. While you can connect metal pieces by glue or other adhesive, we will demonstrate some basic steps on how to use rivets with leather.

You will find many cold connection and riveting techniques in steampunk jewelry and metalworking. Once you have the basic tools and components for metal working and rivets, you will find how easy this versatile skill can be used for jewelry making.

GoodyBeads.com | Blog: How to Rivet - Leather Bracelet Rivet — Designed by So Vang

Rivet Leather (Part One)

For this project, we are using TierraCast® Rivets to show how to rivet on leather. When riveting on leather, use a two-part compression rivet, which will have a bottom and cap piece. Two-part compression rivets are best for leather, as they will create a tighter hold if you are adding embellishments with the rivets.

Tools Needed for Leather Riveting:
Steel Hammer, Bench Block, Leather Hole Punch Pliers, and TierraCast® Rivet Setter.

Punch leather through the backside using the Leather Hole Punch. Make sure to punch a hole that is large enough for the rivet to sit it, but not too big. If the hole is too big the rivet may not catch the leather, and may fall out. Tip: Punch with the smallest setting first. Increase hole size if the rivet does not go through.

Insert bottom rivet piece through the backside of the leather and put cap piece on top.

Press the two pieces together until it stops. Place on Bench Block.

Use the Rivet Setter that complies with the size of the rivets. i.e. 4mm rivets will need the 4mm TierraCast® rivet setter tool, while 6mm rivets will use the 6mm TierraCast® rivet setter. Use steel hammer to hit the rivet setter with 2-3 good strikes.

You can sandwich in TierraCast® Components for added embellishments. Or for our bracelet, we used TierraCast® Breathe Link. Use Bending Pliers to curve the link. Line up the leather behind the link and mark the holes of where the rivets will go. Punch the holes where you marked them and rivet the link to sandwich the leather and link together. Glue your clasp and you are done.

Rivet Leather (Part Two)

GoodyBeads.com | Blog: How to Rivet - Watch Rivet — Designed by So Vang

Make leather loop for jump rings, clasps, or joining components together. Create this wrap-around leather watch by using these two part compression rivets. Cut two 12” 5mm flat leather. Make leather loops on all four ends. Attach your clasps and watch face for a fun wrap-around leather watch.

Measure an inch distance between the holes. Punch with Leather hole punch pliers.

Fold and insert your top and cap pieces.

Hammer the rivets with your rivet setter and you are done.

Make loops to add jump rings and clasp as shown in this watch bracelet example.

Leather Bracelet

(1) TC02030 – Breathe Link
(1) Z003952 – Brass Magnetic Clasp
(7) CH00259 – 10mm Burnt Orange Flat Leather
(1) TC01450 – 4mm Brass Rivet
A015821 – Super New Glue

Wrap-Around Leather Watch

(1) Z001647 – Gold Watch Face
(4) TC01450 – 4mm Brass Rivet
(1) A019947 – Antique Brass Magnetic Clasp
(2) Z011513 – 5mm Brass Jump Ring
(24) CH00043 – 5mm Tan/Black Flat Leather

2 Comments

Hi, could you tell me how to rivet a brass stamping that is raised (like a bas relief) without having the rivet crumble up inside the hollow interior of the stamping? Thanks, Beth

Goody Beads Blog Team says:

June 3, 2020 at 10:35 am

I would suggest using a Metal Punch Pliers, like A018918 to make the hole. Then if you’re using compression rivets, try using nylon pliers to help compress the two components together.

I will also ask readers if they have suggestions on your question too.

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Rivet Leather (Part One)

Rivet Leather (Part Two)

2 Comments

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