Up Your Leather Game: Master Braids & Knots That’ll Make Your Pieces Stand Out (and Sell Out)

Forget basic leather straps. This course dives into the braiding and knotting techniques that turn everyday leather accessories into high-end, boutique-worthy pieces your customers (or gift recipients!) will obsess over.

Whether you're brand new to braiding or ready to elevate your skills, you’ll learn how to work with leather lace, master a lineup of impressive knots, and create finished accessories like bracelets, keychains, and hatbands that look straight out of a custom leather shop.

Led by award-winning artist Sheryl Katzke, this course gives you the confidence to not just craft beautiful pieces—but to understand the techniques behind what makes them sellable and standout.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to choose and prep your leather lace like a pro
• Clean, consistent four-strand braids (including two-color variations)
• Decorative and functional knots: Crown, Turkshead, Spanish Ring, and more
• Interweaving techniques to create stunning details
• How to apply your new skills to finished projects: bracelets, hatbands, zipper pulls, keychains, and tool wrap
• Troubleshooting common mistakes and finishing with polish

Whether you're creating for fun or crafting for your shop, this course will help you turn simple materials into pieces that look—and feel—premium.

Every course includes everything you need to succeed:

• Downloadable supply list & printable cheat sheets
• Step-by-step video lessons
• Knot and braid visual guides for easy reference
• Access to instructor support through the Illume platform
• Plus access to 140+ other leathercraft courses with your membership

Instructor: Sheryl Katzke
With over two decades of experience and countless awards under her belt, Sheryl brings a deep knowledge of braiding, knotwork, and tooling to every lesson. Her attention to detail, patient teaching style, and passion for the craft make this course a true masterclass in braids and knots.