Whether you're a seasoned leatherworker or just starting out, the quality of your hardware — buckles, rivets, snaps, D-rings, and more — can make or break a finished piece. Here's a curated guide to the best UK suppliers for leatherwork hardware.

1. British Leather Supplies

British Leather Supplies is a dedicated UK-based supplier offering a strong range of leatherworking hardware, materials, and tools. With a focus on serving the domestic craft community, they're a reliable first port of call for buckles, rivets, fittings, and leather stock — all with the convenience of fast UK shipping.

2. Tandy Leather (UK)

One of the most recognised names in leatherworking globally, Tandy offers a solid range of hardware including conchos, buckles, and fasteners. Their online store ships to the UK, though lead times can vary.

3. Identity Leathercraft

Based in the UK, Identity Leathercraft is a favourite among hobbyists and professionals alike. They stock a wide range of hardware — from solid brass buckles to Chicago screws — alongside tools and leather. Fast domestic shipping is a big plus.

4. Abbey England

A heritage supplier with decades of experience, Abbey England is a go-to for trade-quality hardware. They supply saddlers, cobblers, and leatherworkers with everything from solid brass fittings to specialist rivets. Ideal if you're sourcing in bulk or need consistent quality for production runs.

5. AbbeyTops

AbbeyTops is a UK-based supplier with a good range of leatherworking hardware and craft materials. They're a solid option for sourcing buckles, rivets, and fittings at competitive prices, with reliable domestic shipping making them a convenient choice for UK makers.

6. Stonefield Leather

SFLeather is a well-regarded UK-based supplier offering a solid selection of leatherworking hardware and materials. Known for competitive pricing and reliable stock, they're a practical choice for both hobbyists and small-batch producers. Their range includes buckles, rivets, and fittings suited to a variety of leather goods projects.

Tips for Buying Leatherwork Hardware in the UK

• Prioritise solid brass or stainless steel over zinc alloy for longevity — especially on items like belts and bags that see daily wear.
• Request samples before committing to bulk orders. Finish quality and tolerances vary significantly between suppliers.
• Check bar stock thickness on buckles — thinner bars bend under load and will fail prematurely on heavy-use items.
• Consider finish consistency if you're mixing hardware across a product — antique brass from two different suppliers rarely matches.

Final Thoughts

Sourcing quality hardware is as important as sourcing quality leather. The right buckle or rivet elevates a piece; the wrong one undermines it — no matter how good the leather or stitching. Build relationships with two or three trusted suppliers and you'll rarely be caught short.

Have a favourite UK hardware supplier we haven't mentioned? Let us know in the comments.