Assemble a Leather Tray Kit with Pendleton Wool
By Klum House: Bag making kits, bag sewing patterns, waxed | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to assemble the Leather Tray Kit with Pendleton® Wool, a quick and easy beginner leather craft project perfect for gifting or organizing small items.
Quick Answer
The Leather Tray Kit with Pendleton® Wool is a straightforward project: glue the leather base and sides, then press in the wool liner. No sewing or special tools required.
Why This Kit Works for Beginners
The tray uses vegetable-tanned leather and pre-cut pieces, so you don't need a pattern or cutting mat. The Pendleton® wool liner is already trimmed to size, which removes the most fiddly step of lining a small tray.
Because the tray is only 5" x 5", it's forgiving if your glue lines aren't perfect. Small gaps or uneven folds are less noticeable than on a larger project. The main trade-off is that you must work with contact cement or a strong craft glue, which requires a well-ventilated space and a few minutes of drying time between coats.
Assembly Steps
- Prepare Your Workspace and Glue: Lay down a piece of scrap paper or a silicone mat. Apply a thin, even layer of contact cement or craft glue to the back of the leather base and the bottom of the wool liner. Wait 2–3 minutes until the glue is tacky to the touch. If the glue is still wet when you press the pieces together, the liner may shift or bubble. Let it dry until it feels dry to the touch but still sticky.
- Attach the Wool Liner to the Leather Base: Carefully align the wool liner with the center of the leather base and press down firmly. Run your fingers from the center outward to remove any air pockets. Flip the assembly over and check that the liner is centered. Once the liner touches the glue, it's difficult to reposition. Use a light test-fit before pressing fully.
- Fold and Glue the Leather Sides: Apply glue along the four side flaps of the leather base. One at a time, fold each side up and press the leather against the edge of the wool liner. Hold each side for 10–15 seconds to ensure a strong bond. Don't fold all four sides at once—work one side at a time so the glue doesn't set before you have the tray shape aligned.
- Let the Tray Cure and Personalize (Optional): Allow the assembled tray to rest for at least 30 minutes before handling. If you have leather stamps, you can emboss a design on the leather before gluing the sides. The veg-tanned leather accepts stamps well when slightly damp. Stamping after assembly can distort the tray shape. Always stamp on the flat leather before you fold the sides.
Product Details
- Leather Tray Kit With Pendleton® Wool: Make your own veg-tanned leather tray lined with Pendleton® wool. A quick, easy project for all skill levels, great for gifting and getting kids involved. The pre-cut leather and wool liner mean you can finish the tray in one sitting, making it a reliable first leather project or a low-pressure gift-making activity.
Leather Tray Kit With Pendleton® Wool
