This post demonstrates the Minimal Mistakes table of contents helper. Enable it with toc: true in front matter and you get a sticky sidebar nav that tracks your scroll position.
Why Use a TOC?
Long-form content benefits from a table of contents because readers can jump directly to the section they’re interested in without endless scrolling.
Better UX
A sticky TOC stays visible as you scroll, making navigation effortless.
SEO Benefits
Heading hierarchies with clear structure help search engines understand your content.
Leathercraft: Getting Started
Leathercraft is a rewarding hobby that blends creativity with craftsmanship. Here are some foundational topics to explore.
Choosing Your First Leather
- Vegetable-tanned leather — best for tooling, stamping, and carving
- Chrome-tanned leather — softer, more supple, great for bags and garments
- Split leather — affordable, used for lining and suede
Essential Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Craft knife / rotary cutter | Cutting leather precisely |
| Stitching chisels | Punching evenly spaced holes |
| Saddler’s needles & thread | Hand stitching (saddle stitch) |
| Edge beveler | Smoothing rough edges |
| Burnishing tool | Polishing and sealing edges |
Basic Techniques
Cutting
Always cut on a self-healing mat using a sharp blade. Dull blades tear leather fibers.
Stitching
The saddle stitch is the gold standard for leather goods. Two needles, one thread — each stitch locks in place, so a single broken thread won’t unravel the whole seam.
Edge Finishing
- Bevel the edges to remove sharp corners
- Sand with progressively finer grits
- Apply edge paint or gum tragacanth
- Burnish with a wooden slicker or canvas
Intermediate Topics
Once you’ve mastered the basics, there’s plenty more to explore.
Pattern Making
Drafting your own patterns opens up endless possibilities. Start with simple geometries (wallets, card holders) and work up to complex 3D shapes like bags and backpacks.
Dyeing and Antiquing
Alcohol-based dyes penetrate deeply, while oil-based dyes sit more on the surface. Antiquing gels settle into tooling impressions for a vintage look.
Hardware Installation
Snaps, rivets, and zippers each require specific tools and techniques. A good snap setter and rivet anvil are worth the investment.
Advanced Projects
| Project | Skill Level | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Minimalist wallet | Beginner | 2–4 hours |
| Belt with buckle | Intermediate | 3–5 hours |
| Crossbody bag | Advanced | 10–20 hours |
| Tooled saddle | Expert | 40+ hours |
Conclusion
A table of contents makes long articles like this one much more navigable. The Minimal Mistakes TOC helper is controlled entirely through front matter:
toc: true
toc_label: "On this page"
toc_icon: "list"
toc_sticky: true
The toc_sticky: true option keeps the sidebar nav pinned as you scroll — particularly useful on longer posts.