Leather Stitching & Shoemaking

A handicraft of shaping leather and decorating it with stitching and detail inspired by local heritage.

Leatherwork

About Leather Stitching & Shoemaking

Kharaza is stitching leather with an awl and thongs, the craft behind traditional shoes, belts and purses. The leather is cut over patterns, sewn, and finished with coloured thongs and decorative stitching.

Najdi leather sandals were prized for their strength and ornament, and craftsmen still make them by hand in the traditional markets.

How it is made

Step 1: Choosing and cutting the leather
Step 2: Shaping the sole
Step 3: Stitching with the awl
Step 4: Decorating with coloured thongs

Tools

Awl
Knife
Last

Raw materials

Tanned leather
Leather thongs
Thread

More traditional arts

Leatherwork

Leather Tanning

A heritage craft of cleaning and treating hides by traditional methods, turning them into leather fit for tools and everyday goods.
Traditional Building

Earthen Building & Gypsum Ornament

A traditional craft of adorning homes with geometric gypsum carving and ornament drawn from Najdi heritage.
Textile Crafts

Hasawi Bisht Making

A time-honoured craft of Al-Ahsa built on fine tailoring and hand embroidery in zari thread, producing a bisht that joins quality of making with beauty of detail and reflects the authenticity of Saudi heritage.