How to Design Leather Arrow Quivers

Leather arrow quivers require a design that's functional as well as aesthetic. Archery is a sport and a form of hunting as well as a hobby, so good form counts. A well-designed quiver allows the archer to access arrows quickly and with a minimum of movement to avoid disturbing the quarry. Quivers should also protect the arrows. To craft a leather quiver for arrows, forethought, a steady hand and respect for the materials go a long way in making a product that will last.

Things You'll Need

  • Leather panel
  • Ruler
  • Pen
  • Paper
  • Razor knife
  • Leather strap
  • Leather boot laces, 6 feet long
  • Leather hole punch, 1/8 inch to 3/16 inch
  • Felt -- optional
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Instructions

    • 1

      Design a pattern for the body of the quiver. The quiver should be about the same length as the arrows you use, from end to end. The quiver should be wider at the top than at the bottom to allow easier access to the arrows. Adjust the width of the quiver to accommodate the number of arrows you want it to hold at one time. A quiver measuring 11 inches wide at the top and 9 inches wide at the bottom can hold about five arrows, while a quiver 13 inches wide at the top and 11 inches wide at the bottom can hold about seven arrows. Trace your pattern onto a sheet of paper, and use it to cut out the leather panel with a razor knife.

    • 2

      Design the strap for the quiver. The strap should be a comfortable width to fit over your shoulder and long enough to allow easy access to your arrows. A strap that's too tight will require you to reach your hand far back and twist your body to reach the next arrow. An adjustable strap is the best bet for a versatile quiver. Cut two pieces of the leather strap to about 1 1/4 inches wide, or whatever width is most comfortable for you, and 30 inches long.

    • 3

      Cut two slots in the body of the quiver for attaching the strap. Measure 5 inches from either end of the body of the quiver. Cut a square slot, 1 1/2 inches long and 1/8 inch wider than the thickness of the strap, on each end. Mark four pairs of holes in each section of the leather strap near one end. Space each pair of holes an inch apart. Punch out the holes.

    • 4

      Measure and mark a series of holes along the long sides and bottom of the quiver to stitch it closed. Punch out the holes. Fold or roll up the body of the quiver, with the slots cut for the strap showing fully at the top of the quiver. Stitch closed with leather lacing, threading and criss-crossing the lacing through the holes.

    • 5

      Attach the carry strap. Thread the ends through the slots in the bottom of the quiver and stitch in place through the holes. Adjust the two dangling pieces of strap so they fit comfortably over the shoulder and allow easy access to the arrows. Stitch the pieces of the strap together to fit you.

    • 6

      Test the quiver. Wear it over the shoulder and ensure it is functional and easy to use. Practice drawing arrows out of the quiver. If arrows rustle as they come out of the quiver, sew a small piece of felt near the mouth of the quiver to quiet the sound.