This Classic WoW Leatherworking Leveling Guide is designed to show you the quickest and most cost-effective path to maximize your Leatherworking skill from 1 to 300.
Leatherworking pairs exceptionally well with Skinning. Leveling these professions in tandem is highly recommended as Skinning provides the raw materials you’ll need. Alternatively, you can purchase materials from the Auction House, but this will require a significant gold investment.
If you are still in the process of leveling your character or starting a new alt, consider using Zygor’s 1-60 Leveling Guide. It can significantly accelerate your journey to level 60.
Shopping List for Leatherworking
Important Note: Threads, dyes, and salt can be purchased from Leatherworking Supply vendors located near your trainer.
Playing Cataclysm Classic?
If you are playing Cataclysm Classic, please refer to my dedicated Cataclysm Leatherworking Leveling Guide as there are differences in trainers and recipes.
Finding Your Classic Leatherworking Trainer
To begin your Leatherworking journey and become an Apprentice Leatherworker, you must reach level 5 and locate a Leatherworking trainer.
Click on the links below to pinpoint trainer locations. You can also ask any city guard for directions to the Leatherworking trainer; their location will be marked on your map with a red flag.
Horde Trainers:
Alliance Trainers:
Apprentice Leatherworking (Skill Level 1-75)
Leveling from 1 to 55
- Craft 40-45 (or 1-45): 40x Light Armor Kit – Requires 40 Light Leather.
Journeyman Leatherworking (Skill Level 75-150)
To advance beyond Leatherworking skill level 75, you must learn Journeyman Leatherworking. This skill level is not taught by all Leatherworking trainers; you need to seek out an Expert Leatherworker. (Requires character level 10).
You can learn Journeyman Leatherworking from these NPCs:
Horde Trainers:
Alliance Trainers:
Leveling from 55 to 137
- Craft 40x: Fine Leather Belt – Requires 240 Light Leather and 80 Coarse Thread.
During this stage, if you have been skinning and accumulated Medium Hide, or if it is available at a low price on the Auction House, consider crafting Cured Medium Hide.
Keep both the Fine Leather Belt and Cured Medium Hide as they can be combined to create Dark Leather Belt.
Expert Leatherworking (Skill Level 150-225)
To become an Expert Leatherworker, you must reach character level 20 and attain Leatherworking skill level 125. Then, seek out an Expert Leatherworking trainer.
Expert Leatherworking training is available from Telonis in Darnassus (Alliance) and Una in Thunder Bluff (Horde).
Leveling from 137 to 205
- Craft 7x (Skill Level 150-155): Heavy Leather – Requires 35 Medium Leather.
Alternatively, consider crafting Green Leather Armor. The pattern for this is sold by various NPCs.
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Craft 15x (Skill Level 165-180): Heavy Armor Kit – Requires 75 Heavy Leather and 15 Fine Thread.
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Craft 10x (Skill Level 190-200): Guardian Gloves – Requires 40 Heavy Leather, 10 Cured Heavy Hide, and 10 Silken Thread.
Artisan Leatherworking (Skill Level 225-300)
To train past Leatherworking skill level 225, you need to be at least character level 35 and have reached 200 Leatherworking skill. Once you meet these criteria, visit an Artisan Leatherworking trainer.
Alliance players can learn from Drakk Stonehand in Aerie Peak within the Hinterlands (north of South Shore). He is located inside the main Wildhammer Keep, to the left and down one level of stairs.
Horde players will find Hahrana Ironhide in Feralas at Camp Mojache as their Artisan Leatherworking Trainer.
Leatherworking Specializations (Level 225+)
Upon reaching Leatherworking skill level 225 and character level 40, you can choose one of three Leatherworking specializations: Dragonscale, Elemental, or Tribal. Each specialization unlocks access to unique patterns.
- Dragonscale Leatherworking: Focuses on Mail-type armor.
- Elemental Leatherworking: Specializes in elemental resistance gear and Leather-type agility armor.
- Tribal Leatherworking: Centers around Leather-type intellect & agility gear, and the coveted Devilsaur Armor set.
For detailed information on becoming a Dragonscale, Elemental, or Tribal Leatherworker, please consult these separate guides:
Dragonscale Leatherworking Guide
Elemental Leatherworking Guide
Tribal Leatherworking Guide
Leveling from 205 to 300
- Craft 15x (Skill Level 235-250): Nightscape Pants – Requires 210 Thick Leather and 60 Silken Thread.
Leveling from 260 to 290
- Craft 33x: Wicked Leather Gauntlets – Requires 264 Rugged Leather, 33 Black Dye, and 33 Rune Thread.
The Pattern: Wicked Leather Gauntlets is sold in limited supply by Leonard Porter in Western Plaguelands and Werg Thickblade in Tirisfal Glades. Due to its limited availability and long respawn timer, consider purchasing it from the Auction House or using the alternative recipe below.
Alternative Recipe:
The recipe below, Wicked Leather Bracers, requires Leatherworking skill 265 to learn. You may need to craft an additional 6-7 Nightscape Boots (requiring 100-150 Thick Leather) to reach skill level 265.
- Craft 28x: Wicked Leather Bracers – Requires 224 Rugged Leather, 28 Black Dye, and 28 Rune Thread.
The Pattern: Wicked Leather Bracers drops from Legashi Rogue in Azshara with approximately a 5% drop rate. Consider purchasing it from the Auction House to avoid grinding mobs.
Leveling from 290 to 300
- Craft 10x: Runic Leather Headband – Requires 140 Rugged Leather, 100 Runecloth, and 10 Rune Thread.
The Pattern: Runic Leather Headband is sold in limited supply by Jase Farlane in Eastern Plaguelands. This pattern also has a long respawn timer, so be prepared to wait or check the Auction House.
Alternative Recipes:
The Pattern: Wicked Leather Headband is dropped by Jadefire Tricksters in Felwood (approximately 2% drop rate). Check the Auction House for availability. If it is cheaper than 100 Runecloth, it might be a worthwhile alternative.
Other world drop patterns like Pattern: Runic Leather Belt, Pattern: Runic Leather Bracers, and Pattern: Runic Leather Gauntlets are also options if found on the Auction House, but direct farming is not recommended.
Congratulations on reaching Leatherworking skill level 300! Please send feedback regarding this guide if you have suggestions for improvement, or if you encounter any typos, errors, or incorrect material quantities!
