The Amish depend on leather goods: shoes, horse harness, belts, bags. Discarding them is wasteful.
Tools
Awl — pierces leather. Waxed thread — thick linen or nylon. Beeswax — for thread coating. Leather knives. Blunt-tipped needles (leather is pierced by awl, not needle).
Soles
Worn sole removed, new one cut from thick leather or rubber. Stitched with waxed thread through pre-punched holes. Saddle stitch (two needles meeting through the same hole) — the strongest.
Harness
Torn strap doesn't mean buying new. Overlap 5–7 cm, stitch in two rows, rivet. Cracked leather — soak with neatsfoot oil, flex until absorbed. Leather softens and lives on.
Prevention
Clean dirt after each use. Oil monthly. Never dry by fire (leather stiffens and cracks). Store in ventilated space. Well-maintained harness lasts 20–30 years.