Purchase specialized leather carving technique instruction books so that you can practice the different kinds of leather cutting and carving. Purchase the swivel knife, tracing paper and masking tape. Purchase, download or make your own leather carving design pattern.
Set up a workbench in a private work area out of the way of visitors, pets and children.
Follow the directions in the instruction book by practicing some leather carving techniques on a scrap piece of leather that is about the same thickness as the leather saddle. Pay close attention to how you hold the swivel knife. Practice using the swivel knife to create shades and different carved lines in the scrap leather. Repeat as needed until you feel comfortable using the swivel knife, and with some basic leather carving techniques.
Transfer the leather design pattern onto a section of the leather saddle by taping down the transfer paper onto the leather with masking tape. Place the design over the top of the tracing paper. Trace the design with a pencil or pen onto the leather saddle.
Hold the swivel knife in the proper position and begin to trace the design that you transferred onto the saddle with the swivel knife. Pay special attention to the kinds of lines that you carve using the swivel knife.
Dampen the leather saddle gently as you carve your design into it. This will make it easier for the swivel knife to perform properly.
Continue carving the first section of your leather design until completed. Take breaks often if your hand or wrist gets tired.
Trace the design onto the next section of the leather saddle. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 until the entire leather saddle has a design carved into it. Add leather dyes and colors to the hand-carved leather saddle you have created, if desired.