BUILD WHAT LASTS
Master the art of building square leg chinks that work as hard as you do.
Learn Julie's precise process—honed over 44 years—for creating custom chinks that fit properly and hold up to real ranch work.
Taught by Julie Baugher | Master Leatherworker & Chap Maker
WHY THIS COURSE
Chinks are working gear. This course teaches you to build them right.
They're functional gear that takes a beating in brush, on horseback, and in real ranch work.
Julie's been building chinks for 44 years. She knows what holds up and what fails. She knows where beginners make mistakes and how to avoid them.
This course walks you through every single step—measuring, cutting, sewing, finishing, hardware installation, fringe cutting—so you can build a pair of chinks that fit properly and last for years.
Precise instruction.
No headaches.
Just working gear you'll be proud to wear (and sell as your skills grow).
From measurements to final fit check
Measuring Your Client- Proper measurements for accurate fit—the foundation of good chinks.
Creating Individual Chink Pieces- Breaking down the build into manageable components.
Preparing Parts & Pieces- Prep work that sets you up for smooth assembly.
Finish Work - Stitch grooving, edge finishing, and professional details.
Pattern Layout & Cutting Bodies - Proper placement and cutting technique for clean results.
Adding Yokes & Side Pieces Building dimension and structure into your chinks.
Sewing Pieces Together
Machine sewing techniques for strong, clean seams.
Trimming & Adding Hardware
Final shaping and hardware installation.
Adding Back Belt & Billets
Critical fit components done right.
Cutting Fringe
The finishing detail that completes the look.
Putting It ALL Together
Final assembly of all components.
Checking Final Fit
Ensuring proper fit before the chinks go to work.
44 years of leatherwork. A lifetime of teaching.
Julie Baugher started working leather in her dad's tack room shop more than 44 years ago.
She attended saddle-making school at Spokane Falls Community College with Jesse Smith in the early '80s. Her first job was building saddles in Laramie, Wyoming, at The Boardwalk for Rob Vogel. She then ran Ellensburg Saddle Company with her husband before opening Julie Baugher Leather Design—her custom leather business.
Julie taught chinks-building classes throughout her career, here and there, so people could come build themselves a pair.
Now, Julie Baugher Leather Design is a full-time leatherworking school specializing in building chaps, serving everyone from beginners to advanced leatherworkers. She also creates and sells chaps patterns online.
Her love of working with leather continues. But her heart lies with teaching others this craft that's been so good to her.
— Julie Baugher
This course works whether you're building for yourself or clients.
Let's Talk Tools
Equipment
investment: $1,500–$4,500
Building chinks requires leather tools and a leather sewing machine.
Estimated investment: $1,500–$4,500
What you'll need:
Cutting tools (head knife, utility knife, or rotary cutter)
Hardware (buckles, rivets, zippers)
Punches
Maul or hammer
Leather (1 side veg-tan for yokes, sides, back belt)
Leather sewing machine (hand sewing is possible, but machine work is highly encouraged)
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This course requires basic knowledge of leather sewing machine setup and operation.
This course focuses on the build process, not basic machine operation. You'll need working knowledge of how to set up and operate a leather sewing machine before starting.
While chinks CAN be hand-sewn, a machine makes the process significantly smoother and faster—especially for the long seams in chinks construction.
What's included for Doer & Dedicated students:
Complete tools and resource list with purchase guidance and supplier recommendations.
Choose The Level That Fits Your Goals
Dabbler Tier
Instructional course videos
Perfect for self-starters who want the instruction without the extras.
What's Included:
Lifetime access to all 12 course videos
Link to purchase chink pattern for accurate sizing
Learn at your own pace, on your own timeline
What's Not Included:
Live Q&A sessions
Community access
Exclusive mailed pattern pack
Complete resource list
1-on-1 calls with Julie
Doer Tier
Everything you need to succeed
For makers who want the full experience—community, resources, and live support.
What's Included:
Lifetime access to all 12 course videos
Access to BAMS Makers Facebook Group
Complete tools & supplies resource list
EXCLUSIVE MAILED PATTERN PACK (includes how-to instructions for drafting, full-size paper pattern, back belt & construction diagrams)
6 monthly live Q&A sessions
ONE 30-minute 1-on-1 call with Julie
Pay in full: $712 (save $50)
Dedicated Tier
Personalized mentorship with Julie
For serious makers ready to go all-in with direct feedback and guidance.
What's Included:
Everything in the Doer tier, PLUS:
SIX monthly 30-minute 1-on-1 video calls with Julie
Priority support and personalized feedback on your work
Option to purchase additional calls after 6 months
Pay in full: $1,382 (save $100)
Bundle & Save
Square Leg Chinks Making + Business of Making
Learn the craft AND how to turn it into a business.
What's Included:
Doer-level Square Leg Chinks Making course
Complete Business of Making course
Both communities and all resources
Combined live Q&A access
Originally $1,462 — Save $219.30
Dabbler Tier
Instructional course videos
Perfect for self-starters who want the instruction without the extras.
What's Included:
Lifetime access to all 12 course videos
Link to purchase chink pattern for accurate sizing
Learn at your own pace, on your own timeline
What's Not Included:
Live Q&A sessions
Community access
Exclusive mailed pattern pack
Complete resource list
1-on-1 calls with Julie
Doer Tier
Everything you need to succeed
For makers who want the full experience—community, resources, and live support.
What's Included:
Lifetime access to all 12 course videos
Access to BAMS Makers Facebook Group
Complete tools & supplies resource list
EXCLUSIVE MAILED PATTERN PACK (includes how-to instructions for drafting, full-size paper pattern, back belt & construction diagrams)
6 monthly live Q&A sessions
ONE 30-minute 1-on-1 call with Julie
Pay in full: $712 (save $50)
Dedicated Tier
Personalized mentorship with Julie
For serious makers ready to go all-in with direct feedback and guidance.
What's Included:
Everything in the Doer tier, PLUS:
SIX monthly 30-minute 1-on-1 video calls with Julie
Priority support and personalized feedback on your work
Option to purchase additional calls after 6 months
Pay in full: $1,382 (save $100)
Bundle & Save
Square Leg Chinks Making + Business of Making
Learn the craft AND how to turn it into a business.
What's Included:
Doer-level Square Leg Chinks Making course
Complete Business of Making course
Both communities and all resources
Combined live Q&A access
Originally $1,462 — Save $219.30
From the first pair, to building a successful business
Julie's students start this course wanting chinks that fit properly. Gear they can't find anywhere else or can't afford to commission.
Many finish and realize they can build chinks for others. That this could be a side business. That there's demand for well-made, properly-fitting chinks.
Some build for family members. Others take custom orders. A few have turned it into full leatherworking businesses.
The common thread? They all started by building one solid pair of working chinks.
Testimonials
Ready to build your first pair of chinks?
Enrollment opens July 1-14, 2026.
Join the waitlist to get notified the moment registration opens.
Questions? Email us at info@beamaker.school
Master chinks? Time for shotgun chaps.
Once you've built square leg chinks, progress to building full shotgun chaps with Julie's advanced course.
Quarterly enrollment: July 1-14, 2026
Questions or gift certificates: info@beamaker.school
