Holes of different sizes can be made in leather with the aid of a punch, i.e. a metal tube with sharp edges. The diameter varies from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. A piece of leather is placed on a wooden, lead or copper support in order not to damage the edge. The punch is then placed where the hole is desired and hit with a hammer. So one needs his two hands; this can be avoided for small holes with the punching tongs.
See also the cork borer. [MOT]