Leather Cuts & How To Use Them

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Leather has the unique distinction of being a material that is sold without consistent measurements. If you have ever purchased fabric, rope, wood, or other crafting materials you go in with an idea of how much you need and what questions to ask to get it without having much in the way leftovers. Leather is a different ball game. So lets go over the most common cuts and what they're best for, so you can get what you need with confidence.

WHOLE HIDE

Approximately 45-50 sq. ft.
Comes in lighter weights, most of the time
Usually available as chrome-tan or hair-on
Great for upholstery, clothing, bags and other large projects requiring seamless cuts

SIDE OR HALF HIDE

Approximately 21-26 sq. ft.
Wide availability in chrome-tan and veg-tan
Extremely versatile in terms of what can be created due to the size of the piece and cost effective "bulk buying" prices
Comes in all weights, colors, finishes and qualities
Ideal for just about any sort of crafting you can think of!

DOUBLE SHOULDER

Approximately 11-15 sq. ft.
Wide availability in chrome-tan and veg-tan
Features both of the shoulders, affording good length especially for belts or straps

DOUBLE BEND

Approximately 22-26 sq. ft.
More consistently shaped
Great for belts, straps, reins, stirrups, etc.
Includes areas of the neck and back for durability and minimal stretch

SINGLE BEND

Approximately 11-15 sq. ft.
Attributes the same as the Double Bend

SINGLE SHOULDER

Approximately 7-12 sq. ft.
Typically only available in veg-tan
These are somewhat oddly shaped, coming from one shoulder and including the neck
Can have some stretch marks and blemishes
Tend to be low cost with much less left over for single or small projects

BELLY

Approximately 4-7 sq. ft.
Great for small projects and testing
Weight is inconsistent and the fibers are soft, causing more stretching
Super inexpensive!

SMALL SKINS

Approximately 3-7 sq. ft.
Can be found in veg-tan, however, more common in chrome-tans
Great product for jewelry, accent pieces, fashion statements, wallets and other accessories

CRAFT CUTS

Range in size from 8 1/2"x11" to 24"x24"
Can be veg-tan or chrome-tan
Like the small skins, these are a great product for jewelry, accent pieces, fashion statements, wallets and other accessories