How to Choose Leather

Before you begin any leatherworking project, you'll need to know a little about the types of leather available.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Leathers
• Rulers

1. Purchase leather by the square foot. The measurements of a piece of leather are commonly written on its underside.
2. Choose vegetable-tanned leather for projects requiring the surface to be stamped or tooled. This leather is a natural tan color, and its rigid structure makes it perfect for projects such as belts and book covers.
3. Choose oil-tanned leather for projects that require durability and flexibility. Saddles and tack are often made from an oil-tanned leather called latigo. Oil-tanned leather can be distinguished from other leathers by its waxy surface.
4. Choose chrome-tanned leather for relatively inexpensive leather that comes in a variety of colors. This type of leather is tanned with chemicals and does not breathe very well. It is frequently white on one side and can be any color on the other.
5. Use suede for projects that require soft, pliable leather. Suede is wonderful for garments of any kind and comes in a wide range of colors.
6. Choose garment leather for projects requiring a soft, supple leather. Garment leather has a smooth rather than sueded finish and comes in rich colors.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using oil-tanned leather when stretch or flexibility in the leather might be undesirable. For example, you will not want a dog collar that an animal would be able to stretch enough to allow its escape from the collar.
• Whereas vegetable-tanned leather can be tooled or stamped, leather that has been treated with oil or chemicals will not take impressions..