Selecting Leather

Author: EthanO.Tanner
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Leather is purchased for a variety of reasons. The most common reason for purchasing leather is to complete various crafts and arts in leatherworking. If you are working on a leatherworking project, it is important that you ensure care when selecting leather that is right for the task that you wish to complete. Here, you will find many useful tips on how to select leather.

The first thing that you should determine when selecting leather is exactly how much leather will be required for your leatherworking project. It is important to understand that most leather is sold by the square foot. Of course, if you purchase leather from a thrift store, or a flea market, you may find that it is sold in a larger size initially than a square foot. You should also determine the thickness of the leather that will be required for your project. Choosing the wrong size and thickness of leather can make or possibly break your leatherworking project.

There are certain types of leather that are referred to as vegetable tan. This type of leather is useful for leatherworking projects that require the leather to be stamped. If the leather needs to be tooled, this is the type of leather that you should select for your leatherworking project. This type of leather makes a wonderful selection for projects such as book covers, belts, and leather purses with designs. The color is often a natural color and it makes a wonderful type of leather to select when choosing to dye the material.

If you are looking to opt for leather that is sturdier and makes a great type for the larger projects, such as saddles or various types of furniture, you should in all probability go with oil leather. Selecting this type of leather gives you flexibility and a type of material that is stiff all in one. This is tanned leather that is usually darker in color. You should select this type of leather if you are looking for a even and wax-like appearance in the leather you require for your leatherworking project.

Chrome leather is a good selection if you are creating a simple leatherworking project and prefer to select leather that is relatively inexpensive. It is important to understand that this particular type of leather does not hold dye very well. The products that are used to create the leather are low in quality and are not suitable for dye. In addition, it is often white on one side of the leather, and various colors on the other side. If you want colored leather that you do not want to have to dye yourself, this is the type of leather that you should select for your leatherworking project.

There are numerous types of leather that you can select; however, you must make sure that the type of leather that you select matches the needs as set forth by the leatherworking project that you desire to create.

The following is a average weight and use guide for light weight leathers. 2 to 3 oz. (.8 - 1.2mm) A lighter weight leather ideal for lining, wallets, personal leather goods and in a softer temper for use with garments. 3 to 4 oz. (1.2 - 1.6mm) This weight is suitable for wallet backs, linings and gussets. In a softer temper this weight leather is ideal for vests, chaps, handbags or shoes. 4 to 5 oz. (1.6 - 2.0mm) A medium thickness leather perfect for chaps, hats, straps and shoes or boots. 5 to 6 oz. (2.0 - 2.4mm) This middle weight leather is ideal for straps, lace, tool pouches, hats and boots. Here is a standard description for heavy leathers and their uses. 6 to 7 oz. (2.4 - 2.8mm) An ideal weight for handbags, belts, straps, tool pouches and sheaths. 7 to 8 oz. (2.8 - 3.2mm) This leather thickness is perfect for belts, sheaths, holster, collars, straps and saddle bags. 8 to 9 oz. (3.2 - 3.6mm) Ideal weight for wider belts, sheaths, holsters and motorcycle bags. 9 to 10 oz. (3.2 - 3.6mm) A heavier leather for wide belts, saddlery and harness items. 10 to 13 oz. (4.0 - 5.2mm) A very heavy leather perfect for belts, collars, saddles, stirrups, reigns and bridals.