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Leather Cuts & How To Use Them
September 27, 2023 Tandy Leather

Leather Cuts & How To Use Them

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
Filed in: education, leather
Previous article A Guide to Choosing Thread Weight and Chisel Size for Hand Sewing Leather

Comments

Mark Stangl - December 30, 2024

My journey into the world of crafts began in my childhood years in Ft. Worth, a time when I was also a Boy Scout living in rural Lake Worth. It was in Austin, after a summer spent in San Diego, that my interest in leathercraft truly took root. In 1971, I found a small space for my work in Gandalf’s head shop, marking the beginning of my professional journey in this field.

By the time I was near TCU, I had taken the helm at the Campus Cobbler, where I expanded my repertoire to include hats, belts, purses, and shoe repairs. My craft continued to evolve, and in 1973, I began working with Buck Steiner and Charlie Dunn, two individuals I had admired since buying leather from Buck between 1970 and 1972, when I was just starting out.

However, the demanding schedule of working six days a week for Buck led me to seek new opportunities in Denton. There, I joined Logan’s Shoe Ship, where I honed my skills in making sandals and deepened my knowledge of leather crafts. My time with the Logans was interspersed with periods of learning and growth, as I worked with them on and off for several years.

In 1975, I returned to Austin to finish college and spent a couple of years working at the Leather Bench above Les Amis, further cementing my passion and skill in leathercraft. Now, after 52 years, I still maintain a leather workstation in my home, a testament to my lifelong dedication to this craft. My journey began with my first purchase of leather, tools, and dyes at Tandy Leather in Fort Worth, and it’s a journey that continues to this day.

Stephen Davis - October 24, 2024

I have used Tandy leathers and buckskin in my piano rebuilding shop for years and have always been happy with the variety of choices and the helpful staff. In my 70s now and lately made a few belts only to discover that someone needs to take some classes lol. There is much to learn and I’m so grateful that Tandy is in my hometown.

Wayne - September 26, 2024

Tandy has been my go-to for years. I started working leather as a kid and was primarily self-taught I used their craft aids and their books to help learn and after many years I’m returning to a hobby that I love thank you Tandy for being a consistent source of pleasure.

Gordon - September 26, 2024

I had two double shoulders I bought intending to start making knife, hatchet and axe sheaths but never found the time. Covid19 came around and I had extra time on my hands while at home. I have since made many sheaths and now have a new hobby. Love Tandy Economy double shoulder veggie tanned leather. Takes tooling and dye well.

Juan Arroyo - December 27, 2024

Learning about leathers

A Sarm - August 29, 2024

I’m in my fortys and have never had any training in leathercraft. I love the media and have made a few embarrassingly bad bracelets I can afford much in supplies yet but I would love to learn more and have leatherwork as a hobby /pastime. I’m a oef/oit veteran with sometimes brutal PTSD or complex – ptsd. And it helps to have a nice decent good natured positive hobbies. Only I need a mentor or mastercraftsman to pour their knowledge into me so that I may become proficient. Online can only provide so much in the way of info before you must get hands on as they say. And I’m California I’ve yet to run into too many men or women leatherworking like I seen in the midwest and the south… y’all count your blessings for His Grace is unmatched and unending. Praise the lord.

Robert Hanks - August 5, 2024

My dad taught me leathercraft in a craft shop he ran on Ft Bliss, Tx. Couldn’t have had a better teacher and am sad to have lost him 8 years ago. Tandy has always been my go to for supplies.

steve blake - August 5, 2024

I was pleasantly surprised to so many old leather crafters in my same situation. I started back in school as a craft, got hooked and started shopping at Tandy in Dallas,Tx. I’m now 80 and started once again. I still enjoy the craft.

Robbie Rowe - July 5, 2024

I started leather working in the late 1960s in school, & my Mom would take us to Tandys. for supplies, it was glorious! As one other reviewer said I got a job, house, family and lost the time for projects. Now I am retired & ready to jump back in. Thank you Tsndy for still being here!!!

Kimberly - June 27, 2024

Thank you Steve for being so patient with me, and answering my myriad questions when I dropped in the Berlin store today. I was so excited to see all the leather crafting supplies…like a kid in a candy store!

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