Leather 101
Leather can feel overwhelming at first. There are countless types, finishes, and thicknesses, making it hard to know where to begin. Understanding a few key fundamentals makes it much easier to choose the right material for your project. Different leathers provide different strengths. Some are soft and flexible, ideal for a wallet, while others are firm and durable, perfect for a belt or sheath. Knowing how leather is made, what tanning involves, and how leather weight affects durability and feel gives you a clear foundation to make confident decisions when commissioning a custom leather piece.
Veg-Tanned vs. Chrome Tanned
Vegetable-tanned leather and chrome-tanned leather behave very differently once they’re finished, which is why they’re used for different kinds of projects. Vegetable-tanned leather is firm, ages beautifully, and works well for items that need structure, like belts, wallets, and anything you want to stamp or tool. Chrome-tanned leather is much softer and more flexible right from the start, making it great for bags, accessories, and pieces that need to bend and move easily. Both have their place—it just depends on the feel and function you want.
Leather Weights
Leather comes in different thicknesses referred to as weights. The weight tells you how thick or heavy it is and affects how it will feel and perform. 2–3 oz leather is soft and flexible, perfect for small accessories like linings, wallets, or delicate pieces. 4–5 oz leather offers medium weight and structure, making it a good choice for handbags, thicker wallets, and items that need a bit more durability. 6–7 oz leather is firm and durable, ideal for belts, sheaths, and projects that require more support. 8–10 oz leather is very thick and strong, perfect for heavy-duty belts or pieces that need to hold their shape under significant use. Choosing the right weight ensures your project not only looks right, but also lasts for years
Dyeing
Leather can be dyed or colored to give it a unique look or to match your project. Dyes penetrate the leather and change its color while still showing the natural grain, creating a rich and lasting finish. Some dyes create a smooth, even tone, while others can be blended or layered for a more textured, antique effect. The right dye can completely transform your project, making it vibrant, eye-catching, and truly one-of-a-kind.
Painting & Antiquing
Leather can also be painted or antiqued to add depth, detail, and character to a project. Painting lets you add bold colors, designs, or patterns that stand out, while antiquing enhances the natural texture and gives the leather a rich, aged look. You can combine both techniques for a unique effect, highlighting details and creating contrast. The right paint or antique finish can make your project look polished, professional, and full of personality.
Tooling & Stamping
Leather can be tooled or stamped to add texture, patterns, and personal designs to a project. Tooling uses carved impressions to create raised or recessed designs, while stamping presses shapes or patterns into the leather for a consistent look. These techniques can turn a plain piece of leather into something detailed and visually striking. The right tooling or stamping can make your project truly unique, giving it depth, character, and a custom-crafted feel.
Hardware
Adding hardware to leather projects gives them function, style, and durability. Pieces like buckles, rivets, snaps, and rings not only hold your project together but can also be purely decorative, adding visual interest and personality. Choosing the right hardware can complement the leather’s color, weight, and finish, making your project both practical and polished. Well-selected hardware can elevate a simple piece into something that looks professional, sturdy, and complete.
Explore Our Leather Types
Browse our collection of premium leathers for your next project
Blue
Recommended uses:
Belts, Wallets, Bags, Holsters, Pouches
Black
Recommended uses:
Belts, Wallets, Bags, Holsters, Pouches
Dark Brown
Recommended uses:
Belts, Wallets, Bags, Holsters, Pouches
Green
Recommended uses:
Belts, Wallets, Bags, Holsters, Pouches
Light Brown
Recommended uses:
Belts, Wallets, Bags, Holsters, Pouches
Red
Recommended uses:
Belts, Wallets, Bags, Holsters, Pouches
Chocolate
Recommended uses:
Belts, Wallets, Bags, Holsters, Pouches
Walnut
Recommended uses:
Belts, Wallets, Bags, Holsters, Pouches
Olive
Recommended uses:
Bags, Pouches, Wallets
Crazy Horse
Recommended uses:
Bags, Pouches, Wallets
Oxblood
Recommended uses:
Bags, Pouches, Wallets
Pecan Bison
Recommended uses:
Bags, Pouches, Wallets
Walnut Bison
Recommended uses:
Bags, Pouches, Wallets
Golden Brown
Recommended uses:
Wallets, Earrings, Small Pouches, Liners
Antique Brown
Recommended uses:
Belts, Holsters, Heavy Duty Straps
Antique Chocolate
Recommended uses:
Belts, Holsters, Heavy Duty Straps
White Lambskin
Recommended uses:
Liners, Decorative Pieces
Sandstone Lambskin
Recommended uses:
Liners, Decorative Pieces
Grey Lambskin
Recommended uses:
Liners, Decorative Pieces
Lavender Lambskin
Recommended uses:
Liners, Decorative Pieces
Medium Brown
Recommended uses:
Liners, Decorative Pieces
Grey Hide
Recommended uses:
Liners, Decorative Pieces