People purchase leather for many reasons. The most common basis for purchasing leather is to complete a variety of leather craft projects. If you are working on a leatherworking task, it is essential that you make certain the leather is correct for the task that you wish to complete. Here, you will find many useful guidelines on how to select leather by weight and type.
The primary article that you should determine when selecting leather is exactly how much leather will be necessary for your leatherworking project. It is essential 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 by the hide rather than by the square foot. You should also settle on the thickness of the leather that will be required for your project. Choosing the wrong size and thickness of leather can make or perhaps break your leatherworking job.
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 an even and wax-like look in the leather you require for your leatherworking project.
If you are creating a simple leatherworking project and prefer to select leather that is relatively low-priced, you should select chrome leather. Please 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 task.
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. By making the right choice, you will end up with a quality leather project that will give you enjoyment and durability for many years.
The following is a 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 garments. 3 to 4 oz. (1.2 - 1.6mm) This weight is suitable for wallet backs, lining and gussets. In a softer temper this weight is ideal for vests, chaps, handbags or shoes. 4 to 5 oz. (1.6 - 2.0mm) a middle weight leather perfect for chaps, hats, pouches, 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 handy description for heavy weight leathers and their uses. 6 to 7 oz. (2.4 - 2.8mm) a great weight for handbags, belts, straps, tool pouches and sheaths. 7 to 8 oz. (2.8 - 3.2mm) an ideal leather weight for belts, sheaths, holster, collars, straps and saddle bags. 8 to 9 oz. (3.2 - 3.6mm) Great weight for wider belts, sheaths, holsters and motorcycle bags. 9 to 10 oz. (3.2 - 3.6mm) a heavier weight leather for wide belts, saddlery and harness items. 10 to 13 oz. (4.0 - 5.2mm) A heavy leather perfect for belts, straps, collars, saddles, stirrups, reigns and bridals.