THE A LEATHERSTORE LEATHER GUIDE

Choosing the Right Leather for Your Craft

INTRODUCTION

Leather is more than just a material — it is a living surface that evolves with use.

This guide explains the leathers we offer, how they are tanned, how different cuts behave,

and how to choose the right leather for your project.

1. UNDERSTANDING LEATHER TANNING

Vegetable-Tanned Leather

Vegetable tanning uses natural tannins from bark, wood, and leaves.

This slow, traditional process creates leather that is firm, often toolable, and develops a rich patina.

Why we love it:

Ages beautifully and records your craftsmanship

Excellent for carving, stamping, and burnishing

Ideal for belts, wallets, straps, bags, shoes and structured goods

Moldable and Versatile

Keep in mind:

Sensitive to water and prolonged sun exposure

Leather needs care in form of wax, cream, conditioner etc.

Mineral-Tanned (Chrome) Leather

Mineral tanning uses modern salts to create supple, flexible leather.

Why we love it:

Soft and ready to use from day one

Wide and consistent color range, that doesn't develop patina

Ideal for lining, garments, bags and more

Care tip:

Condition lightly and avoid over-oiling

2. LEATHER CUTS EXPLAINED

Double Shoulder

Medium to firm leather with natural movement.

Great for bags, wallets, belts, straps, shoes and more

Double Bend (Butt)

Dense and firm

Best for heavy-duty straps, belts, and structured goods.

Side

Balanced temper with good yield.

Best for bags, panels, and versatile leather goods.

Belly

Softer and stretchy with irregular grain and surface

Best for linings, accents, and small projects.

Pro Tip:

Choosing the right cut affects how your project behaves, stretches, and ages.

3. LEATHER TYPES WE OFFER

Natural / No-Finish Leather

Pure, uncoated leather showing the hide’s true character.

Care: neutral conditioner, protect from moisture

Chevre (Goat Leather)

Lightweight, strong, and fine-grained.

Care: light balm to maintain texture

Fish Leather

Sustainably sourced with distinctive scale texture.

Care: keep dry, minimal conditioning

Lining Leather

Soft and flexible for interiors.

Care: store flat, light conditioning

Embossed Leather

Pressed patterns for visual consistency and elegance.

Care: wipe clean, avoid excess moisture

Shell Cordovan

Dense horsehide shell with deep natural gloss.

Care: buff with soft cloth and cordovan cream

Belt Blanks

Pre-cut leather straps ready for finishing.

Care: seal edges after burnishing

Limited Editions & Special Leathers

Rare tannages, colors, and experimental finishes.

Care: store separately

4. CHOOSING THE RIGHT LEATHER

Belts / Straps:

Vegetable-tanned leather or belt blanks

Wallets / Cases:

Vegetable-tanned or shell cordovan

Soft Bags:

Mineral-tanned leather, chevre, lining leather

Structured Bags:

Mineral-tanned or vegetable tanned leather, chevre, lining leather

Garments / Linings:

Mineral-tanned leather

Statement Accents:

Fish leather, embossed leather, limited editions

5. LEATHER CARE & MAINTENANCE

- Clean with a soft dry cloth

- Condition periodically

- Avoid soaking; air dry naturally

- Store in cool, dry place away from sunlight

- Test dyes and conditioners before use

- Seal edges after burnishing

6. SIZES available for purchase - general guide

We cut our panels by hand

1 SQFT - approximately 30 x 30 cm or approximately 23 x 40 cm

2 SQFT - approximately 30 x 60 cm

1/4 (QUARTER) - approximately 30 x 110/120 cm

1/2 (HALF or SINGLE SHOULDER) - approximately 60 x 110/120 cm

1/1 (FULL HIDE / DOUBLE SHOULDER) - average approximately 120 x 110/120 cm

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