Guidelines for Selecting the Correct Leather
People purchase leather for many reasons. The most common
basis for purchasing leather is always to complete a variety of leather craft projects. Should you be working on a leatherworking task, it is essential that you make certain the leather is correct for your task that you wish to complete. Here, if you've been useful guidelines on how to choose leather by weight and kind. The primary article that you should determine when selecting leather is exactly how much leather will be needed for your leatherworking project. It is essential to understand that most leather is sold through the square foot. Of course, if you purchase leather coming from a thrift store, or a flea market, you might find that it is sold by the hide rather compared to the square foot. You should also decide on the thickness of the leather that will be required for your project. Picking out the wrong size and thickness of leather can make or perhaps break your leatherworking job. There are certain types of leather that are known as vegetable tan. This type of leather will last leatherworking projects that require the leather to get stamped. If the leather has to be tooled, this is the type of leather that you can select for your leatherworking project. Such a leather makes a wonderful selection for projects such as book covers, belts, and leather purses with designs. Large is often a natural color and it makes a wonderful type of leather to choose when choosing to dye the pad. If you are looking to select leather that is sturdier and makes a great type for the larger projects, such as saddles or various types of furniture, you should probably 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's usually darker in color. You ought to choose this type of leather if you are looking for the smooth and wax-like appearance inside leather you require for your leatherworking project. If you are creating a simple leather craft project and want to select leather that is pretty cheap you should select chrome leather. It's imperative to understand that this particular form of leather does not hold dye very well. These products that are used to create the leather are reduced quality and are not suitable for dye. Additionally, it is often white on one hand of the leather, and a selection of colors on the other side. If you want dyed leather which you do not want to have to dye yourself, this is the type of leather that you should select for the leatherworking job. There are numerous types of leather that you could select; however, you must be sure that the type of leather that you end up picking matches the needs as set forth by the leatherworking project that you desire to create. Leathercraft 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. Leathercraft |