r/Leatherworking 9d ago

Monthly "What Leather is this?" Megathread

7 Upvotes

Have a piece of leather you would like other members try to identify? Ask here!

Your comment must include a picture of the leather and a written description of the tactile aspects such as temper (how soft it is). Any additional pictures should be included as a reply to your original comment.

**Any posts pertaining to leather identification will be removed starting August 1st.**


r/Leatherworking 9h ago

My dad and I made this multi-pocket leather crossbody bag, with extra storage built into the strap

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94 Upvotes

My dad and I designed and made this multi-pocket crossbody bag from dark brown and tan Italian leather.

We wanted it to stay fairly compact while still offering plenty of organized storage, so we built it around a structured main compartment, added two pockets on the sides, and placed two smaller pouches directly onto the wide adjustable strap.

The bottom is reinforced with an extra layer of leather stitched onto the outside, which gives the bag more structure and helps protect the base. Everything was hand stitched with 1 mm waxed polyester thread, and I finished the edges with Uniters edge paint.

There are many separate pieces and layers in this one, especially around the pockets and strap, but I really enjoyed seeing the whole design come together.

I hope you enjoy it .Feel free to ask me anything about the materials or construction.


r/Leatherworking 7h ago

Can I store chrome tanned leather rolled up like this for along time?

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21 Upvotes

Hi,

I bought two massive pieces of very soft chrome tanned (saddle) leather from an closing fiactory. The guy told me i should store it hanging to prevent wrinkles, but these two cows are way to big to keep it hanging in my flat. Is it save to store it rolled up like in the picture for years or will this irreversibly damage it over time?

(payed 95€ for both (~2,2x2,2m each). was this a good deal?)


r/Leatherworking 5h ago

How to darken existing scale armor??

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8 Upvotes

Any advice on dyeing pic related a bit darker? Been thinking of reducing dye in a spray bottle and misting it. Has anyone done something similar before and had it work?


r/Leatherworking 8h ago

Finished product Karlova Whiskey purse in Pueblo

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12 Upvotes

r/Leatherworking 5h ago

Small leather box (aka The Bucket)

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4 Upvotes

r/Leatherworking 43m ago

Generic passport wallet

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Upvotes

Full grain leather three pocket wallet. Simple


r/Leatherworking 17h ago

The wallet personalized with a name that I just finished !

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38 Upvotes

r/Leatherworking 1h ago

Passport Wallet

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Upvotes

My latest project, a passport wallet for my buddy. My first time with a basket stamp. Tandy Economy vegtan, no antique, and my laser engraver acted up on my makers mark. Roast away!


r/Leatherworking 36m ago

Maintenance or repair Best leather protectant spray without terrible smell?

Upvotes

I always spray my bags, but my most recent spray has a terrible smell and I have to air out my bags a while after using it. I don't use one particular spray. Want recommendations for good sprays that have no smell or a decent smell? Thanks??


r/Leatherworking 20h ago

Finished product Italian leather doctor bag – 40 cm brass frame, hand-stitched

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28 Upvotes

Full‑grain Italian leather, solid brass hardware, 40 cm frame opening. Every seam is saddle‑stitched by hand. The bag holds its shape well and has good capacity for weekend travel or daily carry. Classic doctor bag silhouette with a clean, minimal finish.


r/Leatherworking 13h ago

First timer

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5 Upvotes

r/Leatherworking 19h ago

Beginner Question How to achieve this flap/closure shape?

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14 Upvotes

How do I replicate this sort of flap shape? I have a feeling I can't achieve it with a simple coin and cutter can I? I want to avoid the basic sharp corners like the one in the final photo


r/Leatherworking 6h ago

How do you convert patterns to be compatible with a laser cutter?

1 Upvotes

I bought a pattern off of Etsy. I tried to use the trace function.... That created something usable but not great. The other problem is some of the patterns that I've bought have watermarks over some of the lines (even in the purchased file)


r/Leatherworking 11h ago

Maintenance or repair Tear in strap

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1 Upvotes

Hello! Would you guys recommend me gluing this or leaving it be? It’s not super deep but i also don’t want to ruin the bag.

If you recommend gluing or repair, what products should I use?


r/Leatherworking 21h ago

General Question Anyone have experience with Vinegroon? Had a first attempt with suede.

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10 Upvotes

I made some vinegroon (1L of vinegar, and serious amount of extra fine steel wool). I had the vinegar sit for over a month, and had enough to dye two pieces of white suede (12”x12” each) and I got a decent dark chocolate colour, but when I rinsed it it turned quite a bit lighter. Honestly I was under the impression it’d get black out of this process. Any tips? or do I just need to keep treating it to get the colour I’m hoping for?


r/Leatherworking 9h ago

How thin you skive the lather that wraps around the lug, in a watch band? Also, Velodon?

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1 Upvotes

r/Leatherworking 1d ago

Second wallet I’ve tried to make. I have a question..

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58 Upvotes

How the heck are your guys’ edges and corners so clean!? I slowed down, burnished longer etc. and mine are still rough. Any advice would be appreciated!


r/Leatherworking 11h ago

General Question Question about cutting

1 Upvotes

Just getting into this and was curious if you people prefer knifes or scissors to cut


r/Leatherworking 1d ago

My new finished project

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68 Upvotes

Full grain leather, detachable pocket, possible to hang a keyring, magnetic closure. No machine used to make it. What do you think?


r/Leatherworking 22h ago

Made a trendy wallet

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7 Upvotes

r/Leatherworking 23h ago

General Question will using conditioner + blow dryer be able to shrink leather without damaging it?

5 Upvotes

hi all! i'm trying to tighten the leather on a finished product (a filofax similar to this) and i saw a method (here) that tightens up worn-out/stretched-out leather by:

  • applying conditioner first
  • blow drying that area on high heat (and applying more conditioner during the blow dry process if needed)

until the leather is tight again. this method was used on a couch seat, but i'm wondering if it might work for my needs? i'm not able to do the water/blow-dryer method so i'm looking into alternatives. thanks!


r/Leatherworking 1d ago

Finished product My 3 Latest Bags

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26 Upvotes

Three photos of each bag


r/Leatherworking 20h ago

Custom Italian leather doctor bag – 40 cm frame, hand-stitched, built for travel

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2 Upvotes

r/Leatherworking 1d ago

Finished product My latest project: Full-grain veg-tan leather piece with contrast red stitching.

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11 Upvotes

​Just finished up this piece and wanted to share the results with you all. I really love working with vegetable-tanned leather for its durability and how beautifully it ages over time.

​Material: Premium vegetable-tanned leather.

​Construction: 100% handmade using traditional saddle stitch with contrast red thread.

​Features: Multiple card slots and a secure snap closure.

​I'm quite happy with how the edges and stitching turned out, but I'm always looking to improve. Any feedback on the design or construction is welcome!

​Thanks for looking!