Choosing the Right Cut of Leather
When choosing the right cut of keep these two practices in mind.
- A tannery sells a whole hide or cuts it down into smaller sections.
- Hides are cut for affordability or because of waste (yield to the end users) to the production shop.
Crafter’s Considerations
- Budget is a consideration when purchasing a cut of leather.
- What will a crafter’s work space accomodate?
- As long as a crafter gets a quality cut of leather, a smaller cut is more affordable and easier to work with in their shop.
Leather Cuts
Whole Hide or Hide
- Contains 45 sq. ft. up to 50 sq. ft. of leather.
- Measures approximately 8.50 ft long by appro. 8 ft. wide.
- Typically, whole hides come in chrome tan because of need for the garment and upholstery users. Larger panels are cut for sofas, chairs, etc.
Half of a Hide
- Contains approximately 24 sq. ft. of leather.
- It is a big piece of leather if you have a small work space.
- When buying smaller cuts you will be paying more per square foot. The value comes when you pay a little bit more to have a piece of leather that is manageable in your work space.
Double Shoulder
- Measures approximately 14 sq. ft.
- It is a cut that has both of the shoulder blades on the hide.
- Belt makers like the double shoulder cut because you can cut across the hide instead of lengthwise.
Single Shoulder
- A single shoulder is a double shoulder cut in half.
- It is a very affordable piece of leather.
- All manner of projects are created from single shoulders.
Bellies
- Makes a great piece of leather for people who are new at leathercrafting because of the ample amount of leather and affordability.
- It is trimmed off of a side and it is the least preferable piece for a production shop but great for the leathercrafter.
Leather pieces more common to production shops:
Single Bend
- Has the belly and part of the shoulder cut off.
- The leather is high yield, low waste.
- Measures approximately 30” across and 60” in length.
- Great for belts.
Double Bend
- Measures approximately 60″ wide.
- Great for production shops.
Single Back
- Measures approximately 18 – 20 sq. ft.
- Width is 28″ – 30″
- Length 85” – 110”
- Yield and efficiency
Double Back
- Measures approximately 36 – 42 sq. ft.
- Width is 55” – 60”
- Length 85” – 100”
- Yield and efficiency
Leather crafters, as long as you start with a quality leather the cut is more dependent on your budget and your workspace.
Veg tan is always more expensive than chrome tan because it takes longer to tan a hide with the veg tan process.
Learn more about: Leather Cuts here
