Size of Leather

[Gridix]

Good Evening Everyone,

I was reading up on the different types of leather and the different thicknesses, however, I am not sure I completely understand how to order leather. I have purchased some cheaper leather on buckleguy for learning some techniques. I was hoping to get some leather to make a small laced bag, but I am not sure how much leather i would need.

 

I think I want some chrome tanned leather around 7 or 8 oz, but even having a template to work from I am not sure what to buy (size or brand). Any advise would be appreciated.

 

Thanks!

 

Josh

[toxo]

20 minutes ago, Gridix said:

Good Evening Everyone,

I was reading up on the different types of leather and the different thicknesses, however, I am not sure I completely understand how to order leather. I have purchased some cheaper leather on buckleguy for learning some techniques. I was hoping to get some leather to make a small laced bag, but I am not sure how much leather i would need.

 

I think I want some chrome tanned leather around 7 or 8 oz, but even having a template to work from I am not sure what to buy (size or brand). Any advise would be appreciated.

 

Thanks!

 

Josh

Hi Josh. First of all you need to fill in your profile so we all know where you are. I'll hazard a guess at the US since you've used Buckleguy so as far as where to buy and sizes I can't help because I'm in the UK and I buy my leather face to face after I've examined it and felt it. The reason I've said that is if you want to make a bag it's not just a question of how thick/thin. If you're learning then veg tan leather will give you more opportunity to try different techniques than chrome tan will. Chrome tan is usually softer than veg tan so do you want your bag to stand up or flop like a hobo type bag? Chrome tan can come in all sorts of colours whereas veg tan can come ready coloured mostly you have to dye it yourself. You can't tool chrome tan like you can veg tan. So you have to balance what you want your bag to look like when finished but the thickness will come into it also. Like I said, I go by feel but you might not have that option. There are many charts out there showing thicknesses in ounces and millimeters and no doubt someone will come along with a more helpful explanation. I will add that both veg and chrome tan comes in different tempers (floppiness). Best advice is to talk to whoever you want to buy from, tell them what you want to make and ask them what they have. Most will be only too pleased to help. Good luck Josh and don't forget to post the pics when your done.

[Dwight]

Leather is measured in ounces thick . . . one ounce equals 1/64 of an inch.  8 ounce therefore is 1/8 of an inch . . . 16 ounce is 1/4 of an inch.

Google Tandy Leather . . . and if there is  a Tandy store nearby . . . go there . . .  they'll show you the differences.

May God bless,

Dwight

[toxo]

Unless you buy from Europe where it's measured in millimeters. 

[fredk]

Multiply the ounce size by 0.4 to get millimetre size, or divide mm by 0.4 to get ounces [per square foot]

I use both to get an approximation of how much leather is going into a project; eg if all the pieces of 2.8mm leather weigh 12 oz then; 2.8mm = appox 7 oz leather, and 12 oz/7 oz = 1.7 sq ft

[LatigoAmigo]

7 hours ago, Gridix said:

I am not sure what to buy (size or brand)

Here's a leather weight conversion table for reference.

Edited Thursday at 05:41 AM by LatigoAmigo

[Gridix]

Thank you guys. I am going to look into this.

 

-Josh

[chuck123wapati]

Also, look into some bag patterns. They usually tell you what thickness of leather is appropriate and have good instructions for making your first endeavor successful. Diesel punk patterns are pretty good from what I have heard as well as Tandy.

[BlackDragon]

The type of leather really depends on a few factors.

Chrome tan is a softer material so if you want your bag to to stand up right you would need to add a stiffener to the inside. Chrome tan comes dyed and there are a lot of colors to choose from. You would have to buy multiple pieces if you want more than one color.

Veg tan comes in various animals: cow, deer, pig, sheep to name a few. Colors are usually natural, black, or various shades of browns. If you dye your own colors you can buy one piece of leather and dye it the colors you need

The amount you need will depend on the size of the bag. It's best to make a pattern so you can get a rough idea of the square footage you need. It's best to get extra for when you cut incorrectly, and you will 

 

[Gridix]

Thanks guys, I have a pattern and found out there is a Tandy Leather store not that far from me. I appreciate all the advice.

[Gridix]

Here is a wallet I made last night. Thanks for all the help.

[BlackDragon]

Looks great.

You may want to try burnishing your edges, it'll give it a sleekery look.

[fredk]

Idea; lightly tap down the stitches with a light smooth headed mallet