Soften Leather That Contacts Skin?

[Crazyjaw]

I just got some leatheworking gear on something of a whim, and after the usual introductory belt, wanted to make some cuffs for my friends.

I was thinking of getting some 4-6 ounce veg-tan leather, which is similar to what i had for my belt. I was wondering how people usually deal with softening the "flesh side" of leather so that it doesnt feel so abrasive when coming to contact with your skin? Or is this something where people usually sew in a softer bit of top leather to make it feel comfortable?

[Thor]

You might want to review the various types of leather. Garment leather comes to my mind for this and in this specific case I would use goat leather. Durable yet comfortable.

[smirak]

I made my wife a cuff out of a pic of scrap leather...no idea the thickness as I didn't measure. The flesh side was nice and smooth. She has no complaints yet.

That said, I used some tan kote on a couple moleskine covers to help "lay" the fibers from the flesh side down.

Kevin

[jk215]

Its common to line the inside of the veg tan with something soft like lambskin or pigskin. You will see it done a lot with shoulder straps for backpacks or shoulder bags.