Elevate your projects with the best leather hides in the business! You’ll discover a huge selection of veg leather, chrome tanned leather, textured leather, embossed leather, printed leather, water buffalo leather, suede leather, dyed leather, natural leather, specialty leather, hair-on hides and more to meet your leather working needs. Whether you’re searching for leather straps, leather panels or specific leather cuts, Weaver Leather supplies is your destination for an unsurpassed range of leather making supplies. We're your source for leather for leatherworking.
Chrome tanned vs. veg tanned: What’s the difference?
A common question is how to tell the difference between vegetable tanned and chrome tanned leather and which is right for your leather project? They both have their benefits and characteristics that make them perfect additions to your leather making supplies. Chrome tanned leather is tanned with soluble chromium salts in a process that takes one to three days in contrast to veg tanned leather’s one to three-month process. Chrome tanned leather is soft, supple and comes in a wide range of colors, making it perfect leather for bags, vests, jackets, briefcases, backpacks, liners, fringe and other fun leather projects. Since it takes less time to tan than veg tan leather, it is typically more economical.
Veg tanned leather process uses tannins obtained from barks, woods and other parts of plants and trees. Veg leather is available in natural and dyed options and ideal for tack, belts, straps, pet collars, knife sheaths, holsters, saddles and so much more. Natural veg tanned leather can be tooled, carved, stamped, and wet molded to achieve a truly unique look. From making a great addition to your leather tooling supplies, natural leather also is a go-to choice for holster leather. Dyed veg tan leather comes in a variety of colors, saving you time and the added process of dyeing your leather project.
How to choose the right leather for my projects?
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced leathercrafter, selecting the right leather making supplies and leather hides are instrumental in creating successful projects. Consider whether your project requires the soft, supple beauty of chrome tanned leather. Chrome tanned leathers are often selected for creating gorgeous bags and garments. On the other hand, if you’re making strap goods, dog collars, holsters, or saddles, you’ll want to consider veg leather. Prized for beauty and workability, this leather is 100% veg tanned with no harsh chemicals.
What are the best leather tanneries in the world?
When you’re shopping Weaver Leather supplies, you’ll discover leather working favorites from industry-leading tanneries including Hermann Oak® and CHAHINLEATHER®.
Hermann Oak has been veg tanning leather using traditional methods since 1881. Strap leather, harness leather, saddle skirting leather, English bridle leather, shoulder leather and belly leather make a perfect canvas for your craftsmanship.
CHAHINLEATHER is a certified supplier and silver member of Leather Working Group (LWG). This tannery’s leathers have been certified against LWG’s stringent audit standards to minimize the environmental impact of leather production. Check out their full range of strap leather, English bridle leather, alum tanned leather, raw hide leather, harness leather, hot stuffed leather and more.
How is leather thickness measured?
Every ounce is equal to 1/64" in thickness. Each piece of leather has slight variations in thickness. As a result, leather hides will seldom measure to the exact 1/64" throughout. Leather hides run through a splitting machine will have greater, but not perfect, uniformity. Just remember, the heavier the ounces, the thicker the leather. Refer to this Leather Thickness Chart for details on what leather thicknesses work best for a variety of leather projects. This chart provides leather ounces to mm conversions.
