Leather Working Cheat Sheet
A reference page with general concepts and information in relation to leather working
As I begin my journey into leather working, I figure it will be nice to have a single page that contains a lot of the basic information and vocabulary used in the craft.
Weight & Thickness
The weight and thickness of leather will dictate what applications it's best suited for.
| oz | in | mm |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1/64 | 0.4 |
| 2 | 1/32 | 0.8 |
| 3 | 3/64 | 1.2 |
| 4 | 1/16 | 1.6 |
| 5 | 5/64 | 2.0 |
| 6 | 3/32 | 2.4 |
| 7 | 7/64 | 2.8 |
| 8 | 1/8 | 3.2 |
| 9 | 9/64 | 3.6 |
| 10 | 5/32 | 4.0 |
| 11 | 11/64 | 4.4 |
| 12 | 3/16 | 4.8 |
| 13 | 13/64 | 5.2 |
| 14 | 7/32 | 5.6 |
| 15 | 15/64 | 6.0 |
| 16 | 1/4 | 6.4 |
| 17 | 17/64 | 6.8 |
| 18 | 9/32 | 7.2 |
| 19 | 19/64 | 7.6 |
| 20 | 5/16 | 8.0 |
Uses
| Wt | Use |
|---|---|
| 1-2 oz | wallets, watches, shoes, linings, bookmarks, pouches |
| 2-4 oz | wallets, watches, shoes, linings, bookmarks, pouches, embossing, upholstry |
| 4-6 oz | boots, notebook covers, knife sheath, shoes, keychains, pouches, masks, chaps, aprons, hand bags |
| 6-7 oz | boots, notebook covers, knife sheath, shoes, keychains, aprons, bags and duffels, cases, belts, scabbards, armor |
| 7-8 oz | boots, notebook covers, knife sheath, slings, shoes, pouches, scabbards, bags and purses, pet collars, armor, aprons, bags and duffels, belts, straps |
| 8-9 oz | notebooko covers, knife sheath, sling, scabbards, handbags and purses, armor, saddle bags, pet collars, bags and duffels, slings, belts, straps, holsters |
| 9-12 oz | knife sheath, slings, scabbards, handbags and purses, saddle bags, pet collars, armoor, bags and duffels, straps, holsters |
| 12-13 oz | slings, handbags and purses, pet collars, belts, straps, holsters, saddles, armor |
| 14-15 oz | heavy armor, shoe soles, machine belting, tack, shoe heels, belts and straps |
| 15+ oz | heavy armor, shoe soles and heels, belts and straps |
Grade Types
| Type | Use |
|---|---|
| Full Grain | Saddlery, footwear, furniture |
| Top Grain | Handbags, wallets, shoes |
| Genuine | Belts, wallets, bags, gloves, shoes |
| Split Grain | Finishes of leather that are colored, embossed, altered |
| Bonded | |
| Recycled |
Resources
| Description | Source |
|---|---|
| Leather weight & use | https://www.libertyleathergoods.com/leather-thickness-weight/ |
| Types of leather | https://www.libertyleathergoods.com/types-of-leather/ |
