Fascinating Leather Facts You Probably Didn't Know

Leather is one of humanity’s oldest materials, used for thousands of years to craft clothing, shoes, furniture, and bags. But beyond its familiar appearance lies a world of surprising details. In this blog post, we're taking you on a journey through the fascinating world of leather – with little-known facts, practical tips, and insights into history, craftsmanship, and working techniques.

Leather: A Durable Natural Material

Leather is a natural material, and every hide is unique. Unlike fabric, leather has no standard shape – hides are often irregular, with uneven edges. Natural characteristics such as scars, small holes, creases, insect bites, or texture and color variations are completely normal. On the back of the hide, you might even find glue residue or size stamps.

These are not flaws but a testament to the natural origin of leather – making every piece one of a kind.

One of leather’s greatest advantages is its incredible durability. With proper care, it can last for decades – ideal for frequently used items like bags, shoes, and furniture. Its natural resistance to wear and tear makes it a reliable choice.

Leather Crafting: A True Handicraft

Even though many leather products are now mass-produced, leatherworking remains a skilled craft. High-quality items are still often cut, stitched, and finished by hand, requiring experience, precision, and passion.

A Glimpse into Leather’s History

Ancient Egyptians used leather as a luxury material, Roman soldiers wore leather armor and sandals, and during the Renaissance, leather wallpaper decorated aristocratic homes. Leather has always played a significant cultural and practical role.

Exotic Leather and Special Qualities

In addition to cowhide and calfskin, exotic leathers like alligator, ostrich, and stingray are also used. These are rare, expensive, and popular in luxury products.

However, many items that look like crocodile or snakeskin are actually made from embossed cowhide. This technique, called "embossing," involves pressing patterns into the surface of the leather using heat and pressure, then finishing it with color to create the desired texture.

Leather quality is measured in ounces per square foot. The heavier the leather, the thicker and more durable it tends to be.

Environmental Factors & Leather Texture

Leather is porous, which makes it sensitive to the environment. Moisture, heat, or sunlight can affect its texture and flexibility. That’s why proper care is key to maintaining its look and feel.

Leather Industry & Sustainability

About 99% of the world’s leather comes from animals raised for food. That means no animals are bred or killed specifically for leather. Instead, leather processing helps reduce waste by repurposing a by-product of the food industry.

Italy is one of the world’s leading leather producers – especially known for its craftsmanship in bags, shoes, and clothing.

Genuine Leather vs. Faux Leather

Real leather is more tear-resistant, breathable, and long-lasting than most faux alternatives. While it requires more care and tends to cost more, genuine leather often outperforms in quality and sustainability. For those avoiding animal products, there are now many excellent vegan leather options available.

How to Work with Leather: Practical Sewing Tips

Heavy-Duty Sewing Machines

If you sew with leather often, investing in a heavy-duty sewing machine is worthwhile. These machines are designed to handle thick, multi-layered materials like denim and leather. Popular and budget-friendly models include the Toyota SuperJeans and the SINGER Heavy Duty.

Grain Direction and Cut Direction

Just like fabric, leather has a grain – the direction of the fibers in the hide. It runs perpendicular to the growth direction of the animal’s hair. Leather is strongest along the grain and more likely to tear across it.

For small items, this may not matter much. But for straps, soles, or decorative details, always pay attention to the grain. A simple test: rub the surface. If the leather darkens and smooths, that’s the grain direction. Avoid cutting diagonally across the grain to prevent warping or stretching.

Choosing the Right Needle

Use a leather needle, which has a sharp, chisel-shaped tip to pierce cleanly through leather. Always use a fresh needle to avoid skipped stitches.

Recommended needle sizes:

• Thin leather (e.g., nappa): size 80
• Medium-weight leather: size 90
• Thick leather (e.g., cowhide): size 100–110

Choosing the Right Thread

For strong, durable seams, choose:

• Polyester or nylon thread: extremely strong and abrasion-resistant
• Thread weight 40–60: visible and stable seams
• Special leather or jeans (denim) thread: durable and easy to sew

Sewing Feet and Accessories

To keep leather from sticking to the presser foot, use:

• Teflon foot: great for sticky or coated surfaces
• Roller foot: ideal for textured or smooth leather
• Walking foot: ensures even fabric feed over layers

Stitch Length & Seam Technique

• Use a longer stitch length (around 3.5 mm) to avoid perforating the leather
• Avoid backstitching at start and end – tie off threads instead for a clean finish

Cutting & Pinning

• Use a rotary cutter, craft knife, or sharp scissors for clean edges
• Cut single layers only – leather is too thick for folded cuts
• Glue and use clips instead of pins – pins leave permanent holes
• Pattern weights can help hold pieces in place without damage

Marking

• Always mark on the wrong side of the leather
• Use a disappearing textile marker or ballpoint pen with silver ink (only on the back)

Leather Care Basics

• Suede: Clean with a dry specialty brush – never with water
• Smooth leather: Wipe gently with leather cleaner or conditioner
• Nappa leather: Wipe lightly with damp cloth and re-oil as needed

Keep leather away from heat and direct sunlight. Store flat and in the dark.

Always roll hides rather than folding them.

What Can You Make from Leather?

The creative potential is huge! Leather is perfect for:

• Handbags and backpacks
• Pouches and wallets
• Phone and tablet sleeves
• Baby shoes and belts
• Book covers, keychains, and embellishments

It pairs beautifully with canvas, felt, or heavyweight cotton for a modern and refined finish.

Where to Buy Leather for Sewing

If you’re just getting started, try a bundle of leather scraps. Furniture stores often give away sample pieces.

We hope you enjoyed this article.

Happy Sewing!
Your MakeDesignerBags.com Team