Caring for & Working with Leather Hides
Leather is a beautiful, natural material that rewards attention and care. On this page, you’ll find practical tips for handling, storing, and maintaining your hides, as well as guidance on tools and techniques to make working with leather easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re creating furniture, accessories, or bespoke projects, these tips will help you keep your leather looking and feeling its best.
Tips & Tools for Leather
Leather is a beautiful and versatile material, but it behaves differently from fabric. Here are some simple tips to make your projects easier and more enjoyable:
- Use the Right Needle: A leather needle has a sharp, wedge-shaped point that pierces the material cleanly, helping prevent skipped stitches or puckering.
- Walking Foot for Sewing Machines: Leather can stick or drag under a regular presser foot. A walking foot helps feed it evenly, keeping seams straight and smooth.
- Layering with Baking Paper: If you don't have a walking foot for your sewing machine, another handy method is placing a sheet of baking paper under the leather, to reduce friction and help it move smoothly without leaving marks.
- Marking and Cutting: Use a sharp craft knife or rotary cutter for clean edges.
- Pining: Avoid using pins that can leave permanent holes, Wonderclips or tape work better for holding layers together.
- Test First: Always test your stitch length, tension, and technique on a small scrap before starting the main project. Leather can’t be easily undone and your needles will leave marks, so a quick trial saves time and mistakes.
- Be Patient: Leather has natural stretch and texture. Take your time, work slowly, and embrace its character, it’s part of what makes each piece unique.
Caring for leather
Leather is durable and beautiful, and with a little care, it will stay looking its best for years. Most of our hides are pigmented or protected leathers, which have a smooth, consistent finish that is easier to clean and maintain.
Keep it clean: Regularly remove dust and dirt using a vacuum or a soft cloth. This prevents particles from building up in the natural texture of the leather and causing abrasion over time.
Handle spills quickly: Blot excess liquid immediately with a damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid household cleaners or solvent-based products, which can damage the finish. For small stains, leather-specific cleaning wipes work well.
Treat longer-term marks gently: For dry or older stains, use leather wipes in a gentle circular motion. Never use harsh chemicals like bleach, acetone, or nail varnish remover, which can dissolve the protective surface.
With these simple steps, your leather will retain its texture, colour, and character, and continue to add warmth and elegance to your projects.
Storing Leather
Proper storage helps protect leather from unnecessary creasing, surface damage, and changes in appearance, both before and after it has been made into a finished piece.
Before use
Leather is best stored flat or gently rolled with the grain facing outwards. Avoid folding wherever possible, as sharp creases can become permanent over time. Keep hides in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can dry the leather and cause colour variation. If rolling, use a wide core and avoid tight rolls to reduce pressure marks.
After making up
Once leather has been sewn or constructed, support the finished piece so it holds its intended shape. Avoid compressing or stacking items for long periods, as this can lead to unwanted creases or impressions. For upholstered or structured items, even weight distribution and adequate airflow will help the leather settle naturally and maintain a smooth appearance.
General guidance
Leather benefits from breathing, so avoid airtight plastic storage. Use cotton covers or breathable materials where protection is needed, and allow the leather to rest naturally between uses. With thoughtful storage, leather will retain its texture, finish and character for longer.
