Selecting Leather for your Project

[@melenelewis5975]

Very interesting thank you --- I started this video when I was looking into what my singer 319k machine could sew and you have such a wonderful way of presenting your subject that I just couldn't stop watching until you had reached the end!

[@joeofnotrades]

How could 21 people thumb down that video?! That is the most straight forward, informative video on leather that I have seen so far! Thanks for making it. Joey, Cork, Ireland🇮🇪

[@harryrogers]

Thanks Joey...I like to think 21 people hit the wrong button and 1300 got it right, but perhaps it was not every ones cup of tea..greetings to lovely Ireland, some of my ancestors came from Cork.

[@joeofnotrades]

@@harryrogers I like to look at it as been 21 jealous people 👍. Sure of course they are, only the finest people come from cork!😎

[@joeofnotrades]

@@harryrogers do you mind if I ask you what your thoughts are on coming up with with a business name?

[@BrassLock]

Harry, you are a great source of information and I appreciate you taking time to share your knowledge with us so willingly. Very interesting video for future reference.

[@richardharvey4013]

Thank you for explaining the various types of leather & their uses, I found it very educational, especially as I am about to embark on making my own knife sheaths. Now my problem is in finding a decent leather supplier here in Ontario, Canada.

[@dowserdude]

Wonderful, how about a vid of you going to the tannery and showing how you select the leather your after. Be good p.r. for the company as well..

[@oldcodger3509]

Great video on explaining the different types/quality of leather goods! Thanks for such a very informative video and taking the time to share your extensive knowledge with us!

[@rubygray7749]

You are so generous and talented, and you give such great advice on the many traditional skills you practise. I love watching all your videos.

[@kebman]

Thank you for using millimetres! This helps your fellow Scandi viking a lot.

[@richardcooper38]

Harry, Thank you for putting this information together. It has answered several questions for what I was thinking about to order for a project that I'm constructing. You do some amazing work. Thanks again!

[@harryrogers]

+RC Thanks

[@Zedoutdoors]

An incredibly informative video Harry, learnt a lot watching this ~Peace~

[@harryrogers]

+Zed Outdoors Hi Zed - Thanks...hopefully we will be at some of the same events this year.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Harry Rogers Indeed, all being well i'll be at the upcoming Bodgers so very much look forward to meeting up then as it's been too long

[@harryrogers]

+Zed Outdoors Great

[@beebable]

Thank you Harry....I'm just embarking on this journey and you are making it very easy for me to understand..thanks again.

[@WallStreet749]

Harry can you do a video about leather dealers and dealers for accessories like buckles and latches ect:

[@magicianone4784]

Very helpful video on leather types, thanks for posting

[@mikesmale1853]

Thank you, Harry, fantastic listening to someone so enthused by his subject. Learnt lots too!

[@harryrogers]

Thanks Mike

[@danielthornton6572]

Harry, Thank You I enjoy all your videos. You have a very charming approch and the down to earth way you come acroee is not only rear but refreshing Thanks again Dan T

[@harryrogers]

Thanks Dan

[@alirezaalimardani1549]

I'm going to start my leather work. And this video is a great help for me. Thanks alot 👍🤗

[@juliangodfrey5533]

Love your videos Harry. Thank you for sharing your time and expertise.

[@L5man]

Very fine work, sir. Leather is my new passion. Please keep the videos coming. I am particularly interested in wet forming.

[@cmichael40]

Always well presented Harry. Good demeanor and to the point.

[@harryrogers]

Bad PuddyTat Thanks

[@woodturningjohn]

Very interesting and nice to watch, I do not do any real leather projects but have lots of it around for odd jobs like handle covers and straps, plus mallet heads for carving tools. I have even made some leather washers when I want to take a little vibration out of a machine. I go to a craft fair every year where a leather crafter sells bags of scrap cheap. They are also fun because I never know what I will find, sometimes belt blanks that were not perfect to ready cut strips or ?? Did buy three nice full deer hides that are soft and thinner, with no idea what to do with at the moment, lucky for me it will last pretty much forever and I have all the time in the world to learn how to do something nice with it :)

[@harryrogers]

+woodturningjohn Sounds good!

[@gopalchauhan9649]

Thanks for your precious time and knowledge looking forward to more information on the subject

[@colinpearson6568]

Takes me back to when I worked at Holmes Hall Tannery with all types of hides. We had hids from calf's to buffalo. Regards colin

[@harryrogers]

+Colin Pearson Hi Colin - I see they are still there!

[@marieutley3985]

Harry Rogers, I love the demonstrations you do. and will continue to look for them. Marie Utley,

[@harryrogers]

Thanks

[@jamesconner8275]

Harry, thanks for 'steering' us in the right direction.

[@paulpower1972]

Excellent video Harry. Very informative and a great help to someone like me that is just starting

[@CrepitusRex]

Sort of like cigar ring sizes then, 1/64" = 1 ring. 1/64" = 1 Oz. Thanks Harry!

[@wilkbor]

Great video. You have a clear passion for the craft.

[@MyVinylRips]

Very informative and well explained! I learned a lot! Thanks for another great video!

[@Daveyhunter6]

Harry you are my new go to person for info!

[@ronsites2694]

Very nice video. Good information on selecting leather. Harry I really enjoy your videos.

[@eroldjbaptiste2815]

thank you so much for teaching us about different part of the leathers and thanks for drafting nice.

[@karsonbranham3900]

Very well explained. Makes perfect sense. Thank you for the video Harry!!

[@donmotz5528]

That was a good bit of info, thank you for sharing....I learned a few things about leather.

[@alexandremateus5676]

Harry, thanks for sharing your valuable Knowledge. If its possible, can you please make a video about where we can buy good quality of leather on the retail market (UK and Europe).

[@EmmaRitson]

as always i learn a lot from your videos. this one was great! thanks

[@koogleyou557]

What a beautifully informative talk. Thank you! Cant wait to start.

[@laurae.4285]

I wish i had seen this before! Some things I figured out for myself, but this video was very informative & explains a lot! Thanks!

[@carlossanches7862]

great video. Very educational and, why not, entertaining. I really am a fan !!!

[@harryrogers]

Carlos Sanches Thanks Carlos

[@deanchristopher1697]

Thankyou for all the info you provide in your vids it's greatly appreciated.

[@disconeil]

very interesting Harry, thanks for the info! N.

[@RudyMogavero]

Very good and informative Harry. Especially helpful was the drawing. Where the leather parts are or come from and named. Many thanks.

[@AndTheCorrectAnswerIs]

One more tidbit of info. Some leather is "drum dyed". This means it is literally soaked thru in a giant drum of dye which permeates the leather completely. Drum dyed is good for things which will take a lot of abuse, scratching, or scraping...like motorcycle jackets, wallets, boots, belts, etc.

[@yobabystillup]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@willrice2792]

Wow! That was very informative. You’re becoming my mentor 😸

Great stuff Harry! By the way, I got the Singer 18-3 that we've spoke about. I'll send you a picture later on :).

[@harryrogers]

+Ítalo Grossi Great - and better still to think it will be used and enjoyed.

[@Josh_Luijsterburg]

Great presentation Harry👍👍👍

[@MelSJackson]

Great video. Thank you for all the helpful information. Well presented.

[@m.l.gleatheritems2598]

So there is nothing wrong with that leather only you pulled out that cooler, Michael ✌️

[@jackreeves3001]

Great video. I learned a lot. Good info. on knife sheaths. Thanks for sharing!

[@harryrogers]

Thanks Jack

[@weschaffin]

Wow...Wish I had found your videos earlier. Good stuff...

[@peycarden8837]

Hi,I noticed your measuring gauge was not on zero when you did your thickness test,the only reason I'm mentioning this,is I just ordered one same as yours and wondered why yours was not zeroed,excellent video by the way Harry.

[@harryrogers]

Jay Curtis Mine is only zero when fully depressed.

[@peycarden8837]

Thanks for your quick reply Harry and I will zero mine when fully depressed too.

[@brandonbowerstx]

Outstanding video and very educational. Thank you.

[@brynocerouss]

Harry, thank you so much for such an informative video! I've been thinking of getting into leather working, but it feels like such a mysterious world. You've done a great deal to demystify it :) Also, did you make that chair you were sitting in? It's quite lovely! I would not think to inlay stained glass like that!

[@harryrogers]

+Bryan Schultz Thanks Bryan and yes I did make the chair! There is a series on its making if you want to have a look!

[@brynocerouss]

I will have to check it out! I have enjoyed the earlier project videos I've had the chance to look at!

[@ropetrick6289]

great topic and I learn a lot. Thank you. Keep up the great videos.

[@tropifiori]

Tremedously helpful. Many thanks Harry.

[@harryrogers]

+Frank B Hi Frank = Good I know you asked for that one Best Regards Harry

[@DannyCroughs]

Hello Harry, I'm from Belgium and completely new a this. your really an inspiration and love your vids and the fact you work with mm, uch better for us europeans lol ;) After some discusions and arguing with former "friends" I want to try this craft myself because I want to make a saddle bag on my motorcycle. First I wanna do some practice with smaller cuts leather and then make the sadle bag. Because it's going to hang on the side of the frame, it's maybe better to take a 4mm thick cowhide then? Thanks Danny

[@harryrogers]

Hi Danny ..the 4mm thick cowhide would make a very robust firm saddle bag...its what I used in a film series on making a binocular type bag. You could use a thinner leather, it will obviously have less firmness and body..like say one of my messenger bags made from 2mm plus leather...so it really depends on the type of bag you want. I hope that helps. Rgds Harry

[@DannyCroughs]

@@harryrogers Thanks for your reply, I'll go for the 4mm then, because the backside will be bolted to the frame, so it needs to be very robust so it wouldn't hang through by time. Thanks again and keep up the good work. 👍 Pitty I don't live in the UK, I would attend your workshops definitely 😁👍 Best regards Danny

[@harryrogers]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3W4ma2tl52dd6s This may help

[@ligiahaiduc1412]

i really enjoyed all your videos. great content and informations !thanks

[@thecasualcitizen492]

Thank you. Very informative. I learned quite a bit.

[@vitaliykavkaz5753]

Please make a video what thickness we need for what, wallets bags etc

[@Futwea]

Thank you, sir, this is informative I will definitely see this video again.

[@kathyvangogh4034]

Super helpful thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@nathantonning]

Thanks for the info. You are a great resource.

[@ChrisLee-UK]

Great video Harry, thank you. Great explanation :D

[@albertTarry]

Harry (Jolly Roger) Thanks again! Always enjoy your projects and efforts for informative and diverse videos!!! Did you ever describe you sewing machine (if its a leather HD)? Is so please link. Can you get away with a stronger needle for some lite thin leather/canvas on a regular sewing machine? thx Albert

[@harryrogers]

+AL bert K Hi - you can get leather point needles for domestic sewing machines and many will cope with very thin leather...like for wallets etc. If you are thinking of buying one a Singer 201k is a good choice as its cheap and strong. For heavier duty normal leather sewing you really need a walking foot compound feed industrial machine with a 0.5hp and above motor......partly for power but also for even sewing and using thicker threads that you cannot use on a domestic machine..

[@albertTarry]

+Harry Rogers Thanks for the insight! and Quick response!Please keep them coming!THX

[@ashkanvahedi7838]

tnx Harry. It was really informative.

[@TheMrWoodsman]

That is a very informative video, thank you.

[@lynsmith2698]

great video, i have learnt so much. I am in Canada and i make leashes, dog collars and belts. and use English Bridle leather....is that a term you use in the UK. Its beautiful leather and i love using it.

[@harryrogers]

Thanks...yes it is Lyn.

[@laikatravels]

Great advice thank you

[@baconsoda]

This was really interesting. I was waiting to hear about horse hide leather but it never happened. Do you not use that or are there quality issues... or, maybe, ethical issues? By the way, your superb cow drawing was just as fascinating as the leather talk because I'd never seen a cow with seven legs and two tails before. I suppose you'd laugh if you saw our Irish cows with only four legs and one tail. Best Wishes, Brendan.

[@harryrogers]

+baconsoda Hi Brendan - you have a great sense of humour! More seriously, regarding Horse hide .....you have touched on a sensitive issue on which different people will have different views. It is not a leather that I have seen for sale or used. I know this will be very different in some countries.....there is a very good Wiki article about this.

[@robertsimmons6945]

Hi Harry Is there anywhere near Essex where I can go to select leather hands on instead of chancing online purchases, had a look online for shops but no luck, keep up the good work on videos. All the best Bob.

[@harryrogers]

Hi you could go to Batchelors in North London

[@kubaspicak5387]

14:00 - That is one hell of a zombie cow :D You make awesome videos, thank you for them!

[@mauricioorantes9809]

Harry great video!! Good stuff!! What cost is associated with purchasing a whole hide or just the bridle leather on the back of the cow?

[@harryrogers]

Hi it really all depends on the quality, for example the bridle leather on the back of a cow ...a butt can be circa £400....you can buy a whole hide of furniture quality for say around £100..£200. If you take a look at Buy Leather Online Italy and add 20 per cent you will get an idea of some less expensive leather prices.

[@SandrinoC.]

thank you for the infos master.

[@photojournalist1194]

Thanks for taking the time to teach us about leather which I am kind of interested in more lately. What type of leather and thickness would you suggest for making a credit card holder and man's wallet as my first project? Thank you for your answer.

[@harryrogers]

Hi calf leather at around 1.5mm would be good.

[@photojournalist1194]

@@harryrogers Thank you very much!

[@krishnendhuchakra6358]

well done ! Execellent work ! i really appreciate it

[@harryrogers]

krishnendhu chakra Thanks

[@magalyrodriguez4638]

Great explanation!!! 👍

[@lexboegen]

In the USA, each "ounce" of leather equals one sixty-fourth of an inch in thickness. Therefore, 4 ounce leather = 4/64" = 1/16" thickness, and so forth. I like inches for measuring lots of things, but I prefer metric thicknesses for leather. After a while I get used to it and think in "ounces" when planning projects. What I want is a way to split leather economically. Even the manual leather splitters which can only do up to about six inches wide cost hundreds of dollars to buy. It would be nice if I could shave thousands of an inch off using hand planes, like I do with wood. I can hand plane a piece of wood that is huge, but can only skive leather that is just a few inches wide. Oh well, wishing won't change things so we have to deal with leather as it is, and I really like working with it. It's very satisfying to create something from raw materials, whether it be from leather or wood (or both!). Thank you Harry, for your videos. I've learned a lot and really appreciate all that you do.

[@harryrogers]

Thanks..I know some suppliers in the UK offer a splitting service...think they do In the US now?

[@lexboegen]

@@harryrogers Same here in the USA, but once it's split, then you're stuck with what you got. I was just contrasting leather with wood where it's very possible for a hobbyist to work a large piece of wood down to whatever thickness I desire, but with leather it's much more problematic. Too bad I can't use my 12-inch Makita planer to reduce the thickness of leather like I can with wood.

[@harryrogers]

@@lexboegen Yes totally agree Lex.

[@charlesgoodman7200]

Thank you! I'm the worst at picking out leather

[@frogslips]

Hello again Harry, I wonder if you can tell me where the best place is to source veg tan leather? I watched your videos 6 years ago and made lots of belts but would source from ebay in strips. Seeing you back here has inspired me to open up leather box and I want to make a bike saddle bag like a traditional Brooks small round one. I’m guessing it would be about 2.5mm. Where from though? Thank you.

[@harryrogers]

Metropolitan Leather, The Identity Store and Abbey England are good places.

[@ricknelson3607]

Good video and info, thanks.

[@Khamomil]

I have another question: if I wanted to recycle leather coats and pants, what items do you suggest I would make?

[@whu58]

Fantastic information, if you don`t mind me asking, where do you buy your leather from?

[@harryrogers]

It varies but take a look at Metropolitan Leather and Sedgwicks who have both sponsored me in the past.

[@TheChipmunk2008]

thank you for this, veg tanned means 'traditional'... gotcha. (tanned comes from tannin, yes?) . I know, that is my duh moment, i share it here because someone might get poked to that moment sooner. Thank you Harry, and Merry Christmas

[@harryrogers]

TheChipmunk2008 yes..good question....its tanned in vegetable matter as opposed to chrome tanned that is largely tanned with salts....veg tanned takes longer and costs more but is probably less damaging to the environment.

[@TheChipmunk2008]

thank you for this response, been fighting with youtube for a while over getting replies (I'm one of the few commenters who cares about updates lol). It only struck me while rewatching the video a few minutes ago that tanned = tannins, or tannic acid' and is a vegetable derivative, and thus... literally tanned... (if that makes sense). been a subscriber for well over 2 yrs now i think... so it just struck me as a duh moment! and a good opportunity to wish you and yours a merry christmas :)

[@harryrogers]

TheChipmunk2008 good question and Happy Christmas to you.

[@stevenchappell3837]

Thanks for this video Harry. Can you recommend the best place to buy dyed calf leather from ?

[@GypsiesandInk]

Hi Harry, when making bags have you ever used sheep or pig as an interior lining?

[@harryrogers]

Hi Rebekah, I have not, I believe pigskin is often used?

[@GypsiesandInk]

@@harryrogers thank you for your response & thank you for all of your informative videos, they are so helpful!

[@jeffdeluca1153]

Good info Harry! Thanks again! In the leather capable machines, I see your Juki there. Nice. Aside from the triple feed what other features are good to have on a machine? I suppose the industrial machines don't zigzag and all that, or do they??

[@harryrogers]

A large bobbin is useful...and for the machine to manage a range of thread sizes. For leatherwork the zig zag is not really needed, but a machine that can manage a range of stitch sizes is useful.

[@jeffdeluca1153]

@@harryrogers Thank you very helpful

[@danwatson3944]

Sorry if this has been asked before. What UK/Italian supplier do you use to get your leather? New to the skill but would like to make a selection of nice belts for all occasions. Thanks

[@Khamomil]

I once saw "british saddle leather" on the label of a belt that had a very smooth finish and beautifu stitching. I think it was the same leather quality that you use for making belts yourself. It is indeed a beautiful quality. What do you use to pad it and to line it on the back?

[@harryrogers]

Khamomil Hi.. I use the full thickness of the bridle back leather circa 3.5mm so no backing is needed...belts used to be made this way and are very strong.

[@Khamomil]

Now I remember, I was confusing two belts, one I didn't own (the bridle leather) and one I did that had a padding and a backing. Obviously the quality was not as good as the full grain bridle belt.

[@willemijn9990]

Thank you Harry for great videos, I love watching the ones about leatherwork.I have a question: I would like to make a bag out of thinner leather with a machine. I do see a Juki machine behind you. Does it take several layers of thinner leather, like in softer handbags? I am looking for a industrial machine that does several layers of soft and thinner leather as my domestic machine does not do very well with it. I hope you can give me some help with that! Thanks in advance.

[@harryrogers]

Willemijn Bos hello yrs domething like a Juki dnu1541 is good...i have popped a film up on selecting a sewing machine.

[@willemijn9990]

Hi Harry, looked up the Juki 1541 on youtube, it is workhorse. Thank you for your information!

[@tutsecret499]

I want to make headband type turban, narrow or wide headband. The leather has to be thin and light that won't harm the scalp and let the head skin breath, otherwise it will cause hair loss bald spots. and what about goat skin what's the difference?

[@harryrogers]

Tut Secret goat is thin and light so would seem good....you can sometimes get perforated leathers...or you could perforate it yourself....I have no experience of this so sorry I cannot really advise further.

[@jackmack9325]

Thank you - very informative

[@melissaho1168]

This is very useful, thanks so much! I wanted to ask, does genuine leather suffer from abrasion or peeling? Or does only bonded leather peel?

[@harryrogers]

k yeo hi thanks....I have not had leather peel.....so think it is probably bonded if it is peeling.

[@melissaho1168]

Hi Harry. Tks for taking the time to answer. I hv something I'm pretty sure is leather, but maybe not as good as the top /full grain you use. But would genuine leather hv abrasion marks w constant chafing? Also, I'm experimenting with handmade shoes, I would like to know if there is an instrument /the best way to make sure the shoes of each size are eg 35,36 are exactly that size? Because after custom making, some of the shoes turn out up to half size too large or small...is there a way to ensure each shoe of different size is actually the correct size? Eternally grateful for your guidance.

[@harryrogers]

k yeo hi hopefully someone here can help you with shoes...and last design etc.

[@melissaho1168]

Ok thank u

[@eugenflunzel507]

Great video, thanks. Are you doing it as a hobby or is it your daily full time job? BR

[@diannaa6189]

Mr. Rodgers, when making a shoulder purse strap, the part that connects to purse, the D ring, what brand do you recommend? Some d-rings don't hold up well. I like brass

[@serart6465]

Thanks, lovely! From Firenze

[@beebable]

Can I ask please about Mouldy leather....Is it worth buying...?

[@chenxud]

Thank you for lots of good information. I'm a bit confused about your explanation of chrome tanned leather. My understanding is that it is only the way it is tanned. All the other things still apply, like top grain, split genuine leather, etc. Aniline leather and heavily treated leather on the other hand is about the way leather is dyed and finished. The coating or rolling you mentioned doesn't have to be going together with chrome tanned leather, correct? Is it possible (and how) to differentiate the split leather (so called genuine leather), with a fake grain with corrected grain with a fake grain, with a top grain leather with heavy coating and pressed-on grain pattern?

[@harryrogers]

Xudong Chen Hi you are completely right in all you say .....its difficult to describe the differences and the best way is to look at and feel lots of different leather types at a wholesalers....and then you can spot one type from another far more easily. All the best Harry

[@chenxud]

Thank you!

[@deanchristopher1697]

How do you feel about working with deer or elk hide?

[@deltajohnny]

Absolutely awesome video, in which one can learn the differences between the different types of leather! I wish I could speak as a native English speaker to better convey my admiration for you. Thanks a lot! ;-)

[@harryrogers]

Delta Johnny Thanks very much

[@phuongkern8027]

Thank you 🙏