If you’re new to leather crafting, it can feel confusing trying to understand the different kinds of leather available.
Chrome tanned, vegetable tanned, full grain, suede - it’s a lot to take in at first.
This guide explains the main types of leather in simple terms, helping you understand how they differ and which are easiest to work with as a beginner.
Why there are different kinds of leather
Leather comes from animal hides, but the way it is treated after tanning changes how it looks, feels and behaves.
Different methods are used depending on what the leather will be used for - bags, accessories, footwear or crafting projects.
Chrome tanned leather
Chrome tanned leather is the most commonly used leather today.
It is tanned using chromium salts, which makes it soft, flexible and ready to use.
It is often used for handbags, accessories and small leather goods.
Characteristics:
- soft and pliable
- available in many colours
- water resistant
- easy to fold and cut
This is usually the easiest leather for beginners to work with. Want to find out more about Chrome tanned leather? Then read out blog here
Vegetable tanned leather
Vegetable tanned leather is tanned using natural plant materials.
It starts off firm and stiff and softens gradually with use.
Characteristics:
- natural pale colour
- firm structure
- develops patina over time
- suitable for stamping
This leather is often used in traditional leather craft.
Other types of leather you may come across
You may also see a few other leather terms used online. These don’t always describe how the leather is tanned, but rather how the surface has been finished.
Here’s what they mean in simple terms.
Full grain & Top grain Leather
Full grain leather means the natural surface of the hide has been left intact.
Top grain leather has had the surface lightly corrected for a more even finish.
Both are genuine leather - the difference is in appearance rather than quality.
Suede
Suede is made from the underside of the hide, giving it a soft, velvety texture.
It feels very flexible and smooth to touch but is more delicate than smooth leather.
Suede is often used for decorative items, accessories and light-use projects rather than anything that needs to be hard-wearing.
Nubuck
Nubuck is similar to suede, but it comes from the outer side of the hide which has been lightly sanded.
It has a soft, brushed finish but is slightly stronger than suede.
Like suede, it can mark easily and is best suited to decorative or gentle-use items.
Genuine leather
The term genuine leather can be confusing.
It simply means the product contains real leather, but it doesn’t tell you which part of the hide has been used or how high the quality is.
Genuine leather can range from good-quality leather to lower layers of the hide - so it’s not a specific type on its own.
Corrected or embossed leather
Some leather has its surface lightly sanded and embossed with a grain pattern.
This creates a more consistent appearance and is very common in coloured leathers used for bags and accessories.
These leathers are still real leather and are practical, durable and easy to work with for crafting.
Split leather
Split leather comes from the lower layers of the hide after the top layer has been removed.
It is usually softer and thinner but not as strong as top grain or full grain leather.
It’s often coated or finished to improve durability.
Bonded leather
Bonded leather is made from leather fibres mixed with glue and binding agents.
It contains very little real leather and is generally considered the lowest quality leather available.
It is not suitable for most leather craft projects.
Which leather is best for beginners?
Not all leather terms describe quality - many simply describe how the leather has been finished.
When choosing leather for crafting, what matters most is that it is genuine leather, suitable thickness, and appropriate for the project you want to make.
For most beginners, chrome tanned leather around 1.2–1.5mm thick is the easiest to work with.
It allows you to practise cutting, folding and punching holes without needing specialist tools.
Just getting started?
Working with smaller pieces of leather is a great way to practise without committing to large hides.
Our leather scrap bags are cut from genuine cowhide and selected for crafting use, ideal for beginner projects and experimenting with colour and thickness.
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