What type of Leather is this?
+26
I want to buy some leather to have somebody make me some different messenger bags etc. I can not seem to find out what type of leather this is.
Old Vintage look.
28 answers
-
It's dyed and old. You can get a hide from various places that's similar. The aging you'll probably have to do yourself.
Adrianne C
on Feb 18, 2014
-
My guess is vegetable tanned leather-the kind used for saddles and tooled items. It's probably a light dyed finish that has darkened with wear. I would suggest that you find your craftsman and discuss the project before choosing your leather. If there is a Tandy Leather near you, talk to them. They are usually very helpful. Plus, I always like to feel the leather for a project like this. The characteristics of the leather you chose can totally change the bag for soft and supple to rugged and tough and everything in between.
Amy Miller Gregg
on Feb 18, 2014
-
Aging by myself means keeping it a long time or letting my dog play with it? LOL
The Shabby Chic Man
on Feb 18, 2014
-
Would you believe none of the wholesale tanners could even tell me what leather it is. Most of them said they wish they could find some leather that has that vintage worn look.
The Shabby Chic Man
on Feb 18, 2014
-
I think it's cowhide.
KathrynElizabeth Etier
on Feb 18, 2014
-
An old cow I guess.LOL
The Shabby Chic Man
on Feb 18, 2014
-
This might be a good choice. http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/department/leather/9070-74.aspx
Amy Miller Gregg
on Feb 19, 2014
-
Here's a messenger bag kit. The qualities of the leather can be changed based on the dyes and finishes that are used. Hope this helps. http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/search/searchresults/44426-00.aspx
Amy Miller Gregg
on Feb 19, 2014
-
I have seen distressed leather at Tandy's. Can't remember if it was cow or another animal. They do not always carry it, you have to talk to someone there. It was beautiful when I saw the hides there. Not cheap.
Glenda Welch
on Feb 19, 2014
-
It is cowhide, I have a large piece similar to your bag, that I bought @ Tandy's
DARLENE D
on Feb 19, 2014
-
By the way, nice bag.
DARLENE D
on Feb 19, 2014
-
I am making one, messenger bag, from a suede coat I found at a thrift store. I used to make chaps for my biker friends.
DARLENE D
on Feb 19, 2014
-
I contacted all of the above suppliers and not one could help me. They all commented on how they loved the look but didn't carry that kind of leather. Something tells me the bag was hand worked with a die to get that old vintage look.
The Shabby Chic Man
on Feb 19, 2014
-
There are aging techniques that your craftsman may can help you with. You might also see if there are any YouTube videos about it. There are lots of leatherwork videos posted.
Amy Miller Gregg
on Feb 19, 2014
-
YouTube is a good idea.
The Shabby Chic Man
on Feb 19, 2014
-
I am passing this on to a friend of mine who does leather work and finds awesome pieces to work with. he has a source of supplies and knowledge.i will have him get in touch with you.
Bernice H
on Feb 19, 2014
-
I imagine its not quite as thick as what you would use for a saddle, since that is pretty stiff. But I imagine its cowhide, not suede. The thickness and finish is the thing that is important. As for making it look aged is using it, or I bet you could use leather dyes and such to get that look. If you did some tooling to it that might be fun too. Have you looked at Tandy leather? There might be some kits you can buy to make them. Good luck. Might be fun. Oh when working with leather be careful its super easy to get yourself with the big sharp needle.
Marci N
on Feb 19, 2014
-
Thanks Bernice and Marci Tandy didn't have a clue and said when I find out let them know. It reminds me of the old Bomber WW11 Jackets. I guess I could ask Tom Cruise oh that's right it was just a movie. Bomber Jackets obviously get their look from natural wear that creates the look over the years.
The Shabby Chic Man
on Feb 19, 2014
-
WW II Bomber Jacket. Similar but I can't wait 71 years and let the leather just sit in the sun to get that Vintage look.LOL Alligator skin does well but not much of a swamp hunter here in Fl.
The Shabby Chic Man
on Feb 19, 2014
-
Latigo, harness & tack or oiled leather. I always used Tandy Leather as my source for hides.
Barbara G
on Feb 19, 2014
-
I know that I saw this type leather at Tandy's. I assume they get different leathers from their local suppliers. Not sure. The location that I saw it at was in Westminster, Colorado. You might try to contact that exact location. You never know??? They have since moved, so it could be either Westminster or Broomfield Colorado now. Could be worth a try. If possible, I will try to make a trip their and check it out for you. I will try to get over there today and if I have any luck, I will contact you thru this website. I love this look and can understand trying to find the right hide.
Glenda Welch
on Feb 20, 2014
-
Glenda I used to live in Arvada . You are so kind to stop by there if you can.
The Shabby Chic Man
on Feb 20, 2014
-
I stopped by today and saw several different distressed leather pieces. One was huge, probably the whole cow. It was for upholstery, could be used to make additional items.. The other was smaller. Both were close to what you are looking for. Nothing is going to get that exact look except age itself, but I think these pieces were very close. The lady who helped me has been there a long time and I know her well. She suggests you go to the website and type in the numbers that I will give you. If you order the hides, there is a space for comments. She suggested that you request the most distressed piece available. Maybe you can include your photo above, not sure. The large hide was #9391-57. It is called Torino Upholstery. The smaller piece was #9390-43. Called European Distressed. They were both beautiful, and you would get probably the closest to the look you are after with either of them, but if you can find a Tandy's to actually visit, that would be the best idea. If you have questions you could call her and talk to her, shipping would be cheaper from somewhere in Florida, than CO though. The number is 303-430-7306. Her name is Denice, and you could explain that you are the person that I was talking about, she knows me, mention my name. I hope this helps, I personally would try to find what you like without doing to much with dyes, etc.. Of course that is up to you. Good luck!
Glenda Welch
on Feb 20, 2014
-
maybe, deer or elk, but more likely cowhide.
Chris Peterman
on Feb 20, 2014
-
Glenda Thank you so much and I will let you know how it turns out.
The Shabby Chic Man
on Feb 20, 2014
-
I am not sure if I have the right answer...but this reminds me of pigleather...or pigskins. It is not pretty on it's own, but dyed it can look quite nice. It is also thicker than some leathers and for that reason, it is durable.
Gail D.Bertrand- Meir
on Aug 15, 2014
-
I believe it is Horse hide, it is more dense then pig or goat, it holds it's shape well and they last a long time. I work in a leather shop I could be wrong but I think it's horse.
Lee Cunningham Green
on Aug 17, 2014
-
most likely cowhide
Sandra Moody
on Aug 17, 2014
Sign Up to Answer
