How can I soften this stiff unbraided leather?

Bought this bunch of unbraided leather some time ago for $1.00. Want to use it on a project or two if possible. Any help on how to make it pliable again will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

  11 answers
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Oct 14, 2021

    Saddle Soap! or maybe Fabric Conditioner?

    • GeorgiaBulldogsFan GeorgiaBulldogsFan on Oct 15, 2021

      Thanks for your response. Since I’m completely out of my element with this situation, I will be trying all suggestions. Thanks for taking time to answer.

    • GeorgiaBulldogsFan GeorgiaBulldogsFan on Oct 15, 2021

      Thank you so much for the link. With all the suggestions on this link, I should surely be successful in accomplishing the softening of the leather. Thank you again.

  • Em Em on Oct 14, 2021

    Rubbing alcohol and Vaseline. Take a cotton swab or ball and coat it generously with alcohol. Rub this alcohol-coated cotton ball on the leather that you want to soften. Though the leather starts loosening when you start applying this, you have to repeat the process till the alcohol is completely soaked into the leather.

    • GeorgiaBulldogsFan GeorgiaBulldogsFan on Oct 15, 2021

      Thank you for your suggestion. I will surely be trying it probably first as I have both items here at home. Thanks again.

    • GeorgiaBulldogsFan GeorgiaBulldogsFan on Oct 15, 2021

      Thank you so much for responding. These 3 resources are very informative! I will be trying all of them one by one. If at first you don’t succeed ………. Thanks again.

  • Mogie Mogie on Oct 15, 2021

    HOW TO SOFTEN LEATHER:

    1. Coconut Oil
    2. Petroleum Jelly and Rubbing Alcohol
    3. Water
    4. Commercial Products

    Method 1: Coconut Oil

    You may have used coconut oil to achieve a golden brown suntan, but you can also use it to condition your leather boots and other goods for softening. Before proceeding, take your prepared items and let them sit out in the sunlight for 10 minutes so they’re ready to accept the oil. Using your fingers, gently apply a layer and rub it into the surface. Work in small areas until you’ve coated the entire item. This is a popular softening method, but it does come with the drawback of significant darkening, so try testing it on an inconspicuous area to see if you’re happy with the final shade.

    Method 2: Petroleum Jelly and Rubbing Alcohol

    The second method for softening leather is the application of rubbing alcohol and petroleum jelly. Start by using a cotton ball to apply the alcohol to every surface you’d like to soften. This might take a few different treatments because of alcohol’s tendency to evaporate quickly. Once you’ve completely treated the whole item, follow up with a generous layer of petroleum jelly using your fingers as an applicator. Unlike the coconut oil method, you shouldn’t experience any significant darkening of your items when you’re finished.

    Method 3: Water

    If you’d like to soften your leather goods without using chemicals, water offers an easy option. Use a spray bottle to apply a thin layer to every surface, stopping when it begins to bead up and roll off. You don’t want to go overboard here because your goal should be to have just enough moisture to seep into the leather without saturating it. To avoid cracking, follow up with a clean microfiber cloth to remove any excess liquid before allowing the piece to dry naturally. Once it finishes drying, follow up with a quality conditioner. This technique will not work with any item that has been treated with a waterproofing product since the moisture will simply roll away without absorbing.

    Method 4: Commercial Products

    Home remedies are a good place to start, but there are occasions when they don’t do the job completely. If you need something stronger, head to your local store and find a commercial product that’s appropriate for your item. Read the product’s instructions and apply according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. You might have to reapply a few times every year to prevent your leather goods from drying out.

    • GeorgiaBulldogsFan GeorgiaBulldogsFan on Oct 15, 2021

      Wow!! Thank you so much for all these methods!! I’ll be busy trying all of these to soften this leather! Thanks again!

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Oct 15, 2021

    Heat and moisture will make the leather pliable again. I would use a leather conditioner to add the moisture back in. Check a tack supply or ag store for your best variety.

    • See 2 previous
    • GeorgiaBulldogsFan GeorgiaBulldogsFan on Oct 16, 2021

      Thank you for the sweet reply about our Dawgs! We have been die hard fans for many years. We have come so close and have gotten disappointed many times. But, we have remained faithful. Thanks again.

  • Dee Dee on Oct 16, 2021

    A cheap bottle of hair conditioner from the dollar store unwatered down. Let soak overnight and rinse in the morning.

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Oct 31, 2021

    i would make it wet and form to its new way

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Nov 01, 2021

    Hi second thoughts looking at the material (Looks like Cat Gut) If it is boiling water will soften it!

    • GeorgiaBulldogsFan GeorgiaBulldogsFan on Nov 01, 2021

      Hi. Thanks for the info. Haven’t tried softening as yet. Been working on ornaments for a themed Christmas tree for one of the bedrooms upstairs. Thanks again.