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.
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Saddle Soap! or maybe Fabric Conditioner?
Here's 4 methods:
https://www.haxford.com/blogs/news/how-to-soften-leather
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.
I don't know about the video 🤷♂️😁
https://olpr.com/blogs/articles/how-to-soften-leather-the-right-way
https://www.wikihow.com/Soften-a-Leather-Belt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoJU5fKkcww
here is some info for you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoJU5fKkcww
Hello this link might be helpful
https://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/90686-how-to-soften-leather/
HOW TO SOFTEN LEATHER:
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.
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.
A cheap bottle of hair conditioner from the dollar store unwatered down. Let soak overnight and rinse in the morning.
i would make it wet and form to its new way
Hi second thoughts looking at the material (Looks like Cat Gut) If it is boiling water will soften it!