If you're looking for an interesting hobby, consider taking up leather craft. You can make many useful things from leather, and they last a long time since leather is a durable product. You can buy leather hide in different forms such as a full or partial hide, processed squares, and strips. Here are a few tips for buying leather and how to care for it.

Choose The Right Leather For The Project

When you first start making things from leather, you'll want to follow the recommendations in the patterns for the type of leather to use. Once you get used to the differences, you'll have the experience to choose the right leather for the project. Leather hides are sold in different thicknesses and well as different finishes. This makes them suitable for some projects but not others. For instance, if you're making something for a car or motorcycle, you'll want leather that resists UV damage and that's waterproof.

Some types of leather are treated to be buttery-soft which makes them ideal for personal items. Cow leather can also be embossed with designs that make it look like more exotic hides. You might want this type of leather for making a belt or purse.

Buy A Leather Hide

You can buy a full hide if you want a large amount of leather with a uniform appearance such as if you're covering a few chairs you want to look the same. You can also buy partial hides and specify the type you want such as the back, shoulders, or belly. Buying a full hide gives you a break on the price if you'll be making several projects. You'll have some choice in color, texture, and markings depending on the type of leather you buy. Check out retailers like Universal Leather to browse types of leather.

Care For The Leather Properly

Understand the care requirements for the leather you buy. If you use it to upholster chairs or a couch, the leather will be exposed to spills and stains, and they need to be cleaned with a leather cleaner. You should use only water or a very diluted soap solution to wipe off stains. Be sure to blot up water right away. Buy a leather cleaner for regular cleaning and don't use other household cleaners. Use leather conditioner a couple of times a year to keep the leather supple. Unless the leather has been treated for UV protection, keep it out of the sun. This includes sun that shines through your windows.

Making things from leather is a fun hobby. You can make easy projects such as book covers and wallets when you first learn. There are many things you can make from leather that you can wear or use around the house so your hobby will be useful as well as fun.