Whether you're looking for a sleek minimalist wallet, a rugged bifold, or a classic cardholder, the type of leather you choose will define its durability, feel, and appearance. In this blog, we’ll break down the best types of leather for wallets and showcase some incredible examples crafted by our customers.
What Thickness Is Best?
For your first leather wallet, it's best to avoid thinner, softer leather, as certain areas may require reinforcement or backing. Additionally, thinner leather can be more challenging to cut and skive, making the crafting process more difficult.
The ideal thickness ultimately depends on the style of wallet you want to create. If you’re making a slim, minimalist wallet, 0.8 - 1.2 mm leather (2-3 oz thick) is a good choice. For a more structured bifold or one with multiple pockets, a slightly thicker leather, around 1.6 - 2.0 mm (4-5 oz thick), will provide better durability and support without becoming too bulky.
What Type of Tannage Is Best?
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Vegetable-Tanned Leather: This is one of the best choices for crafting wallets. It ages beautifully, developing a rich patina over time. It's also easier to burnish and mould, making it great for hand-stitched projects.
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Chrome-Tanned Leather: While chrome-tanned leather comes in a wider variety of colours, it can be harder to finish, and burnishing edges may not yield the same polished look as vegetable-tanned leather. However, it is more water-resistant and flexible.
What Type of Leather Is Best?
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Full-Grain Leather: This is the highest quality leather available. It retains the top layer of the hide, making it incredibly durable and long-lasting. Full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather is ideal for a premium, handcrafted wallet.
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Top-Grain Leather: Slightly sanded to remove imperfections, top-grain leather is a smoother, more uniform alternative to full-grain while still maintaining good durability.
Tips to Guarantee Successful Crafting
Crafting a leather wallet is a rewarding process, but attention to detail is key. Here are some essential tips to ensure success:
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Use a Template: A well-designed template will help you achieve precise cuts and consistent proportions, ensuring a professional finish.
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Invest in Sharp Tools: Dull knives and chisels can lead to uneven cuts and frayed edges, making your work look sloppy.
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Finish Your Edges: Burnishing or edge painting will give your wallet a polished, high-quality appearance.
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Choose the Right Thread: Waxed thread, particularly linen or polyester, is best for hand-stitching leather wallets.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right leather and using the proper techniques will make a significant difference in the quality of your finished wallet. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced leatherworker, understanding thickness, type, and crafting techniques will set you up for success. Start with a reliable template, use high-quality materials, and enjoy the process of creating a wallet that will last for years to come!
Find more information about leather crafting on our other blogs.
Our Customers
At Leather4Craft, we are proud to supply high-quality, leathers to artisans, craftspeople, small businesses and entrepreneurs who make leather goods. Here are three examples of talented artisans using our leather to make wallets and cardholders.
In this example they used our Country Soft Leather.
In this example they used our Badalassi Carlo Pueblo Leather.
In this example they used our Paisley Leather.
