If you’re getting into leather crafting, scraps are one of the best ways to start.
They’re affordable, versatile, and perfect for learning without wasting expensive hides. But not all leather scraps are the same, and choosing the wrong type can ruin your project before you even get started.
This guide breaks it down simply:
- What types of leather scraps exist
- What they’re best used for
- The pros and cons of each
- Where to buy quality scraps
What Are Leather Scraps?
Leather scraps (also called remnants) are leftover pieces from larger hides. They come in a range of:
- Sizes
- Thicknesses
- Colors
- Finishes
Good scraps are usable pieces. Bad scraps are just offcuts that are too small or inconsistent to work with.
Types of Leather Scraps (And What They’re Best For)
1. Chrome-Tanned Leather (Best for Beginners)
This is the most common type you’ll find in scrap packs.
Best for:
- Earrings
- Keychains
- Small crafts
- Cricut projects
Advantages:
- Soft and flexible
- Easy to cut and work with
- Available in many colors
Drawbacks:
- Doesn’t hold shape well
- Not ideal for structured items like wallets. Thickness and stiffness matter. If possible ask if the leather is suitable for making wallets, handbags, etc.
2. Vegetable-Tanned Leather (Best for Structure & Tooling)
This is the traditional leather used in classic leatherworking.
Best for:
- Belts
- Tooling and stamping
- Structured items
Advantages:
- Holds its shape
- Can be carved, stamped, and dyed
- Ages well over time
Drawbacks:
- Stiffer and harder to work with
- Usually more expensive
- Limited color (until dyed)
3. Upholstery Leather Scraps (Best Value for Projects)
These come from furniture manufacturers and are often high-quality.
Best for:
- Bags
- Larger crafts
- Panels and upholstery repairs
- Small business products
Advantages:
- High quality at lower cost
- Larger usable pieces
- Wide variety of textures and finishes
Drawbacks:
- Thickness can vary. Again if possible ask your supplier if the leather is thick enough for your project.
- Colors are not always consistent between orders. We can send you pictures before you order.
4. Suede & Split Leather (Best for Soft Texture Projects)
This is the underside of leather or a softer finish.
Best for:
- Linings
- Decorative accents
- Soft crafts
Advantages:
- Soft texture
- Flexible
- Often inexpensive
Drawbacks:
- Not as durable
- Can shed or wear faster
- Not ideal for high-use items
Choosing the Right Leather for Your Project
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
- Want flexibility → Chrome-tanned
- Want structure → Vegetable-tanned
- Want value and variety → Upholstery scraps which is usually Chrome-tanned but thicker.
- Want soft texture → Suede
Most beginners should start with chrome-tanned or upholstery scraps
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Buying scraps that are too small to use
- ❌ Mixing thicknesses for structured projects
- ❌ Choosing stiff leather for flexible items
- ❌ Ordering without knowing what you’ll receive
The biggest mistake: Buying “mystery scrap bags” with no consistency
Where to Buy Leather Scraps for Crafts
You’ve got a few options—but they’re not all equal.
1. Big Online Marketplaces
- Amazon, eBay
Pros:
- Easy to order
- Fast shipping
Cons:
- Inconsistent quality
- Often true “junk scraps”
- No control over color or size - This is true even us, for orders where Amazon ships direct. They pick the net bag in the pile. The ability to communicate on Amazon is also difficult so even when we are shipping direct, getting message back and forth are a problem.
2. Craft Stores
- Limited selection
- Usually higher price per piece
- If you happen to be a craft store or shop there, we have a solution you will want to check out by clicking here. It overcomes all the drawbacks, including price. You know exactly what you are getting and it is priced to compete with Amazon's "guess what you are going to get" bag.
3. Specialty Leather Suppliers
This is where you get:
- Better quality
- More usable pieces
- Clear descriptions
If you’re looking for scraps that are actually usable—not just leftovers—you can check out at LeatherLadyNC.com
What makes it different:
- You can request colors (like light brown, dark brown, black)
- Many orders can include photos before shipping
- Sourced from furniture manufacturers in High Point, NC
- Focus on usable pieces, not unusable offcuts
Final Thoughts
Leather scraps are one of the easiest ways to start crafting or expand your product line.
But the key is choosing the right type:
- Soft leather for flexible items
- Structured leather for durable goods
- Larger scraps for bigger projects
If you get that part right, everything else gets easier.