At J Wood Leathers, our Natural Vegetable-Tanned Leather (veg tan leather) is one of our best-selling products. This versatile and durable leather is ideal for a wide range of leatherworking projects, from bags to belts, wallets to pet collars, and so much more. Whether you’re a seasoned leatherworker or a beginner, our veg tan leather offers endless opportunities for creativity and craftsmanship.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top uses of our natural veg tan leather and why it’s a favourite among artisans and customers alike.

What is Natural Vegetable-Tanned Leather?

Veg tan leather is created through a traditional process of submerging animal hides in tannin-rich solutions. This results in an eco-friendly, sustainable material. Initially light in colour, the leather darkens over time, developing a rich patina that reflects exposure to sunlight, oils, and daily wear. This unique characteristic makes veg tan leather not only functional but also visually appealing as it ages. Its ability to absorb dyes, retain its natural grain, and respond well to carving and embossing further enhances its versatility.

Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the best ways to use this incredible material.

Top 5 Uses for Natural Veg Tan Leather

1. Bags

Veg tan leather is perfect for making durable, stylish leather bags. Its sturdy yet flexible structure ensures the bag keeps its shape and, if left in its undyed natural state, will develop a unique patina over time. Whether you’re crafting a tote, messenger bag, or briefcase, veg tan leather offers timeless quality.

2. Belts

A classic! The strength and flexibility of veg tan ensures that belts made using it, remain sturdy and comfortable over time. Veg tan leather is perfect for creating durable belts that can also be personalised through stamping, carving, and dyeing. Whether you’re looking for a simple, functional belt or a fashion statement, natural veg tan leather is a reliable and attractive option.

3. Wallets

Wallets made from veg tan leather are popular for their elegance and durability. The leather can be finely tooled and stitched, making it a go-to choice for detailed, high-quality designs. As with other natural veg products, a wallet will develop a patina over time, making this day-to-day item truly unique to its owner.

4. Footwear

Natural veg tan has been used in the manufacture of footwear for centuries. The breathability and durability of veg tan make it perfect for crafting shoes, as it offers both long-lasting wear and comfort. It’s also commonly used for leather soles, on classic and traditional footwear.

5. Accessories

From watch straps to key fobs, pet collars, and phone cases, natural veg tan leather is ideal for creating small accessories. It can be dyed, carved, and tooled to create one-of-a-kind pieces that are both stylish and long-lasting.

More Creative Applications

While bags, belts, wallets, shoes, and accessories are the top five uses for our natural veg tan leather, the possibilities don’t end there. Our customers have used our leather for various projects, including:

• Knife sheaths and scabbards
• Reenactment & Cosplay pieces including armour and shields.
• Falconry hoods and sporrans
• Marine applications like rope protection and wheel covers.
• Antique restoration for desks, chairs, and trunks.

Choosing the Right Leather for Your Project

At J Wood Leathers, we offer a wide range of natural veg tan leather, including premium and economy selections, as well as goat skins. Depending on your project and experience, you can select the perfect cut and thickness for your needs:

• Regular Grade Natural Veg Tan Sides: these full-grain, un-dyed sides offer excellent value for money, making them the go-to choice for leatherworkers of all skill levels. Available in thicknesses ranging from 0.8mm to 4.0mm+, these sides are perfect for a wide range of projects.
• Premium (Grade 1) Shoulders: Ideal for precision carving, with minimal marks or imperfections. These are excellent for belts and detailed leatherwork.
• Economy Veg Tan Shoulders: Great for beginners and practice projects. They offer good cutting areas at a fantastic value, though not suitable for belts.
• Natural Veg Tan Goat Skins: Perfect for bookbinding or smaller projects where a softer, more flexible leather is desired.
• Natural Veg Tan Whole Butts: Thick, durable and prised for their long, clean cuts, whole butts are ideal for crafting belts, briefcases, gun slips, and musical instrument cases.

• Crocodile Print Natural Shoulders: Perfect for anyone wanting to add a bold texture to their leather goods. The deep, well-defined croc print provides an authentic look and can be enhanced with the “rub-off” dyeing technique, which creates a stunning contrast across the scales.

Explore Our Range

Ready to get started on your next project? Shop our range of natural veg tan leathers today and discover why artisans across the world love using this versatile, high-quality leather. From bags to belts and everything in between, natural vegetable-tanned leather from J Wood Leathers is your perfect leatherworking partner.

If you’d like any help or advice with your selection, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our knowledgeable and dedicated team are always on hand to help.