For hobbyists and artisans, choosing the right craft leather is essential to achieving the perfect balance of durability, flexibility, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re making small leather goods, bookbinding, or working on intricate tooling projects, selecting high-quality leather from a trusted supplier ensures your creations stand the test of time.
At J Wood Leathers, we offer a diverse range of premium leather, along with special offers and stock lots for budget-friendly options. Whether you’re a beginner exploring your craft or an experienced maker refining your skills, here are our top picks for the best craft leathers available from stock, carefully selected from our worldwide network of leather tanneries.
1. Natural Vegetable-Tanned Leather
Best for: Tooling, carving, embossing, and hand-dyeing
A favourite among leather crafters, vegetable-tanned leather is known for its durability and ability to develop a beautiful patina over time. The traditional plant-based tanning process makes it ideal for stamping and carving projects, such as wallets, belts, and personalised accessories.
Why Choose It?
- Easy to carve and emboss
- Ages beautifully with a rich patina
- Available in various thicknesses for different crafting needs
Explore our Natural Veg Tan Leather – a great starting point for beginners!
2. Suede Splits & Pig Skin Splits
Best for: Soft leather goods, lining, and decorative elements
Suede is a fantastic choice for craft projects that require a softer texture and flexibility. They’re commonly used for bag linings, footwear, and accessories like keychains and pouches. We offer two types and thicknesses of Suede, making it suitable for an array of applications.
Why Choose It?
- Soft and flexible
- Available in a large range of colours
- Great for layering and detailing
Check out our Ingleborough Calf Suede and our Windsor Pig Suede.
3. Chrome-Tanned Leather
Best for: Fashion accessories, upholstery, and lightweight projects
For crafters looking for vibrant colours and a softer hand feel, chrome-tanned leather is a top choice. It undergoes a modern tanning process that makes it supple, colour-rich, and resistant to water and wear—perfect for wallets, bags, and stylish accessories.
Why Choose It?
- Wide range of colours available
- Soft and flexible for detailed work
- Resistant to moisture and wear
Explore our range of Core Leathers for your next project!
4. Waxy Leather
Best for: Rustic, distressed, and durable projects
Our Rio Waxy Smooth Sides are one of our longest-running core leathers, offering a rugged, vintage look. Infused with oils and waxes, this leather is moisture-resistant and perfect for outdoor gear, work aprons, and heritage-style accessories.
Why Choose It?
- Water-resistant and highly durable
- Develops a rich patina over time
- Ideal for rustic, outdoor, and workwear projects
For a limited time – 8 colours of Rio Waxy Smooth Sides are on sale, over 25% off! Offer expires 31/03/25.
5. Leather Offcuts
Best for: Experimentation, repairs, and small projects
If you’re new to leather crafting or just want to experiment, our leather offcuts and remnants offer a cost-effective way to explore different finishes, thicknesses, and leather types. Great for repairs, small projects, and sampling different materials.
Why Choose It?
- Affordable way to test different leathers
- Mixed selection of colours, finishes, and thicknesses
- Perfect for crafting, repairs, and trial projects
Check out our Leather Offcuts & Remnants – bargain prices while stock lasts!
6. Full-Grain Leather
Best for: High-end leather goods and long-lasting projects
For artisans seeking premium quality, full-grain leather retains the natural grain of the hide, making it the most durable and luxurious option. It’s perfect for bespoke bags, furniture, and heirloom-quality items that only get better with time.
Why Choose It?
The strongest and most durable leather type
- Ages beautifully with a natural patina
- Adds luxury and sophistication to any project
Explore our full-grain leather selection below for premium, long-lasting creations!
Order Your Leather Samples Today
Finding the perfect leather for your craft project is all about testing and experiencing different materials. At J Wood Leathers, we offer sample packs so you can feel the texture and quality before making a final decision. Plus, our knowledgeable and friendly warehouse team is always happy to help you find the right leather for your needs.
Browse our selection today or visit us in person – nothing beats a hands-on experience!