Glossary of Terms (Leather)
The following presents a glossary of terms when it comes to working with leather.
It is designed to help you better communicate with your leather goods manufacturer. See also our Textiles and general Manufacturing glossary of terms.
Burnishing - A finishing technique where leather edges or surfaces are polished using tools like wood or glass to achieve a smooth, hard finish.
Chrome Tanning - A leather tanning method utilizing chromium salts, resulting in soft and flexible leather commonly used in garments and upholstery.
Cordovan - High-quality leather made from horsehide, prized for its smooth finish and durability.
Die Cutting - The process of converting the leather into customized shapes with the help of equipment or machines.
Edge Painting - The process of applying a special paint to leather edges to enhance appearance and seal against moisture and wear.
Embossing - A technique involving the stamping of heated dies onto leather to create patterns on the surface.
Full-Grain Leather - Leather that retains its natural grain layer without any sanding or buffing, offering superior durability and breathability.
Grain - The outer layer of leather displaying the natural skin surface, exhibiting various patterns such as tight, pebbled, or smooth, depending on processing and animal type.
Hand - Refers to the feel, fullness, or softness of leather, typically assessed by touch.
Hide - The skin of large animals, with "hide" generally referring to cattle skins in the leather industry.
Latigo - Heavy-duty leather used in saddlery and equestrian equipment, produced through a combination of chrome and vegetable tanning methods.
Nappa - Soft, full-grain leather sourced from unsplit animal skins, recognized for its softness and durability, commonly found in high-quality leather goods.
Patina - The natural surface wear that develops over time on high-quality leather, enhancing its character and appearance.
Pigmenting - The application of a color coating to the leather's surface, often providing sealing properties to enhance durability and uniformity.
Rawhide - Untanned cattle hide, stiff and brittle, commonly used for items like drum heads or dog chew toys.
Saddle Stitching - A hand-stitching method using two needles and a single thread, frequently employed for joining leather pieces.
Skiving - The process of thinning leather by paring away layers, facilitating folding or reducing bulk in seams.
Split Leather - Leather made from the lower layers of a hide once it is split, typically less durable and commonly used for suede.
Tannin - Plant extracts used in vegetable tanning.
Top-Grain Leather - Leather with its top layer removed to eliminate imperfections, resulting in a thinner and more pliable material, albeit slightly less durable than full-grain leather.
Vegetable Tanning - A tanning method using natural materials like tree bark, resulting in environmentally friendly leather, albeit with a longer production time.
Yield - The usable amount of leather obtained from a hide, often expressed as a percentage based on quality and cut.
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