LEATHER SUPPLIES, LEATHER WHOLESALE & EQUESTRIAN SUPPLIES
QUALITY ASSURED FROM THE START
We are dedicated to carefully sourcing and supplying the finest high-quality leathers to our customers from all over the globe, including from traditional businesses like J&E Sedgwick and Co, one of the world’s most prominent leather currier and Pittards, manufacturers of high-quality English chrome leathers.
We stock a wide range of vegetable tanned and chrome leathers suitable for saddle and bridle making, bag manufacturing, upholstery, pet accessories and more. Â Thicknesses vary between 1.0mm and 5mm to suit all requirements and are available in traditional and non-traditional leather colours.
Leather is a beautiful, natural material and no two pieces are the same. Natural marks and scars should be expected but we always pick the cleanest hides to sell. Sizes can also vary and particularly on hides which are priced by the square foot. This is noted on the product pages where applicable so please read carefully.
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OUR LEATHER
Understanding leathers can be complex. That’s why we have our very own dedicated glossary to help you understand the leathers we offer.
Back
Extending the length of the butt by retaining the shoulder area, the back measures approximately 80 x 24 inches (200 x 60 cm). They are available in 3.5-4 mm, 4-4.5 mm and 5 mm weights.Backs are sold as single units known as a side.
Bag or Girth Hide
Available plain or with a heavy "Wheat" print this is used for bag making, and in saddlery, for girths. These hides are typically sold as full hide. Simply look out for the ‘DOUBLE BAGHIDE’ in the product name.
Buffalo
This is only available pre cut and pre stretched as stirrup strips or girth pulls. It is unbreakable and should not need replacing if well looked after.
Butt
This is the most expensive, and best, cut of the hide. Measuring approximately 5 ft x 2 ft (150 x 60 cm) the belly and weaker shoulder areas have been trimmed away. They are available in 3 mm, 3.5 - 4 mm, 4-4.5 mm and 5 mm weights. Butts are sold per piece. If you require a half pair, please select ‘1’ in the quantity box. For a full pair, please enter ‘2’.
Panel Hide
This is available as a whole or half hide measuring approximately 1.5 - 1.8 mm in thickness and range from 18 - 50 square feet in area. Please be aware some hides are sold as a whole piece (this is clearly marked on the product page) whist others are sold per square foot. In this case the minimum and maximum order quantity is clearly stated.
Pigskin
Pigskin is a very strong, thin product and usually used on saddle seats but is also commonly used for lining bags or and outer wallets.
Russet or Tooling Leather
This is undyed leather, which can be wetted and moulded or carved before dying to produce a wide variety of leather goods. It is available in Shoulders, Butts and Backs.
Shoulder
This hide is taken from the Shoulder area of the animal hence the name. This means growth marks and scars are more common in these hides but offers a more authentic look. The weights of the shoulder cut range from 1.5mm to 3mm to suit a range of projects including leather repairs on saddlery items, creating a fashion bags and other similar leathergoods. Shoulders are sold Per square foot unless stated otherwise.
LEATHER COLOURS
We stock a wide range of traditional and non-traditional leather colours. In saddlery the naming conventions of colours sometimes mean that a colour used in bridle leather has a different name when used in saddle leather e.g. Light Havanna bridle leather is the same colour as Newmarket saddle leather. We will try to give some idea of colours, although accuracy is limited by the resolution and colour rendition of your monitor. If in doubt ask us for a colour sample.
HOW WE PRICE OUR LEATHER
In England, the thickness of the hide is shown in millimetres, but the area is usually given in square feet (sq. ft.), the imperial measurement. Shoulders are priced by the square foot but are sold by the piece. For example, a shoulder measuring 10 sq. ft priced at £6.00/ft would cost £60.00. Butts and Backs are sold and priced by the half pair, not by weight or area.
A GUIDE TO HIDE THICKNESS
1 - 1.5 mm
These thinner leathers are typically used in leathercrafting as lining for wallets and bags. Due to their stretch properties, they may also be used in saddlery for making sections of the seat.
2 - 2.5 mm
Soft leathers and bridle shoulder are available in 2 - 2.5 mm and are normally used only where there is little stress and suppleness is required. Great for making bags and small leathergoods, 2 – 2.5mm leather will hold its structure but also offers suppleness for manipulating around bends and corners.3 mm
A light bridle weight, this leather can be cut into fine strips and is supple enough for narrow and thin styled buckles.3.5 - 4 mm
Now the standard bridle weight leather, this weight is supple enough to pass through loops and keepers. Predominantly used for bridles but more commonly for belts or straps on bags. Holds its form very well.4 - 4.5 mm
A heavy bridle or headcollar weight. Also typically used for heavy duty belts or straps. This thickness often means the leather will be stiff and therefore skiving would need to take place if the leather needed to be bent backwards on itself.
5 mm +
Stirrup leather weight. Very stiff with little stretch.LEATHER CONVERSION CHART
OUR LEATHER GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS
Thinking about starting a leather project but not sure what type of leather to use? Read our handy guide below for the best kind of leather for each project.
What leather should I use for making bags?
Our top choice for bag making is the Sedgwick 1900 Collection, a lovely looking leather with everything on show, available in a range of colours. The 2.3mm thickness is perfect for making a whole range of bags.
If you are looking to make a cartridge bag, we recommend using a vegetable tanned shoulder that is around 2.5mm thick. The Sedgwick 1900 collection would be suitable or, if you are after something a bit different, the Sedgwick’s bag hidewould be a good option in the wheat print option.
What leather should I use for making wallets?
For wallet making, you ideally want your leather to be around 1mm – 1.5mm thick. We recommend using vegetable tanned pig skin, which has a beautiful texture to it. Our top choice is the greased pig skin as it has a lovely soft feel.
What leather should I use for making belts?
Our Sedgwick mini butts are perfect for making belts. Shorter than bridle butts, traditional belt makers use these mini butts as they tend to be the correct length. This means you will end up with less wastage and you don’t have the slightly stretchy part of the shoulder at one end. If you want to make a longer belt, then the bridle butt is prefect. We stock the Sedgwick’s range of bridle butts, as well as a range of John Whites bridle butt and Italian bridle butts.
Although shoulder leather is not advised, if you would like a non-grease option you could use the Sedgwick 1900 Collection in 3.2 mm thickness. Note that only 3mm or above should be used if using shoulder leather.
What is the best leather to use for dog leads?
For leads, bridle butts are best as you don’t want them to stretch. If you are looking to make a longer lead, you may require bridle back leather.
What leather should  I use for making dog collars?
The type of leather you use for making dog collars will depend on the look of your final product. The weight and thickness of the leather will also depend on the type of dog you collar is designed for. A 2 mm leather would not be suitable for a larger dog for example, and a 4 mm leather would not be suitable for a small dog.
Due to its strength, we recommend using bridle butt leather in Black, Australian Nut, Dark Havana, Hazel or Conker. These colours are more resistant to water spot damage and their colours are less likely to fade. Red, Green, Blue, Light Havana and London Tan are not recommended however. Our mini bridle butts are a good option if you do not require the additional length of a standard butt.
If you want to add some padding to your collar, we recommend the soft plastazote in 6mm thickness.
LEATHER SUPPLIES, LEATHER WHOLESALE & EQUESTRIAN SUPPLIES
QUALITY ASSURED FROM THE START
We are dedicated to carefully sourcing and supplying the finest high-quality leathers to our customers from all over the globe, including from traditional businesses like J&E Sedgwick and Co, one of the world’s most prominent leather currier and Pittards, manufacturers of high-quality English chrome leathers.
We stock a wide range of vegetable tanned and chrome leathers suitable for saddle and bridle making, bag manufacturing, upholstery, pet accessories and more. Â Thicknesses vary between 1.0mm and 5mm to suit all requirements and are available in traditional and non-traditional leather colours.
Leather is a beautiful, natural material and no two pieces are the same. Natural marks and scars should be expected but we always pick the cleanest hides to sell. Sizes can also vary and particularly on hides which are priced by the square foot. This is noted on the product pages where applicable so please read carefully.
SEARCH BY CATEGORY
OUR LEATHER
Understanding leathers can be complex. That’s why we have our very own dedicated glossary to help you understand the leathers we offer.
Back
Extending the length of the butt by retaining the shoulder area, the back measures approximately 80 x 24 inches (200 x 60 cm). They are available in 3.5-4 mm, 4-4.5 mm and 5 mm weights.Backs are sold as single units known as a side.
Bag or Girth Hide
Available plain or with a heavy "Wheat" print this is used for bag making, and in saddlery, for girths. These hides are typically sold as full hide. Simply look out for the ‘DOUBLE BAGHIDE’ in the product name.
Buffalo
This is only available pre cut and pre stretched as stirrup strips or girth pulls. It is unbreakable and should not need replacing if well looked after.
Butt
This is the most expensive, and best, cut of the hide. Measuring approximately 5 ft x 2 ft (150 x 60 cm) the belly and weaker shoulder areas have been trimmed away. They are available in 3 mm, 3.5 - 4 mm, 4-4.5 mm and 5 mm weights. Butts are sold per piece. If you require a half pair, please select ‘1’ in the quantity box. For a full pair, please enter ‘2’.
Panel Hide
This is available as a whole or half hide measuring approximately 1.5 - 1.8 mm in thickness and range from 18 - 50 square feet in area. Please be aware some hides are sold as a whole piece (this is clearly marked on the product page) whist others are sold per square foot. In this case the minimum and maximum order quantity is clearly stated.
Pigskin
Pigskin is a very strong, thin product and usually used on saddle seats but is also commonly used for lining bags or and outer wallets.
Russet or Tooling Leather
This is undyed leather, which can be wetted and moulded or carved before dying to produce a wide variety of leather goods. It is available in Shoulders, Butts and Backs.
Shoulder
This hide is taken from the Shoulder area of the animal hence the name. This means growth marks and scars are more common in these hides but offers a more authentic look. The weights of the shoulder cut range from 1.5mm to 3mm to suit a range of projects including leather repairs on saddlery items, creating a fashion bags and other similar leathergoods. Shoulders are sold Per square foot unless stated otherwise.
LEATHER COLOURS
We stock a wide range of traditional and non-traditional leather colours. In saddlery the naming conventions of colours sometimes mean that a colour used in bridle leather has a different name when used in saddle leather e.g. Light Havanna bridle leather is the same colour as Newmarket saddle leather. We will try to give some idea of colours, although accuracy is limited by the resolution and colour rendition of your monitor. If in doubt ask us for a colour sample.
HOW WE PRICE OUR LEATHER
In England, the thickness of the hide is shown in millimetres, but the area is usually given in square feet (sq. ft.), the imperial measurement. Shoulders are priced by the square foot but are sold by the piece. For example, a shoulder measuring 10 sq. ft priced at £6.00/ft would cost £60.00. Butts and Backs are sold and priced by the half pair, not by weight or area.
A GUIDE TO HIDE THICKNESS
1 - 1.5 mm
These thinner leathers are typically used in leathercrafting as lining for wallets and bags. Due to their stretch properties, they may also be used in saddlery for making sections of the seat.
2 - 2.5 mm
Soft leathers and bridle shoulder are available in 2 - 2.5 mm and are normally used only where there is little stress and suppleness is required. Great for making bags and small leathergoods, 2 – 2.5mm leather will hold its structure but also offers suppleness for manipulating around bends and corners.3 mm
A light bridle weight, this leather can be cut into fine strips and is supple enough for narrow and thin styled buckles.3.5 - 4 mm
Now the standard bridle weight leather, this weight is supple enough to pass through loops and keepers. Predominantly used for bridles but more commonly for belts or straps on bags. Holds its form very well.4 - 4.5 mm
A heavy bridle or headcollar weight. Also typically used for heavy duty belts or straps. This thickness often means the leather will be stiff and therefore skiving would need to take place if the leather needed to be bent backwards on itself.
5 mm +
Stirrup leather weight. Very stiff with little stretch.LEATHER CONVERSION CHART
OUR LEATHER GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS
Thinking about starting a leather project but not sure what type of leather to use? Read our handy guide below for the best kind of leather for each project.
What leather should I use for making bags?
Our top choice for bag making is the Sedgwick 1900 Collection, a lovely looking leather with everything on show, available in a range of colours. The 2.3mm thickness is perfect for making a whole range of bags.
If you are looking to make a cartridge bag, we recommend using a vegetable tanned shoulder that is around 2.5mm thick. The Sedgwick 1900 collection would be suitable or, if you are after something a bit different, the Sedgwick’s bag hidewould be a good option in the wheat print option.
What leather should I use for making wallets?
For wallet making, you ideally want your leather to be around 1mm – 1.5mm thick. We recommend using vegetable tanned pig skin, which has a beautiful texture to it. Our top choice is the greased pig skin as it has a lovely soft feel.
What leather should I use for making belts?
Our Sedgwick mini butts are perfect for making belts. Shorter than bridle butts, traditional belt makers use these mini butts as they tend to be the correct length. This means you will end up with less wastage and you don’t have the slightly stretchy part of the shoulder at one end. If you want to make a longer belt, then the bridle butt is prefect. We stock the Sedgwick’s range of bridle butts, as well as a range of John Whites bridle butt and Italian bridle butts.
Although shoulder leather is not advised, if you would like a non-grease option you could use the Sedgwick 1900 Collection in 3.2 mm thickness. Note that only 3mm or above should be used if using shoulder leather.
What is the best leather to use for dog leads?
For leads, bridle butts are best as you don’t want them to stretch. If you are looking to make a longer lead, you may require bridle back leather.
What leather should  I use for making dog collars?
The type of leather you use for making dog collars will depend on the look of your final product. The weight and thickness of the leather will also depend on the type of dog you collar is designed for. A 2 mm leather would not be suitable for a larger dog for example, and a 4 mm leather would not be suitable for a small dog.
Due to its strength, we recommend using bridle butt leather in Black, Australian Nut, Dark Havana, Hazel or Conker. These colours are more resistant to water spot damage and their colours are less likely to fade. Red, Green, Blue, Light Havana and London Tan are not recommended however. Our mini bridle butts are a good option if you do not require the additional length of a standard butt.
If you want to add some padding to your collar, we recommend the soft plastazote in 6mm thickness.