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Once you've decided to sew with real or fake leather or suede,
the next step is knowing how to choose the correct leather or
suede for your project.
While patterns usually indicate fabric measured by the yard,
most leather is sold by the square foot. To calculate the
number of square feet you'll need for your project multipy the
suggested yardage on the pattern for 54 inch wide fabric by
13 1/2, the number of square feet in a piece of 36" x 54" fabric.
Multipy the yardage for 45" wide fabric by 11 1/2, and by nine
for 36" wide fabric. Next add approximately 15 percent to allow
for waste. The size of each skin in square feet is generally
marked on the back of each skin. Suede is simply the inside
layer of a cowhide, pig or lambskin with a napped finish and
the same rules of measurement apply.
You might also consider using a synthetic leather or suede for
your project as they can be real bargains at usually less than
half the cost of natural leathers.
Before making your decision consult the following list outlining
the characteristics of various real and synthetic leathers:
** COWHIDE - Whole cowhides are available in large sizes
measuring from 20 to 25 square feet. Garments such as coats,
pants and jackets can be made from these full hides. Half hides
or sides can also be purchased for smaller projects such as hats,
handbags or belts. Cowhide comes in heavy and medium weights
and offers a wide range of colors and finishes.
** PIGSKIN - Pigskin is a light to medium-weight leather that
comes in both sueded and non-sueded finishes and is available in
a wide variety of colors. Pigskins are usually small, about 5
to 7 square feet, so they are generally used for smaller items
such as handbags, belts or trims.
** LAMBSKIN - Lambskin is similar in texture to cowhide although
finer. The average lambskin measures about 6 to 9 square feet
and is generally more expensive than cowhide. Also available in
many colors, lambskin can be used for a variety of garments such
as dresses, skirts, coats, jackets, slippers, handbags and hats.
** SYNTHETIC LEATHER - Usually produced as a medium-weight
fabric, synthetic leather is commonly made with a polyurethane
face and a knit or woven backing. Available in a wide variety
of colors and finishes, it can be used for any garment or craft
project in place of real skins.
** SYNTHETIC SUEDE - Synthetic suedes come in a variety of
weights and colors and are typically more expensive than
synthetic leathers. Lighter weights are commonly used for vests,
dresses, skirts, jackets and shirts while the heavier weights
are good for pants, jackets and coats.
** SNAKESKIN - Smaller snakeskins are usually more delicate than
the larger varieties. The color of snakeskins varies widely and
the glossy finish generally comes from a thin layer of varnish
or plastic used to help protect the skin. Because snakeskins
can be fragile they are used mostly for small items such as
belts, handbags and collars.
** SYNTHETIC SNAKESKIN - Similar to synthetic leathers, pseudo
snakeskins have a fabric backing which makes them less fragile
than real snakeskins.
Sewing with leather, suede and snakeskin can be a real joy as
they are the oldest and most luxurious of all natural materials.
Selecting the proper medium for your project will help you to
create a garment or accessory that you can be proud of for years
to come!
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