By PickSmartly Editorial Team
· Updated Aug 4, 2026
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For leather crafters, hobbyists, and small-scale makers, purchasing full hides is often an inefficient and costly way to source materials. Leather scraps offer a sustainable, budget-friendly alternative that allows for experimentation without the heavy investment. Whether you are looking to practice stitching techniques, create small goods like key fobs and cord organizers, or test out new dyes and finishes, selecting the right quality of scrap is critical to the success of your project. This guide will help you navigate the nuances of scrap selection so you can maximize your creativity while minimizing waste.
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Colors: A mix of colors ranging from solids (typically white or black), speckled, spotted, brindle and more! (see pictures for examples of color). Because of the vast range there is no guarantee of the colors you will get but we try to give a variety.
Thickness: Pieces generally range between 3-4 ounces.
Size: 1-3 square feet & some smaller
Depending on the size of the pieces you will likely only get 1-2 pieces a pound on average. If you would like more variety we suggest ordering at least 3 pounds.
After weeks of testing various materials for my small leatherworking projects, I finally found a way to add authentic texture without breaking the bank. The Leather Guy delivers a pound of hair-on cowhide scraps that are perfect for anyone looking to experiment with unique patterns like brindle, speckled, or spotted designs. Since these are natural pieces, the variety is unpredictable, but the mix of solids and complex markings makes every pound a creative surprise. The thickness stays consistent around 3-4 ounces, which is ideal for most handheld crafts. While you might only receive one or two larger pieces per pound, the quality of the hide is excellent for the price. I highly recommend grabbing at least three pounds if you want a diverse palette of colors for your workshop.
Why settle for mediocre scraps when your craft deserves a premium foundation? The Leather Guy has delivered an Artisan's Choice vegetable tanned cowhide that feels specifically curated for serious makers. At a substantial 5-6 oz thickness, these 4" x 6" pieces strike that elusive balance between being firm enough for intricate tooling and flexible enough for detailed work. The texture is impressively smooth on both the immaculate topside and the clean backside, making the dyeing process a breeze. Because this is natural cowhide, you have to embrace the character of each unique piece, as slight blemishes add to the authentic, handmade soul of your final project. It is a reliable, high-quality option for anyone needing small, high-grade leather portions.
Deerskin is naturally soft and durable so it is very easy to work with. Deer has many uses such as. Inlays, gloves, bags, trim, device sleeves, and much more!
Color: Neutral colors - Black, Browns, Off White, there may be some Red
Size: 1/2-2 hand size on average, expect to see strips and pieces bigger or smaller than the average.
Thickness: Pieces range between 2-4 oz (.8-1.6 mm) on average.
Blemishes: There will be a few holes, grain damage, and scars, and other blemishes throughout the pieces
Your workbench is cluttered with tiny projects like custom device sleeves, delicate gloves, or intricate leather inlays that require a material that is forgiving yet resilient. This one-pound scrap pack from The Leather Guy is exactly what you need to bridge the gap between large hides and micro-crafting. The deerskin is naturally soft, making it incredibly easy to manipulate, even for those just starting out with leatherwork. While you should expect a realistic mix of black, brown, and off-white tones along with some natural scars or grain damage, the 2-4 oz thickness is perfect for trim and small accessories. It is a practical, no-nonsense resource for any maker looking to minimize waste while maximizing creative possibilities with high-quality natural hides.
Color: The colors are earth tones - mainly shades of brown with occasional tan, black, olive, slate blue, and burnt orange colors (the pictures are a good representation of the colors). Colors are a mix - you will not get every color pictured nor are you guaranteed to get all one color.
Size: 2-3 square feet (some smaller / some larger, but none are very small) and 3-5 ounces (1.2 - 2 mm) thick. Depending on the size of the pieces you will likely get 3-6 pieces per remnant bag
Temper: Pliable, mainly smooth textures.
This leather can be used for: Boots, bags, book/journal covers, coasters, bracelets, cuffs, straps, and much more.
The Leather Guy provides a professional-grade playground for crafters who usually settle for thin, uniform scraps that lack character. This 3 lb bag of oil-tanned cow remnants is a goldmine for anyone working on boots, journals, or heavy-duty straps. Instead of predictable, boring sheets, you get a curated mix of earth tones ranging from deep browns and olives to unexpected pops of slate blue and burnt orange. The pieces arrive in a pliable, smooth-textured 3-5 oz weight, meaning they are substantial enough for structural projects but flexible enough for small goods like bracelets or coasters. While you won't get a perfectly uniform color palette, the variety in these 2-3 square foot remnants makes every project feel like a custom, one-of-a-kind creation.
When buying scraps, the most important factor is understanding that you are often getting a mix of different parts of a hide. Unlike a full hide where you can plan your pattern layout, scraps are irregular. You must look for descriptions that specify the grade of leather included. Full-grain scraps are the gold standard. They retain the natural grain and strength of the hide, making them ideal for functional items like wallets or knife sheaths. If you are looking for something more forgiving for beginners, top-grain scraps are excellent, though they may have a slightly more processed feel. Avoid 'genuine leather' scraps if you intend to do high-end work, as this term often refers to lower-quality split leather that lacks the structural integrity needed for long-lasting goods.
Evaluating Thickness and Weight
Not all scraps are created equal in terms of 'ounce' or millimeter thickness. A common mistake is purchasing a mixed bag of scraps only to find that most of the pieces are too thin for structural projects or too thick for delicate sewing. When selecting scraps, check if the seller categorizes them by weight. For small leather goods like cardholders, you should look for scraps in the 3oz to 5oz range. If you are working on heavier tasks, such as holsters or belt components, you will need scraps in the 7oz to 9oz range. If a listing offers 'mixed weights,' prepare to sort through them manually to find the specific thickness required for your specific pattern.
Color and Dye Compatibility
One of the primary uses for scraps is testing dyes. If you plan to use aniline dyes or oil finishes, ensure the scraps are 'natural' or 'uncolored.' Natural scraps allow you to experiment with the entire spectrum of colors. However, if you are looking for a specific aesthetic, you might opt for pre-dyed scraps in earth tones. Be aware that if you buy scraps that are already heavily pigmented, you will be limited in your ability to change their color later. For those practicing edge finishing, having a variety of colors can be a great way to see how different edge paints or burnishing waxes interact with different leather tones.
Size and Shape Utility
While the term 'scrap' implies irregularity, there is a spectrum of usability. Some sellers offer 'small scraps' which are essentially remnants too small for anything but testing, while others offer 'large scraps' or 'remnants' that can accommodate medium-sized patterns. If you are working on a specific project, such as a notebook cover, look for scraps that are described as having larger continuous surface areas. Avoid scraps that are heavily riddled with 'character marks' (scars or insect bites) if your project requires a pristine surface, though many crafters actually prefer these for a rustic, weathered look.
Recommendation Logic for Different Skill Levels
If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with a mixed bag of natural, full-grain scraps. This allows you to learn how different thicknesses react to tools and dyes without a massive upfront cost. For advanced makers looking for efficiency, we recommend sourcing specialized scrap lots—such as all-vegetable-tanned scraps—which ensure that all your pieces will react predictably to the same tanning and finishing processes.
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Quick answers about The Leather Guy Leather Scraps before you buy.
These scraps consist of high-quality remnants from premium hides, meaning you receive genuine, durable leather rather than synthetic alternatives.
No, because these are true remnants, sizes and shapes vary significantly. They are ideal for small projects rather than large-scale upholstery.
They are perfect for small leather goods like key fobs, wallets, cord organizers, jewelry, and decorative patches.
Colors are generally mixed. While you may get a variety of tones, you cannot request a specific color palette due to the nature of remnant sourcing.
Most scraps come with raw, unfinished edges, which is standard for remnant material. You will likely need to burnish or paint the edges for a professional look.
Thickness varies by batch, but most selections offer a mix of weights suitable for everything from lightweight accessories to medium-duty craftwork.
Since these are genuine leather, use a dedicated leather conditioner to prevent drying, and avoid excessive water exposure to maintain the hide's integrity.
Yes, they are an excellent, low-cost way for beginners to practice stitching, cutting, and tooling techniques without wasting expensive full hides.
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