By PickSmartly Editorial Team
· Updated Aug 4, 2026
9.4PM Score
Products Compared
4
Brands Ranked
1
Our guides are compiled from product information and customer ratings. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
For leathercrafters, hobbyists, and DIY enthusiasts, working with full hides can often be an intimidating and expensive endeavor. This is where leather strips and scraps become indispensable tools in the workshop. Rather than committing to a massive piece of premium vegetable-tanned leather for a small project, utilizing high-quality scraps allows for experimentation, prototyping, and the creation of intricate small goods like keychains, cord organizers, or decorative accents. However, not all scraps are created equal. Selecting the right material requires an understanding of temper, tanning methods, and grain consistency to ensure your small-scale projects don't end up looking like amateurish afterthoughts.
Editor's Choice
Our Top Picks for The Leather Guy Leather Strips
The three top picks on this page — ranked by PM Score, our 0–10 measure built from the customer star rating and review volume.
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.
A Guide to Selecting the Best Leather Strips and Scraps
Understanding Leather Temper and Flexibility
When purchasing leather strips or scraps, the most critical factor to consider is the 'temper.' Temper refers to the stiffness or flexibility of the leather. For small projects like belt loops or heavy-duty straps, you will want a firm, stiff temper that holds its shape under tension. Conversely, if you are crafting something that needs to wrap around a curved surface, such as a watch strap or a small pouch, a soft or supple temper is essential. When browsing scraps, look for descriptions that specify whether the leather is 'firm,' 'medium,' or 'soft.' A mismatch between your project's needs and the leather's temper can lead to structural failure or aesthetic issues.
Tanning Methods: Veg-Tan vs. Chrome-Tan
The tanning process dictates how the leather will react to your tools. Vegetable-tanned (veg-tan) scraps are the gold standard for traditional leathercraft. They are easy to tool, stamp, and burnish, and they develop a beautiful patina over time. If your goal is to create custom embossed designs or to use edge beveling and burnishing techniques, always opt for veg-tan scraps. On the other hand, chrome-tanned leather is much softer and more colorful, making it ideal for items that require a high degree of drape, like small wallets or decorative trim. However, be aware that chrome-tanned scraps are difficult to tool or burnish, so choose them based on the intended finished look of your piece.
Evaluating Grain Quality and Surface Consistency
Scraps are, by definition, the leftovers of larger production runs. This means you must be discerning about the surface quality. Look for 'full-grain' scraps whenever possible. Full-grain leather retains the natural strength and character of the hide. Avoid 'corrected grain' or 'split' scraps if you intend to do any decorative work, as these often have a synthetic coating or a lack of structural integrity that makes them difficult to work with. When inspecting scraps, check for excessive scarring, insect bites, or heavy branding marks. While some character is desirable, too many imperfections in a small strip can leave you with very little usable surface area.
Thickness and Edge Suitability
Thickness is typically measured in ounces or millimeters. For small accessories, a weight between 2oz and 4oz (roughly 0.8mm to 1.6mm) is usually the sweet spot. If you are buying scraps for structural components, look for heavier weights (5oz and up). Additionally, consider the edges. If you are working with thin scraps, you will likely need to spend more time on edge finishing to prevent fraying. If you are looking for a quick project, scraps that come from thicker, more robust cuts can often be left with a raw edge for a rustic aesthetic.
Recommendation Logic: How to Choose
To make the best decision, follow this logic: First, define your project's movement requirements (stiff vs. soft). Second, determine your tooling needs (stamping vs. sewing). If you want to tool, buy veg-tan. If you want to sew soft goods, buy chrome-tan. Finally, calculate your usable area. Always buy slightly more scrap than you think you need to account for the inevitable 'bad spots' like holes or uneven edges that are common in remnant batches.
Ready to choose?
Jump back to our ranked picks or compare the shortlist side by side.
Quick answers about The Leather Guy Leather Strips before you buy.
Thickness varies by specific selection, but most strips are cut from premium hides ranging from 2oz to 5oz, making them ideal for small goods rather than heavy saddlery.
Yes, because these are genuine leather scraps, the fibers are dense enough to accept edge paint, burnishing, or beeswax for a professional finish.
While sizes are irregular by nature, they are generally cut into long, narrow ribbons designed for straps, handles, or decorative accents.
Absolutely. These are perfect for testing dye colors, practicing stitching patterns, or creating small components like pull tabs and key fobs.
Since these are natural leather scraps, you may encounter slight variations in grain texture and color, which adds a unique, artisanal character to your work.
Most selections feature high-quality vegetable-tanned or top-grain leather, ensuring they respond well to tooling and conditioning.
No, high-quality leather does not fray like fabric. However, we recommend using a sharp rotary cutter or utility knife to ensure clean edges on thinner strips.
Yes, they are an excellent, cost-effective way for beginners to practice techniques without committing to expensive, full-sized hides.
Rankings & Insights
Our The Leather Guy Leather Strips Rankings
4Products Compared
7.0Avg PM Score
1Brands Ranked
Top 10 The Leather Guy Leather Strips Brands on Amazon
Share of top-ranked products by brand, from our rankings.
We compared The Leather Guy Leather Strips products using product details and customer ratings to
identify the best options in the craft supplies & materials..
From that comparison we shortlisted the top 4 The Leather Guy Leather Strips for
this page..
We aim to help you find the right scraps products for your needs and
save you time when choosing which The Leather Guy Leather Strips to buy.
Side by Side
Comparison Table
Compare the top 4 picks at a glance — select a column to sort.
