The Complete Guide to Leather Scraps: What They Are, Sizes, Uses, and How We Source Them

Leather scraps are an affordable material available for crafters, small makers, and DIY hobbyists. Whether you are creating earrings, coasters, patches, or small leather goods, scrap leather provides an inexpensive way to work with real, full-grain leather without purchasing a full hide. This guide explains what leather scraps are, common sizes and types, and suitable uses for them.

Leather scraps are off-cut pieces of genuine leather that come from trimming and pattern cutting during manufacturing. When manufacturers cut full hides into panels for upholstery or goods, leftover irregular pieces remain. These pieces become leather scraps. The material is often the exact same leather used in furniture and accessories. The pieces vary in shape, size, and color, but they still maintain the performance and durability of the full hide.

Most genuine leather scraps share several characteristics. They include full-grain or top-grain leather. The shapes are irregular because they come from cut-offs, which offers makers a variety of creative possibilities. Scrap bundles can include multiple colors, including natural earth tones, browns, blacks, tans, and seasonal shades. Thickness also varies depending on the original hide, typically ranging from about $0.8\text{mm}$ to $2.0\text{mm}$. These variations make scrap bundles versatile for crafting.

Leather scraps are valuable to makers for several reasons. First, they are affordable. Full hides can be expensive. Scrap bundles offer a low-cost entry point into working with real leather. Second, most crafting projects do not require an entire hide. Earrings, keychains, patches, bookmarks, and small goods rarely use more than a few square inches of material. Scraps allow makers to create goods without high material costs. Third, using scraps is environmentally responsible. Instead of disposing of off-cuts, we repurpose them into bundles that can be used for crafting, helping to reduce waste and maximize the use of each hide.

The types of leather found in scrap bundles can vary. Full-grain leather is a premium option. Because it retains the natural grain, full-grain scraps are durable. These pieces are suitable for wallets, small goods, and items that need long-term strength. Top-grain leather has been slightly buffed for a smooth surface. It has a clean, uniform appearance and is suitable for engraving, cutting, and sewing. Pull-up leather scraps have a distressed look that changes color when folded. Makers often use pull-up leather for rustic wallets, journals, and accessories. Chrome-tanned leather is soft, flexible, and available in many colors. These scraps work well for earrings, patches, and lightweight crafts.

Scrap bundles include a wide range of sizes. Small pieces between 2 and 6 inches are suitable for earrings, keychains, labels, and small patches. Medium pieces between 6 and 12 inches can be used for coasters, bookmarks, bracelet blanks, and medium-sized laser projects. Larger pieces between 12 and 18 inches are suitable for wallets, notebook covers, pouches, and larger engraving projects. Sometimes oversized off-cuts measuring 18 to 24 inches or more are included. These pieces can be used for tote bag panels, clutch components, tool rolls, or large patch sheets. This size variety allows makers to match the right piece to the right project.

Leather scraps can be used in many ways. Jewelry making is one of the popular uses. Leather earrings and bracelets are lightweight and easy to produce in small batches. Keychains and key fobs are another common craft, requiring only small pieces of leather and simple hardware. Leather patches are commonly used for hats, jackets, backpacks, and merchandise. Craftspeople use scraps to create heat-pressable patches, sew-on patches, and engraved patches. Coasters are made from medium-sized scraps because leather resists heat and moisture. Many makers also create wallets, card holders, coin pouches, and minimalist leather goods using larger scrap pieces. Laser cutting and engraving is a major use for leather scraps, as both full-grain and chrome-tan leather engrave. Scraps are also suitable for repairing leather furniture, bags, shoes, and car interiors.

The source of scrap bundles is important. We source all of our leather scraps directly from upholstery-grade leather programs. These are the same full-grain and top-grain hides used by furniture manufacturers. This helps ensure quality and eliminates low-grade or faux leather from the mix. All scraps are cut and packaged in North Carolina, allowing us to manage the selection, thickness, and color variety in each bundle. The leather comes from upholstery lines. We do not include unusable pieces, bonded leather, vinyl, or cardboard-backed scraps. Each bundle contains clean, usable material suited for crafting projects.

Choosing the right scrap bundle depends on the type of project you want to create. For earrings and lightweight crafts, choose chrome-tan or thinner top-grain leather between $0.8\text{mm}$ and $1.2\text{mm}$ thick. For coasters, patches, and keychains, full-grain or top-grain pieces between $1.0\text{mm}$ and $1.4\text{mm}$ thickness offer durability. For wallets and structured goods, thicker leather between $1.2\text{mm}$ and $1.6\text{mm}$ is suitable. For laser cutting and engraving, both chrome-tanned and full-grain pieces work well depending on the look you want to achieve.

Leather scraps belong in every maker’s workspace because they allow experimentation at minimal cost. They are perfect for practicing new techniques, testing patterns, and building small-batch products. The variety of colors, textures, and sizes inspires creativity. Whether you want to craft earrings, create laser-engraved gifts, produce small leather goods, or simply experiment with new ideas, scrap leather offers a cost-effective way to work with genuine leather.

Leather scraps are an essential material for anyone interested in crafting with real leather. With a bundle, you can create goods, reduce waste, and utilize the beauty and durability of genuine leather without the cost of a full hide.