Understanding the thickness of the leather you are working with is essential. It determines its weight, and thus, it is one of the most important factors in leatherwork.
Therefore, a breakdown of measuring the leather thickness accurately will allow you to choose the right type for the product you are buying or help you choose the right material for your craft.
What Is Leather Thickness?
Weight and thickness go hand in hand when discussing leather. Generally speaking, leather weight describes the bulkiness of it.
That is because the weight of leather is determined by its thickness rather than its actual weight. Globally, there are three main units of measurement for it:
Irons:
This is a more traditional method of measuring that shoemakers mostly employ. Though it’s not as widespread in leatherworking these days, some people can still measure it and find it accurate.
It is thought that genuine iron pieces of the same thickness were utilized in the development of this measuring standard.
Additionally, this was done to make sure that the thickness is matched everywhere in the world and that everyone could trust it to be accurate. Moreover, if someone owned the irons personally, they could also verify the heaviness as indicated.
Thickness (Millimeter):
The most common unit used globally to measure the thickness is the millimeter. Since no conversions are required, it is simple to use; the measurement will stay the same everywhere.
Besides, being the most widely used standard, it is well-known and doesn’t require elaboration.
Weight (Ounces):
The millimeter is the most often used unit of measurement worldwide. It is easy to use; for instance, 0.2 mm thick will simply measure 0.2 mm as no conversions are needed.
Besides, it doesn’t need to be elaborated because it is the most extensively used standard and is well recognized.
Leather Thickness Chart and Guide
A leather thickness chart is a helpful tool for quickly determining the thickness of a piece in both ounces and millimeters. Below is a simple guide to help you understand the correlation between ounces and inches.
Ounces | Inches | Millimeters |
---|---|---|
1 oz | 1/64 in | 0.4 mm |
2 oz | 1/32 in | 0.8 mm |
You’ll notice thicker types—like the kind used for belts and handles—usually falls in the 8-ounce range or higher.
How to Choose the Right Leather Thickness
The right size depends on your project. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Weight (oz) | Common Uses |
---|---|
1–2 | Camera straps, watch bands, bookmarks, thin wallets, linings |
3–4 | Wallets, pouches, molding and embossing |
4–5 | Notebook/Journal covers, boots, keychains, pen cases |
6–7 | Pocket armors, heavy boots, heavier notebook covers |
8–9 | Tote bags, saddle bags, belts, guitar straps |
Leather Weight Chart
In leatherworking, the term weight often refers to the thickness rather than the actual weight. Therefore, a leather weight chart allows you to calculate the weight by converting its thickness. For instance, a 6-ounce piece is roughly 3/32 inches thick and is ideal for items that require sturdiness but some flexibility.
How Many Ounces Is a Handle?
One question crafters often ask is, “How many ounces is a handle?” Handles for bags or tools typically require thicker type to withstand pulling and lifting. Additionally, most handles are made with leather that’s at least 6 to 10 ounces in width (3/32 to 5/32 inches). Moreover, this ensures durability while providing the right balance of flexibility and strength.
Conclusion
Leather has a different measuring method and understanding it is essential for any leatherworking. The weight and heaviness you choose will determine the stiffness and flexibility of the product you are using it for.
In addition to that, using a leather thickness chart, you can understand the material you are working on and determine the leather frequency to craft long-lasting quality goods.
Lastly, now that you know the fundamentals, you can select the ideal material for your upcoming project!