Leather – classic, ever lasting, always in style
Leather
Humanity is using leather since the beginning of time. The leather was the only widely available resources for centuries to make clothes, bags, shoes.
You are probably don’t want any historical lecture – if interested, HERE you will find everything about leather – but to know what materials we are using here at PK Leatherwork.
We are using vegetable tanned and chrome tanned leathers too. It is impossible to say which type is better, there are many advantages and disadvantages, just try to look it up on the Internet.
Here are what we think are the most important features:
Chrome tanned leather
- Waterproof
- Wide range of colours and patterns available
- Does not smell
- Cheap – kind of
- Does not require special care
- Will not change colour and shape with age
- Usually soft and supple
Vegetable tanned leather
- Not waterproof but can be water resistant
- Available only in limited colours
- Has nice natural smell
- Will cost more
- Extensive leather care required
- Will change shape and colour with age
- Generally hard ans stiff
Sewing thread
The most common material for sewing thread is polyester. Yes, this is a type of plastic! Let’s be honest: this is relatively cheap, good looking, easy to use, very strong material. When You see videos where the artisan melting the thread with fire, that is polyester thread. Available in a lot of vibrant and classic colours.
The another common material for sewing thread is linen. This is 100% natural material. But will not last forever, prior using it need to be waxed and harder to fix and hide the endings. The colour variety is something limited too. Nevertheless, we prefer this type of thread, but not exclusively.
Glue
The use of glue is unavoidable in the making process. We try to use water based glue as many places as possible.
If stronger bond is necessary we use contact cement or other industrial glue which are more harmful booth to us and the nature.
Leather colouring
Dyeing the edges of the leather or colouring the leather is another process where a lot of chemicals have to be used. Mostly we use water based dyes and paints but just like the glue, these materials cannot use everywhere.
An example to protecting bag edges the edge paint has to be strong, This can be achieved with artificial ingredients only.
Leather finishes
Protecting the leather surface in daily basis is important. If the leather vegetable tanned then this is mandatory.
There are a lot of natural creams and liquids are available. They are mostly bee wax based products.
For extensive protection, artificial products should be used.
Conclusion
In the leather industry there is no way to avoid harmful or not environmental friendly material.
We try to minimize their use and use natural materials wherever possible.