Animals Used to Make Leather (Complete Guide)
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What Animals Is Leather Made From?
Leather is made from the hides and skins of several different animals. The most common sources include cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and various exotic animals. Each type of hide has its own texture, strength, and flexibility, which is why different leathers are suited to different uses.
This guide explains the most common animal sources of leather and how they differ in leathercraft and manufacturing.
If you are also comparing leather thickness for your project, see our Leather Thickness Guide for a practical overview.
If you're new to leathercraft and deciding which material might suit your project, our guide on how to choose the right leather for your project explains the main factors to consider.
Cowhide Leather
Cowhide is the most commonly used leather in leathercraft. It offers a good balance of strength, durability, and versatility, which makes it suitable for many types of leather goods.
Characteristics
- Strong and durable fibre structure
- Available in many finishes and thicknesses
- Widely available and affordable
- Works well for both hand stitching and machine sewing
Common Uses
- Wallets
- Belts
- Handbags
- Boots and shoes
- Furniture upholstery
Cowhide is often a good starting point for beginners because it is easy to source and suitable for many different leathercraft projects.
Sheepskin Leather
Sheepskin leather is known for its softness and lightweight feel. It is commonly used for garments and accessories that require flexibility and comfort.
Characteristics
- Very soft and smooth surface
- Lightweight and flexible
- Comfortable for clothing and gloves
Common Uses
- Jackets and garments
- Gloves
- Shoes
- Small fashion accessories
Because it is softer than cowhide, sheepskin is less suited to heavily structured items such as belts or saddlery.
Goatskin Leather
Goatskin leather offers a useful balance between durability and flexibility. It has a distinctive grain pattern and natural moisture resistance.
Characteristics
- Strong but still flexible
- Natural pebbled grain
- Good resistance to wear
- Relatively lightweight
Common Uses
- Footwear
- Gloves
- Bags
- Belts
- Small leather goods
Many leatherworkers appreciate goatskin because it is durable while still easy to handle.
Pigskin Leather
Pigskin leather is often recognised by its distinctive dotted grain pattern. It is affordable, durable, and frequently used for linings and practical leather goods.
Characteristics
- Distinctive grain with visible pores
- Good durability for its price
- Resistant to moisture
- Often used as lining leather
Common Uses
- Shoe linings
- Gloves
- Bags
- Budget-friendly leather goods
Pigskin is also commonly used in craft leather packs and scrap bundles.
If you're looking for ideas on how to use smaller offcuts from different leather types, our guide to leather scrap projects shows several simple items you can make at home.
Exotic Leathers
Exotic leathers such as crocodile, snake, ostrich, or stingray are often chosen for their distinctive patterns and luxury appearance.
Characteristics
- Unique textures and grain patterns
- High visual impact
- Typically more expensive
Common Uses
- Luxury handbags
- Wallets
- Watch straps
- Designer accessories
Working with exotic leathers often requires specialised tools and experience.
Different animal hides are also processed using different tanning methods. If you're curious how vegetable tanning and chrome tanning differ, see our guide to types of leather tanning explained.
How to Choose the Right Leather
Choosing the right leather depends on your project's needs.
- For durability: Cowhide or buffalo leather.
- For softness: Sheepskin or goatskin.
- For flexibility: Goatskin works well.
- For affordability: Pigskin or leather scraps.
- For luxury items: Exotic leathers.
If you are just starting out, smaller pieces are often easier to practise with before moving to larger hides.
Looking for leather pieces for your next project?
Mixed leather scrap packs include a variety of textures, colours, and leather types. They are ideal for testing tools, practising techniques, and creating small leathercraft projects.
Practising with Different Leather Types
One of the best ways to learn how different leathers behave is by working with smaller pieces. Scraps allow you to test cutting, stitching, burnishing, and finishing techniques before committing to larger hides.
If you are looking for project ideas, see our 6 DIY Leather Craft Projects for Beginners for simple leathercraft projects you can try at home.
Final Thoughts
Understanding different leather types helps you choose materials that suit your project and improve your results. Each type of leather has its own strengths, textures, and working characteristics.
As you gain experience, you will develop a better sense of which leathers work best for specific projects and techniques.