That cheap leather I bought off eBay ruined my first real project

I got a good deal on a side of leather for like 40 bucks back in July, thought I was being smart. Turned out it had all these weak spots that I didn't notice until I started cutting my covers. Then the dye started rubbing off on my hands after I'd already glued the boards together. Wasted about 15 hours of work on a custom journal for my niece, plus the materials. The leather split right along the spine hinge after I'd done all the sewing and casing in. Should have just spent the extra 30 bucks at Tandy and got something I could trust. Has anyone else gotten burned by buying materials online without seeing them in person first?

3 comments

3 Comments

susan_adams1mo agoTop Commenter

80 bucks at Tandy for their economy side would've saved you this whole headache, honestly. I've had similar luck with cheap mystery leather from online auctions, especially the stuff listed as "craft grade" that turns out to be belly splits with bad flesh side. For me, it's worth the drive to handle the hide in person so I can flex it and check for weak spots before buying.

shane_park921mo ago

Handling it in person" saved me too. Touch test beats website photos every time.

bennett.harper1mo ago

Does feeling for weak spots get easier the more hides you handle or is it still a gamble sometimes?