Bag Leather
Whether you're crafting your first handbag or running a home bag business, choosing the right bag leather makes all the difference in creating beautiful, durable pieces. At Leffler, we've supplied premium leather for bags to Australian crafters for over 90 years, and we understand how quality materials can make all the difference.
Our range of handbag making leather includes everything from buttery-soft chrome tanned hides perfect for slouchy totes to firm vegetable tanned leather ideal for structured bags. With over 9,500 product lines in stock, we're confident you'll find exactly what you need for your next project.
Bag Leather Supplies for Melbourne and Beyond
Full Grain Bag Leather
Known for its durability and strength, full grain leather offers the highest quality and most desired leather, made from the outermost layer of hides which has not been sanded down or buffed, leaving its natural markings intact. Since full-grain leather undergoes no sanding, this gives it a unique look that is hard to replicate using any other material or method of manufacturing.
Full-grain leathers can withstand a lot of wear and tear with zero to minimal signs of damage like cracks or scratches. If used in bag making, this type of leather will produce bags that are very durable and long-lasting. Plus leather ages gracefully over time–the longer you own your bag leather, the better it looks!
Leffler’s collection of full grain leathers made from cow hides includes the LUGALAB line which is a full grain, chrome-tanned leather side that can be used to make small goods such as handbags or wallets. Our EUROLEDER selection includes some limited editions of full grain featuring Pure Aniline Finishes and pigmented finishes that are sourced from the best tanneries in the world.
Corrected Grain Bag Leather
Corrected grain refers to hides that have been sanded down until they're smooth enough for use in bags or other products (such as shoes). This process removes some of the natural characteristics from these so they're less likely to stretch out or become damaged by wear.
Leffler’s collection of corrected grain leathers includes the popular EUROLEDER line that is tanned in various European premium tanneries. Available in different thicknesses and finishes, these beautiful cow hides have a soft textured feel that's ideal for bags, shoes and other accessories.
Cabretta Sheep Bag Leather
Cabretta leather or sheepskin hide is one of the most popular leathers used in bag making. Sheep skins are tanned in a way that makes them soft and supple. They have a smooth, tight grain that makes them perfect for handbags and shoes. Heavier than standard garment leathers, sheep skins are also ideal for structured garments, gloves, and general craft use.
We offer a wide range of colours from black, brown, silver, and white to red accents that can be used to create custom designs with ease.
Exotic Crocodile Bag Leather
Exotic crocodile skin is one of the most sought-after leathers in the world. This is because every crocodile’s skin has its own unique pattern of scales, making each bag a one-of-a-kind creation. Our collection includes undyed and coloured varieties like black and brown.
Horse Cordovan Bag Leather
This luxurious leather has a high density, resists water and stretches less than most other types of leather. Rather than creasing like many other leathers can do over time, cordovan produces more pronounced ripples that are useful to craftsmen in making shoes or wallets.
This shell cordovan comes from equine hide and is actually the membrane underneath the skin. Because it’s taken from around a horse's rump area, this leather tends to be very supple, which is an attractive quality for bag and shoe manufacturers.
Quality Upholstery Leather for Bag Interiors
Don't overlook the importance of quality linings! Our upholstery leather selection includes thinner, supple options perfect for bag interiors. These materials add a luxurious touch to your creations while providing durability where it matters most.
Why Leffler is the Best Source for Bag Leather Across Australia
With over 90 years of industry experience in the leather industry, Leffler stands as a trusted name for bag leather supplies in Melbourne and across Australia. Here's what sets us apart:
- Heritage and Knowledge: Still family-owned after 91 years, we combine traditional knowledge with modern convenience.
- Huge Physical Showroom: Visit our West Melbourne location to feel and compare different leather types before purchasing.
- Fast and Reliable Shipping: Get your bag leather delivered quickly anywhere in Australia.
- Members Discount Club: Join for 33% off all purchases, both online and in-store.
- "No Quibble" Returns Policy: Shop with confidence knowing we stand behind our products.
As a 100% Authentic Aussie Owned Business and proud Member of APCO, we're committed to supporting local crafters and businesses.
Start Crafting with Bag Leather from Leffler
From premium global brands to locally sourced Australian hides, our complete leather care range helps your creations maintain their beauty for years to come. When you buy leather online in Australia from Leffler, you're not just purchasing materials, you're gaining access to nearly a century of leather knowledge.
Ready to start your next bag making project? Check out our extensive collection of bag leather today and find out why Australian crafters have trusted Leffler Leather for generations.
Bag Leather FAQs
- What is the best type of leather to use for making bags?
Full grain leather represents the pinnacle of quality in bag making. This premium material retains the hide's natural grain pattern, offering fantastic durability and the ability to develop a beautiful patina over time. Our full grain leather hides for sale in Australia come in various thicknesses, from 1.2mm for lightweight clutches to strong 3mm options for heavy-duty backpack leather construction. - What thickness (weight) of leather should I use for a tote bag versus a clutch?
Tote bags typically require 2-3mm leather to maintain structure while carrying weight, while clutches can use thinner 1.2-1.8mm leather for a more refined appearance. Our leather thickness for bags ranges from delicate 0.8mm splits to substantial 4mm sides. - What is the difference between vegetable-tanned and chrome-tanned leather for bag making?
Vegetable tanned leather, processed using natural tannins, offers excellent structural integrity and works perfectly for tooling and carving. It's ideal for creating designer bag leather with embossed patterns. Chrome tanned leather, on the other hand, provides superior softness and flexibility, making it the go-to for soft leather for bags in hobo styles and crossbody designs. - Can I buy smaller panels of leather, or do I need to purchase a full hide?
At Leffler, we understand that not every project requires a full hide. That's why we offer leather remnants for sale alongside our full hides, making premium materials accessible for crafters at every level. - What kind of leather is best for a soft, slouchy bag?
We recommend chrome tanned leather in the 1.5-2mm range, preferably with a slightly oiled finish for that perfect drape. Whether you're working on leather for clutches or searching for durable leather for bags that will last decades, our staff can guide you to the perfect material. - Is kangaroo leather a good choice for making durable but lightweight bags?
For anyone looking for something uniquely Australian, kangaroo leather for bags offers an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. It's an excellent choice for making durable but lightweight bags that won't weigh down your customers.
