Leather Packs 
Purchasing leather can be the most difficult part of making soft-sole leather shoes. All leather stores sell leather by the hide (or half hide); and most cow hides run at least 30 square feet. When you first start searching for leather online you will be surprised that it is marked only $3-$7. What a lot of sites don't make clear is that the price is per square foot and they don't sell it that way. There are a few places that sell scap leather, but you will usually end up with the wrong weight of leather or not enough to make shoes out of. It can be very frustrating.
When I first started making shoes I quickly looked for alternative means of acquiring leather and was fortunate enough to find leather in ample supply at my local thrift stores. I was able to purchase leather skirts, jackets, and pants which I cut up and reused to make shoes from. However, not everyone is so lucky. This has resulted in a continuous plea from my customers to supply small pieces of leather suitable for making shoes from.
I have prepared packages of leather for sale. They are available in suede or shiny leather for a girl or boy (or neutral). You are more than welcome to place notes in the note section of your transaction asking for certain colors. If I have that color available I will send it but I make no guarantee. It would be most helpful to list several colors you may be interested in and what appliqués you would like to make so I can supply appropriate scrap leather.
With each packet you will receive:
- A piece(s) of leather marked "sole" that is upholstery weight.
- A piece(s) of suede-like FABRIC in a neutral color for lining.
- A piece(s) marked "top" that is the outside of the shoe. There will be enough of this for the two tops and the two heels; probably for the casing as well if you choose to use it that way.
- Several pieces of coordinating scrap. At least one of which will be big enough to do casings in if you prefer.
The following photos are of two sample packets to give you some idea of what your leather pack might look like. Labels will be placed on back of leather.
As of right now the leather packs will be large enough to make only children's shoes, sandals, or Mary Janes. I am considering the packs to be exercise packs as you will get to work with the right weight of leather and receive different types and thickness. This way you can try out the pattern and your skills without investing too much time or money in the process. The packs will be available in two sizes:
Small -- child shoes size 6 and under will fit on this leather size. This size has roughly 2-1/2 square feet of leather in the package and will cost $10 and $2.50 for S/H.
Large -- child shoes 7-12 will fit on this leather size. This size has roughly 3-1/2 square feet of leather in the package and will cost $12 and $3 for S/H.
Leather Sewing Needles
Many of my customers live in areas without access to stores that sell leather needles. So I have made the following options available:
I can send you two size 14 leather needles (Schmetz) for $2.50; no shipping when purchased with other items. These are loose and do not come in a package.
I have packages of Singer assorted (14 and 16) leather needles (3 in a package) that I can send you for $4; no shipping when purchased with other items.
What Thread to Use?
Be sure to check out our thread page to find out which threads work best when sewing on leather.
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