FINISHED LEATHER 1.6-1.8MM

Finished leathers are a light weight but strong leather that is colour dyed. This product is sold by the hide, priced per square foot.

• Country of Origin: India
• Hide Size: varies from 17-22 square feet
• Thickness: 1.6-1.8mm
• Leather Finish: Dyed through with pigmented top surface

Important Information

Minimum order quantity is 20sqft, which equals one hide. The final price on your invoice will reflect the actual size of the hide dispatched. Leather is a natural product and may feature small scars, scuffs, or tic marks. To convert square feet to square metres, divide by 10.764.

When craftsmanship meets quality, it begins with the right leather. Our Finished Leather 1.6–1.8mm is a premium-grade hide designed to bring precision, strength, and style to your work. Whether you’re crafting handbags, wallets, upholstery, or accessories, this leather offers the perfect balance of softness, flexibility, and durability — making it a favourite among artisans and leatherworkers across New Zealand.

Made from high-quality cowhide, each piece is tanned, dyed, and finished with meticulous care. The result is a smooth, consistent grain and a polished surface ready to use straight out of the box. No need for extra finishing, buffing, or colouring — this leather saves you time and gives your project a clean, professional look right from the start.

Description

The Finished Leather 1.6–1.8mm is a mid-weight hide suitable for a wide range of projects. At this thickness, it’s supple enough to fold and stitch easily, yet strong enough to maintain structure and durability. The finished surface provides an elegant sheen and a protective coating that resists scuffs, stains, and moisture.

Each hide is drum-dyed for rich colour saturation, ensuring uniform tones and minimal fading. The grain remains visible, preserving the natural character of the hide while enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

With minimal stretch, excellent hand feel, and consistent thickness, this leather is ideal for professional applications that demand reliability and style. Whether you’re upholstering furniture, crafting leather garments, or designing high-end accessories, this is your go-to material for premium results.

Key Points

• Material: 100% genuine cowhide leather
  
• Thickness: 1.6–1.8mm (medium-weight)
  
• Finish: Smooth, semi-gloss protective coating
  
• Texture: Soft hand feel with fine natural grain
  
• Tanning: Combination-tanned for strength and flexibility
  
• Colour Options: Available in various shades (depending on stock)
  
• Use: Upholstery, handbags, garments, small leather goods, accessories
  
• Origin: Responsibly sourced and processed to NZ quality standards
  
• Sold By: Square foot, side, or full hide (depending on order preference)
  

Benefits

1. Ready-to-Use Finished Surface

No need for extra preparation — this leather arrives fully finished and ready for crafting. The smooth coating saves time while protecting the surface from moisture and daily wear, giving you a sleek, professional result instantly.

2. Perfect Thickness for Versatile Use

At 1.6–1.8mm, this leather is an all-rounder. It’s thin enough to fold and stitch easily, yet thick enough to hold structure. Whether you’re working on handbags, wallets, or upholstery, it delivers strength without bulk.

3. Soft Yet Durable

This leather’s texture is buttery soft to the touch but engineered for durability. It resists stretching and tearing, making it suitable for long-lasting products that stand up to everyday use.

4. Consistent Colour and Finish

Each hide is drum-dyed to achieve deep, even colour penetration. The result is a uniform tone across your projects, with minimal variations and a refined, consistent finish.

5. Resistant to Scratches and Moisture

The protective coating shields the surface from scuffs, stains, and light water exposure. It’s ideal for items that need to look new even after years of use — such as furniture upholstery or daily accessories.

6. Eco-Conscious Tanning Process

Our suppliers use environmentally responsible tanning methods to reduce chemical waste and emissions. You get the strength of a chrome-tanned base with the natural beauty of a vegetable-tanned finish — a balance of performance and sustainability.

7. Easy to Work With

Because it’s already finished, this leather cuts cleanly and requires less edge sealing or polishing. It’s an excellent choice for both professionals and beginners looking for an easy-to-handle, high-quality leather.

Applications

This Finished Leather 1.6–1.8mm suits a broad range of uses, including:

• Leather handbags and totes – sturdy yet elegant structure
  
• Wallets and purses – refined, durable finish
  
• Shoes and moccasins – comfortable fit and flexibility
  
• Upholstery and furniture repair – long-lasting surface and feel
  
• Jackets and garments – soft texture for premium comfort
  
• Craft projects – ideal for hobbyists and small-scale makers
  

Its medium thickness makes it one of the most versatile leather types for both fashion and functional projects.

Why Choose This Leather

Choosing the right leather can make or break a project — and here’s why this one stands out:

✅ Versatile thickness suitable for multiple uses
✅ Smooth, finished surface eliminates extra prep work
✅ Durable and flexible, perfect for wearables and upholstery
✅ Consistent colour and texture for a professional finish
✅ Soft touch, enhancing comfort and quality feel
✅ Eco-conscious production, safe for artisans and users alike

Whether you’re a leather artisan in Auckland or an upholstery professional in Christchurch, this leather is built to perform in New Zealand’s varied climate and work environments.

Craftsmanship and Quality

Each hide undergoes a multi-stage process to ensure premium quality. It starts with carefully selected raw cowhides, which are tanned for flexibility and strength, then dyed using rich, long-lasting pigments.

The surface is lightly buffed to remove imperfections before a protective topcoat is applied — giving the leather its signature soft sheen and resistance to moisture.

The end result? A durable, elegant leather with a luxurious finish, ready to bring your creative vision to life.

Customer Feedback

“Beautiful leather — consistent colour and so easy to cut. We use it for handbags and small upholstery jobs. Highly recommend for anyone needing premium, finished leather.”
— Sophie, Wellington

“The finish is perfect for quick-turnaround projects. No need for extra buffing or conditioning before use. Worth every cent.”
— Mark, Christchurch

Care Instructions

Finished leather requires minimal maintenance. To keep it in top condition:

• Wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth when needed.
  
• Avoid soaking or prolonged moisture exposure.
  
• Store flat or rolled in a cool, dry area away from sunlight.
  
• Apply a light leather conditioner occasionally to maintain softness.
  

With proper care, your projects made from this leather will stay beautiful for years.

Sustainability and Responsibility

We work only with trusted tanneries that prioritise sustainability. Every hide is sourced as a by-product of the meat industry, ensuring no animal is harmed solely for leather production.

Eco-friendly tanning processes minimise waste, water usage, and harmful chemicals — supporting a cleaner future for the leather industry.

Perfect For

• Upholstery professionals
  
• Fashion designers and boutique brands
  
• Leather crafters and hobbyists
  
• Footwear manufacturers
  
• Custom bag and wallet makers
  
• Interior designers and restorers
  

Whether you’re producing large batches or one-off pieces, Finished Leather 1.6–1.8mm offers dependability and elegance that enhance your craftsmanship.

Conclusion

The Finished Leather 1.6–1.8mm is a masterclass in quality, versatility, and beauty. Crafted for artisans who demand the best, it delivers a flawless finish, soft texture, and reliable durability that elevate every project.

Perfect for handbags, upholstery, garments, and accessories, this leather provides both form and function — ready to use straight away, with minimal prep and maximum impact.

Designed with New Zealand makers in mind, it offers the kind of quality you can feel in every cut, stitch, and fold. If you want leather that combines luxury, practicality, and long-term value, this is your ultimate choice.