REED Leather Hides Cow Skin 20 sq ft Dark Brown - Durable Craft

In this review of the REED Leather HIDES - Cow Skin (20 Square Foot, Dark Brown) the bottom line is simple: crafters and small leatherworkers who need a reliable, soft yet sturdy hide for projects will find real value here. The hide is 100% genuine cow leather with a pleasing dark brown color and a supple, buttery feel that makes it easy to work by hand or with basic tools. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of consistent softness and a useful thickness that balances durability with pliability for accessories and repairs.

Key Features

• 100% Genuine Cow Leather: Offers an authentic grain and natural character that improves the look of finished goods over synthetic alternatives.
• Thick and Soft: At around 0.8-1.0 mm (2.5 oz) the hide provides enough strength for everyday use while remaining flexible for stitching and shaping.
• Multi-Use Hides: Sized and finished for arts, crafts, leatherworking, accessories, and small repairs, making it a practical choice for hobbyists and makers.
• Flexible and Versatile: The leather drapes and bends well so it adapts to patterns for wallets, pouches, holsters, and decorative accents without excessive stiffness.
• Trusted Brand: From a long-established leather supplier, giving confidence in consistent quality and material sourcing.

Who It's For

This hide is aimed at hobby leatherworkers, craft artists, and small-scale makers who need a dependable piece for projects like straps, small bags, holsters, and patch repairs. The 20 sq ft size gives enough area for multiple small items or several practice pieces, so it suits people who do frequent craft work.

It may be less suitable for heavy industrial uses or large upholstery jobs that require much thicker splits or specially tanned leathers; professionals needing uniform commercial runs or very thick harness leather should look for heavier-weight options.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Genuine cow leather with an attractive dark brown color that photographs true to life.
• Soft, pliable texture makes cutting, stitching, and forming easier for hand tools.
• Good balance of strength and flexibility at roughly 0.8-1.0 mm thickness for craft projects.
• Useful 20 sq ft size for multiple small projects or a series of accessories.

Cons

• Thickness received mixed feedback from users, so exact feel may vary slightly between hides.
• Not intended for heavy-duty harness or structural applications that need thicker leather.

Specifications

Material	100% genuine cow leather
Color	Dark brown
Area	Approximately 20 sq ft
Thickness	Approx. 0.8 - 1.0 mm (2.5 oz)
Use	Arts, crafts, leatherworking, accessories, small repairs
Brand	REED (trusted since 1950)

Our Verdict

REEDs 20 sq ft cow hide delivers solid value for makers who want a soft, workable dark brown leather that still holds up in finished pieces. Its midweight thickness and authentic feel make it a sensible buy for hobbyists and small-batch creators who need consistent, attractive hides without paying for heavy-duty harness leather.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this hide suitable for making wallets?
Yes, the 0.8-1.0 mm thickness and soft texture make it well suited for wallets, card sleeves, and small accessories when paired with appropriate lining and stitching techniques.

Can it be dyed or finished further?
The leather accepts dyes and topical finishes well thanks to its genuine cow hide surface, but test a small scrap first to confirm results.

Will it work for holsters or belts?
It works for lighter holsters and trim; for heavy-duty belts or rugged holsters a thicker weight would be recommended.