REED Leather HIDES Cow Skins 40 Sq Ft Gray - Durable Craft Leather

In this review the REED Leather HIDES Cow Skins (40 square foot, gray) is evaluated as a versatile crafting leather for hobbyists and small makers; the single biggest reason to buy is its consistent, soft yet durable chrome-finished cowhide that handles cutting, stitching, and edging without excessive stretching or cracking. The reviewer found the hide to be suitable for purses, cases, book covers, and repair work, and the included video guidance made initial setup and inspection straightforward for less experienced crafters.

Key Features

• 100% Genuine Cow Leather: The hide is made from authentic cow leather, offering a natural grain and long-lasting wear suitable for finished goods and repairs.
• Thick and Durable: At approximately 0.8 - 1.2 mm (about 2.5 oz), the leather provides enough substance for structure without being bulky, making it good for bags and accessories.
• Chrome Finished: The chrome finish delivers a stable, consistent color and a soft hand that is easy to dye, stitch, and finish for small runs or single projects.
• Multi-Use: This hide works well across crafts including bookbinding, fringes, straps, and upholstery patches because of its balance of suppleness and strength.
• Consistent Thickness and Color: Customers report even thickness and reliable color across the hide, which simplifies pattern layout and reduces waste.

Who It's For

This hide is aimed at leatherworkers, crafters, and makers who need a reliable, versatile material for accessories, small bags, and repair jobs; its midweight thickness makes it particularly well suited to projects that require both flexibility and structure. The included videos that show unpacking and comparison help buyers judge suitability before cutting into the hide.

Those who should look elsewhere include artisans who need very thick tooling leather or veg-tanned hides for carving, or customers requiring perfectly uniform pre-cut panels for mass production; this product is a full hide and may require trimming and careful layout for some precision applications.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Soft, glove-like texture that is pleasant to handle and stitches cleanly for hand or machine sewing.
• Durable 0.8 - 1.2 mm thickness that balances flexibility with structural integrity for accessories and cases.
• Consistent color and finish across the hide, reducing surprises when cutting multiple pieces.

Cons

• Size reports are mixed, so the delivered usable area can vary slightly from expectation and may require planning to avoid surprises.

Specifications

Brand	REED
Material	100% genuine cow leather (chrome finished)
Thickness	Approximately 0.8 - 1.2 mm (about 2.5 oz)
Area	Approximately 40 square foot hide
Color	Gray (available in multiple colors)
Typical Uses	Crafts, purses, cases, book covers, repairs, fringes

Our Verdict

The REED Cow Skins 40 sq ft gray hide is a practical choice for hobbyists and small-scale makers who want a soft, durable, chrome-finished cowhide that stitches and finishes well; it represents good value for crafting projects that need consistent color and midweight leather. Buy it if you need a versatile hide for accessories and repairs, but consider alternative veg-tanned or heavier hides if tooling or deep carving is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this leather suitable for making bags?
Yes, the 0.8 - 1.2 mm thickness gives enough body for small to medium bags and cases while remaining flexible for seams and folds.

Will the color and thickness vary across the hide?
Customers report generally consistent color and thickness, though usable area can vary, so plan pattern layout carefully.

Can this leather be sewn by machine?
Yes, the hide sews well by hand and machine when using appropriate needles and thread for midweight leather.