REED Leather HIDES Cow Skins for Upholstery Crafts - 100 Sq Ft Gray

In this review of the REED Leather HIDES cow skins, the bottom line is simple: this is a practical, good-value hide for makers who need flexible, durable leather for upholstery and craftwork. The reviewer found the material to be soft but substantial, with consistent color and a comfortable glove-like hand that makes cutting, stitching, and finishing straightforward. This review focuses on how the hides perform for common projects such as purses, book covers, small upholstery repairs, and accessories, and explains why the 100 square foot offers enough usable area for multiple pieces.

Key Features

• 100% Genuine Cow Leather: The hide is real chrome-finished cowhide that holds up to wear and accepts stitching, adhesives, and edge finishing reliably.
• Thick and Heavy Construction: At approximately 0.8 - 1.2 mm (about 2.5 oz), the leather balances suppleness with enough structure for bags and light upholstery repairs.
• Multi-Use Leather: The hide works for a wide range of projects from bookbinding and fringes to cases and small furniture patches, making it versatile for makers.
• Consistent Color and Texture: The gray dye is even across the hide, which reduces sorting time and simplifies layout when cutting multiple parts.
• From REED Leather: The product comes from a brand known for consistent leather quality, which is useful when buying multiple hides for matching projects.

Who It's For

The REED leather hide is aimed at hobbyists, independent leatherworkers, and small studios that need a reliable, genuine cowhide for accessories, repairs, and craft projects. Its 0.8-1.2 mm thickness is particularly well suited to purses, cases, book covers, and light upholstery where a soft yet durable feel is preferred.

This hide is less appropriate for heavy-duty upholstery on high-wear seating or for projects that require very thick harness leather; those users should look for heavier weights or vegetable-tanned hide options. It is also best for those comfortable working with pre-dyed, chrome-finished leather rather than unfinished, vegetable leather.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Soft, glove-like texture that makes hand sewing and tooling more pleasant and predictable.
• Durable 0.8 - 1.2 mm thickness that provides structure without stiffness for many craft uses.
• Even color and consistent thickness across the pieces reduce waste and make layout easier.

Cons

• Size impressions are mixed among customers, so careful measurement is advised if exact coverage is required.

Specifications

Material	Genuine cow leather, chrome finished
Area	100 square foot
Thickness	Approximately 0.8 - 1.2 mm (about 2.5 oz)
Primary Use	Arts, crafts, accessories, light upholstery
Finish	Chrome finish, available in gray and other colors
Brand	REED

Our Verdict

The REED Leather HIDES cow skin is a sensible, value-oriented choice for crafters and small shops who need dependable, soft yet durable cowhide for purses, cases, book covers, and light upholstery repairs. Its consistent color and manageable thickness make it good value for multi-piece projects, though those needing heavier harness or unfinished vegetable leather should choose a different grade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this leather good for sewing and bag construction?
Yes, the 0.8 - 1.2 mm thickness and soft hand make it easy to stitch by hand or machine for bags and small accessories.

Will the color and thickness be consistent?
Customers report generally consistent color and thickness across the hides, though size measurements can vary so inspect pieces when received.

Can this hide be used for upholstery?
It is suitable for light upholstery repairs and accent pieces, but not recommended for heavy-wear seating that requires thicker, more robust leather.