REED Leather HIDES Cow Skins for Upholstery Crafts - Red 20 Sq Ft

In this review the REED Leather HIDES in red is assessed for crafters and small-scale leatherworkers who need a reliable, genuine cow leather hide. The bottom line: this is a soft, durable 20 square foot hide that works well for accessories, small repairs, and upholstery accents where a pliable but robust leather is required. The review focuses on material quality, thickness consistency, and craft suitability to help makers decide if this hide fits their project needs.

Key Features

• 100% Genuine Cow Leather: The hide is made from premium cow leather that delivers a natural look and a soft, buttery feel suitable for visible craft projects.
• Thick and Soft Construction: At about 0.8-1.0 mm thick (2.5 oz), the leather balances flexibility and strength so it can be stitched, shaped, and formed without tearing easily.
• Multi-Use Hides: The 20 sq ft piece provides ample material for small upholstery panels, bags, holsters, or multiple accessory projects, reducing seams and joins.
• Flexible and Versatile: The hide's pliability and consistent finish make it appropriate for dyes, edge work, and light tooling for decorative craft use.
• Trusted Brand Heritage: From a brand known since 1950, the product carries an expectation of consistent quality materials for hobbyists and pros alike.

Who It's For

The REED leather hide is aimed at hobby leatherworkers, upholsterers doing small accent repairs, and crafters making wallets, straps, small bags, or decorative panels who want genuine cow leather with a soft hand. Its 20 sq ft size suits projects that need continuity of color and texture across multiple pieces.

It is less suitable for heavy-duty structural upholstery where thicker split leather or heavier gauge hides are required, or for large furniture projects that need yardage in heavier weights. Buyers needing precise industrial-spec thickness beyond the stated 0.8-1.0 mm range should look for dedicated upholstery hides in heavier weights.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good overall leather quality with a rich color and smooth, soft texture that looks like pictured samples.
• Suitable thickness for craft work, offering a balance of durability and pliability for stitching and shaping.
• Large 20 sq ft size reduces seams for multi-piece projects and provides material for several small accessories.
• From a long-established brand, which suggests consistent sourcing and manufacturing practices.

Cons

• Thickness is in a moderate range and received mixed comments from customers, so it may not meet very specific thickness expectations for all applications.
• Not intended for heavy structural upholstery or applications that require thicker, more rigid leather.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The REED Leather HIDES red cow hide is a solid choice for crafters and small upholstery projects who want a soft, attractive genuine leather that is easy to work with. It offers good value for a 20 sq ft piece and performs well for accessories, repairs, and decorative panels; buyers who require heavier, structural leather should consider thicker hides instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this suitable for making wallets and small bags?
Yes. The 0.8-1.0 mm thickness and soft hand make it well suited to wallets, small bags, and stitched accessories.

Can it be used for upholstery on chairs?
It can be used for small accent upholstery or panels, but it is not ideal for heavy structural upholstery that needs thicker leather.

Will the color match photos?
Customers report the red looks rich and true to pictures, though dye and finish variations can occur between batches.