Leather upcycling
Leather, a natural material thousands of years old
The origin of leather dates back to prehistoric times (70000 to 10000 BC), when humans used the skins of animals they had hunted to keep warm.
At that time, leather was used for its practicality and tanning was rudimentary, using smoke and tree bark.
Nowadays, half of leather production is used to make shoes and around a quarter for clothing.
Leather is a very controversial material and for a number of reasons. The first, because leather is a material of animal origin that animal defenders don't much like. Furthermore, leather needs to be tanned to prevent putrefaction. Without strict sanitary rules - as is the case in many tanning countries - tanning becomes an extremely toxic activity for humans but also for nature (discharge of waste water into rivers). And while there is today a tanning process known as "vegetable", which is natural and environmentally friendly, it is not, however, suitable for the manufacture of all products.
Controversy aside, when leather is prepared according to the rules of the art, then it becomes an exceptional material. At once natural and alive, strong and light, soft and durable. Properly cared for, a leather piece can last a lifetime and more. Not an insignificant point in our over-consuming society.
Although it is a difficult material to trace, try to find out its origins when buying a leather piece. This will allow you to buy with confidence and support a respectable industry, because it's a fact that leather fully deserves our attention.
The use of leather in the textile industry
Leather is a highly prized material in the textile industry. We love the traditional little leather jacket, which has become a basic, both for women and men.
But leather is used even more in the making of leather goods: handbags, backpacks, travel bags, clutches, wallets... Every accessory goes through it! The quality and strength of leather means that these accessories offer unrivalled durability.
Finally, leather is widely used in the footwear industry. Boots, sandals, Derbies, Richelieu, sneakers... Leather footwear is chic.
In fact, it is recognised worldwide the excellent craftsmanship of French, Italian and Spanish leatherworkers.
Inspirations for your leather upcycling projects
Now that you know all about leather, it's time to get down to business.
What to do with your old leather pieces? How do you recycle them?
In our article on upcycled It-bags, we suggest you make your very own leather bucket bag! A wonderful idea for a timeless bag. And if you don't have enough material for that, maybe you can make some pretty leather handles for your canvas tote bag!"
Small leather goods accessories are also exciting upcycling projects: purses, card holders, luggage tags... As is leather jewellery, a new trend whose creations are accessible to everyone.
Finally, don't forget to care for your leather. Sometimes, simple repairs followed by good maintenance are enough to keep pieces that you thought were good to throw away. To find out how to repair leather, read our article dedicated to torn leather.
Eager to get started on your leather upcycling project?
Contact us now on the form on this site or directly via the Tilli app!
We'll be delighted to support you.
No time to start sewing?
your homewho can advise and help you recycle and personalise your dressing roomcarries out transformations in its workshopet livre le vêtement après transformations chez vous
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