The Ultimate Guide to Leather Lace: Choosing the Right Type for Your Next Project

Whether you’re a seasoned leathercrafter or just getting started, leather lace is one of the most versatile materials you can keep on hand. From jewelry and accessories to home décor and outdoor gear, lace can add durability, style, and that handmade touch that sets your work apart.

But with so many types of leather lace out there, which one is right for your project? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular leather laces and how they can elevate your craftsmanship.


Calf Lace

A customer favorite, calfskin lace is a go-to for general-purpose crafting. It features a tight grain and a smooth glazed finish for a clean, professional look. It is precision cut and formed to maintain a slightly domed appearance - the desired shape for quality workability. Calf is great for assembling projects like Wallets, Key Fobs, Journals, Knife Sheaths.  It is both economical and available in multiple widths and natural tones.

Colors Available from  Realeather: Black, Brown, Tan, Dark Brown and Saddle Tan.

Widths available from Realeather: 1/8” wide, 3/32” wide and 5/32" wide


 

 

Deerskin Lace

Nothing feels better and is more reliable than deerskin, which is why this soft textured lace is preferred by jewelry and leather product makers around the world. Cut from North American whitetail deer hides, this 2 to 3 oz. leather lace is lightweight yet strong; flexible, yet offers enough stretch for workability.

Our deerskin lace can be tapered to a very fine point for beading, it braids easily and is commonly used for finely finished garments, smaller projects, jewelry, and home decor items. Available in various colors and lengths, the lace comes in either 1/8" or 3/16" widths.

Colors Available from  Realeather: Chocolate, Buckskin, Saddle Tan, Gold, Red, Turquoise, White, Black

Widths available from Realeather: 1/8” wide and 3/16” wide


 

Supreme Leather Lace

This top-tier lace is cut from vegetable-tanned leather, offering strength with minimal stretch. It's perfect for braiding, edge stitching, and detail work. This lace looks good left plain, but dyes easily and its edges can be beveled, as you prefer, for braiding.

Widths available from Realeather: 1/8” wide, 3/16” wide, 3/32” wide and 5/32” wide

Colors Available from  Realeather: Natural


 

Latigo Lace

For that rustic, strong, earthy look, latigo is your best choice. This full grain, 5 to 7 oz. leather lace is the most durable continuous leather lace available. Our 1/8" Latigo Lace is commonly used for sporting goods, footwear, outdoor gear, saddlery and animal gear, and heavy-duty projects that require a little extra strength while providing a stylish and finished look. 

Widths available from Realeather: 1/8” wide

Colors Available from  Realeather: Toffee, Dark Brown, Burnt Orange, Turquoise, Black, Med. Brown and Chieftain


 

Round Braided Lace (Bolo Cord)

This four-strand braided leather cord is built around a sturdy core, offering great strength and style. It’s ideal for small pouch straps, keychains, hatbands, and statement jewelry. Plus, it's ready to use right out of the package—no braiding needed!

Widths available from Realeather: 3mm and 5mm

Colors Available from  Realeather: Black and Brown


 

Round Leather Lace

Popular among jewelry crafters, our round leather lace is cut from veg-tanned leather and then shaped into a round cord. All of our round leather cording is stained and then waxed for a super smooth and soft feel. The finish is bright, flexible and doesn’t crack or peel.

Widths available from Realeather: 1 mm wide, 1.5 mm wide, and 2 mm wide

Colors Available from  Realeather: Natural, Brown, Black, Natural Mahogany, Red, Pink, Lite Blue, Gold, Gray Metallic, Ebony, and Cedar. Widths: 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm. Colors: Natural, Brown, Black, Natural Mahogany, Red, Pink, Lite Blue, Gold, Gray Metallic, Ebony, and Cedar


 

 

Suede Lace

This is our most popular lace that is flexible but not too stretchy and will keep it’s width during use. A top pick for beginners and experienced makers alike, suede lace is soft, colorful, and easy to work with. It’s cut from brushed top grain pigskin and available in a wide variety of colors. The suede leather lace is also offered in different sizes. Whether you are making jewelry, trimming garments, or assembling projects this is a wonderful lace to work with.

Widths available from Realeather: 1/8” wide

Colors Available from  Realeather:  Med. Brown, Black, Chocolate, Toast, Beige, Red, Turquoise, Ivory, Pink, Rust, Kiwi, Aqua, Lite Blue, Gold Nugget, Dark Olive, Fresh Green, Pacific Green, Violet, Cadet Blue and Charcoal



No Wrong Choice—Only Possibilities

Whether you’re crafting fashion accessories, rugged outdoor gear, or delicate decor, there’s a leather lace that fits your project perfectly. Want to explore them all? We say go for it!


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