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Dyeing Leather? Gifted a bunch of "natural" skins!
Kristine Kay Advanced MI USA Member since 4/3/07 Posts: 188	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/2/13 9:09 PM My brother in law is an avid hunter, and had plans of having a jacket made from a number of hides he'd collected over the years. Apparently he changed his mind, and my sister handed me a bag today of 7 beautiful leather skins! They range in size, but are all tanned "ivory", but a couple are more yellow and closer to "chamois". I'd bet I'm looking at $300-$400 in leather, and one skin is enormous and quite thick, she thinks it was from an elk! Anyway... is it possible to dye the skin after it's been through the tanning process? I can use an ivory skirt, but would love a darker color for a vest. And the skins that are slightly different shades... could they be dyed to match better (to be used to make a single garment, like a jacket)? Thanks in advance! Kristine in Michigan ------ When life gets you down... Just Keep Sewing! www.kbdesigns74.blogspot.com
CdnSkier Advanced Beginner IL USA Member since 3/18/09 Posts: 67	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/2/13 10:41 PM I don't know anything about dyeing leather, but I just wanted to say that you are a lucky, lucky girl. I'd kill (pun intended) for the skins you were just gifted!
velosewer   Intermediate AUSTRALIA Member since 11/11/06 Posts: 790	Login to reply to this post In reply to Kristine Kay << Like this post Date: 3/3/13 0:06 AM I agree that you are very lucky. I refashioned a leather jacket and the leather expert I spoke to said it would be very difficult to successfully dye leather after it's been through the tanning process. While I didn't challenge this advice, I keep wondering 'what if' and would encourage you to do a sample test. ------ Alias - velogiant;http://cleverthinking99.com/ Fabric wakes me up.
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 4987	Login to reply to this post In reply to Kristine Kay << 1 member likes this. Date: 3/3/13 0:16 AM Do you have a local Tandy store? The managers are usually very knowledgeable of their products.....unlike most fabric stores. -- Edited on 3/3/13 0:17 AM --
JKimes   Expert/Couture TX USA Member since 11/4/05 Posts: 387	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 3/3/13 8:33 AM What a gift! You can use acid dyes for leather, but there are also dyes specifically for leather. Check out Dharma Trading I've been buying dye supplies from them since the late 80's. be sure to ask for the catalog--it has detailed instructions and color charts Enjoy! Juliette ------ Juliette near Austin, TX Bernina 830LE Bernina 350PE Babylock Evolution ElnaPro 905DCX
Re Becca   Intermediate TX USA Member since 9/12/05 Posts: 2134	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/3/13 10:23 AM WOW what wonderful possibilities. You will have to let us know about the process. I have used Dharma dyes before but not for leather. I have some lambskin and would love to be able to change the color. ------ http://beccabeckstuff.blogspot.com/ Damn the muslin, full speed ahead!
Vivienne   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 6/29/04 Posts: 948	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 3/3/13 4:28 PM Hmm, I would have assumed the commercial method is to tan first, then dye? I've mispent a couple of hours on the internet looking for leather dye and my conclusion is - yes, this is possible The products with best reccomendations are: Tarrago (self shine or penetrating) Fleibings Eco-Flow from Tandy Leather Magic Check out You Tube and a site called Purse Forum for more details. Worth a shot! (haha, unintentional hunting pun) I'm going to try changing some purple skins to burgundy, I think. ------ Cheap fabrics, like cheap shoes, are a false economy.
Coconuts   Intermediate MI USA Member since 12/2/09 Posts: 1100	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 3/3/13 5:06 PM Can you find out how they were tanned/dyed? I know that makes a difference.
Kim12469 Beginner MT USA Member since 3/27/08 Posts: 2081	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/4/13 11:26 AM There used to be a Tandy leather store in downtown Plymouth. I know that's a hike for you but they may be able to help. Not sure if it's still there at this point. ------ http://kimsewsilly.blogspot.com/
Burness Advanced MO USA Member since 2/27/13 Posts: 2	Login to reply to this post In reply to Kristine Kay << Like this post Date: 3/6/13 6:56 AM White skin is usually a natural lye process dye. Oak or chrome tanning leaves a brown or yellow hide. Yes you can dye leather. Once dyed you cannot touch up a spot as it doubles the intensity of the color. You could probably dye it with anything, but research your dye bath or whatever more.

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