Best vegetable-tanned leather sides for leathercraft

Start with the Tandy Economy Veg Tan side (3–4 oz). It's the safest first side for most leathercraft: a real veg-tan side of 17–24 sq ft, thin enough to skive and fold for wallets, pouches and small bags, and it takes tooling and dye without surprises. Buy one side, learn its grain, then size up.

• Sienna Milled Veg-Tan side — for anyone who wants a softer, more supple hand for bags and straps; milled so it drapes rather than stands stiff.
• Veg-Tan Saddle Skirting side — for heavy work: belts, holsters, saddle parts and anything that needs to hold shape at 10–17 oz.
• Catalina Veg-Tan single shoulder — for a smaller, cheaper way in when you don't need a whole side.
• Dyed / Sienna Flat sides — for people who'd rather not dye their own; pick these when colour consistency matters more than carving.
• Latigo side — for straps and tack that need weather resistance, not tooling.

Check the weight before you buy: 3–4 oz for small goods, 5–9 oz for straps and cases, 10 oz and up for structural pieces.