Leatherworking requires you to use different materials to complete a piece. Liners are common additions in leatherwork that lead to interesting creations, and there are many perks to adding them to your next project. Read on to learn the benefits of combining cloth and leather, and consider why you should add a liner to your leather project.
Better Aesthetics
Leather products are unique, and adding a liner to the piece significantly changes the aesthetic. The contrast between materials will give the leather product a new look. For example, a bright blue polyester cloth lining the interior of a brown leather bag will add a splash of color.
Contrasting materials have different textures. Lining a leather wallet with suede highlights both materials, given the difference in grain. Use different colored liners to give your products a unique appearance.
More Durability
While leather is durable, you can enhance that quality with a liner. This extra layer makes the material thicker. Many leatherwork pieces—including bags and holsters—store items and protect them from moisture, dirt, and anything that could damage them. Add a liner to your leather project for more safety. Craftmanship is important in leatherworking, and a liner can give your work the durability necessary for its intended use.
Improved Warmth in Clothing
Most leather jackets feel cold when you first put them on, but the material heats up after exposure to body heat. A cotton or polyester liner inside the jacket improves heat retention. The jacket will warm up quickly and trap body heat better with the addition of a liner, making it a great leather project for autumn and winter.
Higher Sale Value
If you plan to sell your leather projects, add a liner to increase its value. Not only are your products more functional, but they are also more aesthetically pleasing.
Most products typically have a price that reflects the materials, their origin, and the labor for making them. If you sell a leather product that includes other materials, such as nylon or suede, you’ll make more when selling it. Products made with only leather for sale won’t fetch the same profits.
Adding materials to hand-made items makes them better, and your leatherwork will become masterpieces when adding liners. Consider the benefits of a liner and what it can do for your next leather project.