Leather Cord Sizing Guide: How to Choose the Right Thickness

Leather cord, often referred to as leather lace, is a strip of natural leather cut from the edge of a hide. It comes in many different shapes and sizes, such as round, flat, square, or braided. Each type has its own look and feel, which makes leather cord an incredibly flexible material to work with.

You’ll find leather cord in all kinds of products: bags, cowboy hats, belts, shoes, bracelets, necklaces, and many other accessories. One of its greatest strengths is its versatility, it can give a design a rugged, authentic character or a refined, elegant touch, depending on how it’s used.

That said, not every leather cord works for every project. Choosing the right thickness is essential. It’s not just about how it looks, it also affects how the final product performs in terms of strength, flexibility, and durability.

Thicker leather cords are more resistant to tension and stress, which makes them a good choice for sturdy items like luggage or heavy bags. They provide structure and long-term reliability. On the other hand, when working on smaller or more delicate pieces, such as jewellery, a thinner cord is usually the better option. It offers greater flexibility and a lighter, more refined appearance.

As a wholesaler and manufacturer of leather cord components and jewellery supplies, Sun Enterprises B.V. provides a wide range of sizes to support different creative and technical needs. Whether you’re designing bold, statement pieces or detailed, delicate accessories, selecting the right cord size plays a crucial role in the final result.

So how do you know which size to choose?

A practical rule of thumb is to divide the leather thickness (in millimetres) by seven to estimate a suitable thread thickness for stitching. This gives you a helpful starting point. However, when working with very thick or very thin leather, the calculation may suggest thread sizes that aren’t practical. In those cases, experience and careful judgment are just as important as the numbers.

In the end, selecting the right leather cord is about finding the right balance, between strength and flexibility, aesthetics and function. By considering both the technical requirements and the visual impact of your design, you can ensure a result that not only looks great but also stands the test of time.