Leather reinforcement materials

When making bags, shoes, belts and other leather goods, the leather itself is not the only important material. The materials used inside a product also determine how firm it feels and how well it retains its shape. With the right reinforcement materials, you can give leather additional support exactly where it is needed.

At Driessen Leder, we can provide information about reinforcement materials such as Konny, bonded leather, Texon and Velodon. Sewing threads and tapes also play an important role in leatherworking and finishing. The most suitable material depends on your design and the level of firmness you want to achieve.

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Different types of leather reinforcement materials

Not every leather product requires the same type of reinforcement. The base of a bag, for example, needs different properties from a thin wallet or a flexible part of a shoe.

Konny reinforcement material

Konny is used to provide leather products with additional firmness and structure. It can be incorporated into bags, belts, shoes and various leather accessories.

Konny can be particularly useful for components that need support without becoming completely rigid. The final stiffness depends on factors such as the material's thickness and the type of leather it is combined with.

Bonded leather

Bonded leather is a composite material made from leather fibres and binding agents. It is used as a reinforcement layer in bags, shoes and small leather goods, among other applications.

This material is suitable for products that require additional structure. Depending on the grade, bonded leather can be incorporated into bag bases, flaps and other components that need to retain their shape.

Bonded leather is not the same as solid leather. It has its own composition and processing characteristics. Choosing the right grade and thickness for your application is therefore important.

Texon reinforcement material

Texon is a well-known name in the footwear industry. A range of technical materials is developed under this name, including cellulose-based and non-woven reinforcement materials.

These materials are used in insoles and other footwear components where dimensional stability and support are essential.

The most suitable Texon grade depends on the required flexibility, thickness and processing method.

Velodon reinforcement material

Velodon is used as a thin reinforcement layer in leather goods. It can help limit unwanted stretching and provide additional stability to specific components.

This makes it particularly interesting for wallets, watch straps and smaller leather accessories that need extra support without adding much thickness.

Sewing threads and tapes for leatherworking

In addition to reinforcement sheets and layers, other materials help with joining, processing and finishing leather.

Serafil sewing thread

Serafil is a polyester sewing thread used for stitching bags, shoes, belts and leather accessories, among other products.

The thread is available in different thicknesses to suit various seams and applications. When choosing a thread, it is important to consider the type of leather, the desired appearance, the seam construction and the needle being used.

Reinforcement tape

Reinforcement tape can be used to provide additional support to specific areas of a leather product. Examples include seams, edges and other components where extra stability is required.

As reinforcement tapes are available with different properties, the chosen type should be suitable for the leather, the processing method and the stresses the finished product will experience.

Double-Sided tape

Double-sided tape is used to bond materials together during production, either temporarily or permanently, depending on the type of tape.

In leatherworking, it can help keep components in place before they are stitched or finished. Always check that the adhesive is suitable for the leather and will not leave unwanted marks or residue.

Which leather reinforcement material do you need?

Choosing the right material starts with the part of the product you want to reinforce. Consider the following properties:

Firmness: Does the component need to retain a defined shape, or should it remain flexible?
Thickness: How much additional bulk can the reinforcement add?
Stretch resistance: Is the main purpose to prevent the leather from stretching?
Processing: Will the material be glued, stitched or placed between two layers?
Application: Are you making a bag, shoe, belt, wallet or another leather product?

A thin reinforcement layer may be sufficient for a small accessory, while the base of a larger bag may require more substantial support. The properties of the outer leather also play an important role.

If you are unsure, we recommend testing the intended materials on a small sample before starting production.

Advice on leather reinforcement materials

Not sure which reinforcement material is right for your project? At Driessen Leder, we're happy to help you explore the options.

Whether you're a private customer making your own leather goods or a business looking for materials for production, you can contact us to discuss your requirements.

Tell us what you're making, which type of leather you're using and how much support you need. Together, we can look at the most suitable material for your application.

Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact us. We're happy to help.