Round leather cord is typically made from animal hides, such as cowhide or sheepskin. The process of making round leather cord involves several steps:
Leather Selection: High-quality leather hides are chosen for their thickness, flexibility, and strength. The hides are typically tanned to make them more durable and suitable for various applications.
Cutting: The selected leather hides are cut into long, narrow strips or "thongs" of consistent width. These strips are usually cut lengthwise from the hide to ensure uniformity.
Skiving: Skiving is the process of thinning the leather strips to achieve the desired thickness and width. This is often done using specialized machines or tools to ensure uniformity.
Stretching: The skived leather strips may be stretched to achieve the desired length and to make the leather more pliable. This can be done manually or with the help of machines.
Rolling: The stretched leather strips are then rolled to create a round shape. This can be done by hand, but modern production processes often use machinery to ensure consistency.
Polishing: The round leather cord may undergo a polishing process to smooth the surface and enhance its appearance. Polishing can be done using various techniques and materials, including abrasive compounds and rollers.
Dyeing and Finishing: Depending on the desired color and finish, the round leather cord may be dyed using leather dyes or pigments. After dyeing, the cord may be treated with finishes like wax or oils to enhance its appearance and durability.
Cutting to Length: The finished round and braided leather cord is cut into the desired lengths, typically spooled onto rolls or reels for packaging and sale.
It's worth noting that there are different types of round leather cord, including braided, stitched, or plain cords, which may involve additional steps or variations in the production process to achieve the desired texture and appearance. The specific manufacturing process can vary depending on the manufacturer's techniques and the intended use of the cord, whether it's for jewelry making, leathercraft projects, or other applications.'
