Leather is one of the most timeless and durable materials in the world. From handbags and shoes to belts, jackets, and furniture, it is a symbol of quality and luxury. But have you ever wondered how leather is made?
The process is not as simple as it may seem. It can take up to 10 working days to turn raw animal hides into high-quality leather. A leather factory follows a long and detailed series of steps, requiring expert craftsmanship, precision, and patience.
In this guide, we’ll take you inside a leather factory and show you the 23 detailed steps that transform raw hides into finished leather products. Whether you are a leather enthusiast, a buyer, or simply curious, this step-by-step journey will help you appreciate the hard work behind every leather item you own.
Step 1–5: Preparing the Hides in a Leather Factory
Before leather becomes the material we know and love, it begins as raw animal hides. The first steps in a leather factory are about cleaning, preserving, and preparing these hides for tanning.
1. Curing
Hides must be preserved to prevent spoilage. They are treated with salt, freezing, or chemicals to stop decay before processing begins.
2. Soaking
The hides are soaked in water for hours or even days. This step rehydrates them and washes away dirt, salt, and other residues collected during transportation.
3. Painting
In sheepskins, sulphides are applied to remove wool. Despite the term “painting,” this process is purely functional.
4. Liming
An alkaline solution is applied to remove hair from the hide. Once this step is complete, the raw hide becomes what’s known as a “pelt.”
5. Fleshing
The fleshing machine removes tissue from the flesh side of the pelt. Sometimes, the pelt is split into layers here, setting the foundation for different types of leather.
Step 6–10: Chemical Treatments in the Leather Factory
These steps involve balancing the hide’s chemical composition, making it ready for tanning—the stage that gives leather its durability and resistance.
6. De-Liming
The alkali from liming is slowly neutralized to avoid damaging the hide’s tissue.
7. Bating
Special enzymes are applied to relax the pelt and make it smoother.
8. Pickling
Weak acids or salt solutions are used to prepare the hides for tanning. If hides are stored for long periods, stronger pickling solutions act as preservatives.
9. De-Greasing
Excess oils and fats are removed with water or mild solvents. Clean hides absorb tanning agents better.
10. Tanning
This is the most crucial step in a leather factory. Tanning stabilizes the proteins in hides, preventing decay and making them durable. There are different tanning methods:
- Mineral tanning: Chromium salts produce strong, flexible leather.
- Vegetable tanning: Plant extracts create firm, brown leather ideal for belts and bags.
- Oil tanning: Produces soft leather, often used for fashion products.
At this stage, the hide officially becomes leather—but the journey is far from over.
Step 11–15: Shaping Leather in the Factory
Once tanning is complete, the leather is processed further to achieve the right thickness, softness, and color.
11. Splitting
Leather is sliced into two layers. The top-grain layer has the natural grain surface, while the bottom layer can be made into suede or embossed with artificial grain.
12. Shaving
Leather is shaved to a consistent thickness, making it suitable for its intended purpose.
13. Neutralization
Chemical residues from earlier steps are removed. Additional tanning agents may also be added to create specific qualities.
14. Dyeing
Leather can now be dyed into a wide range of colors—black, brown, red, or even white. This is how a leather factory customizes leather for fashion, upholstery, and industrial use.
15. Fatliquoring
Oils are infused into the leather, keeping it soft and flexible. Without this step, leather would stiffen and crack as it dries.
Step 16–20: Drying and Softening Leather
Leather still contains a lot of moisture, so the next steps ensure it is properly dried while maintaining flexibility.
16. Samming
Special machines remove about half the moisture content from the leather.
17. Setting Out
The hides are stretched and smoothed, reducing water content further and ensuring an even surface.
18. Final Drying
Leather is dried until it contains less than 20% water.
19. Staking & Dry Drumming
To restore softness, leather is mechanically massaged in a staking machine, separating the fibers. It is then tumbled in large drums, further softening the texture.
20. Buffing & Brushing
The leather surface is buffed to remove imperfections and smooth out the finish. Brushing eliminates any dust left behind.
Step 21–23: The Finishing Touches in a Leather Factory
The final steps are all about quality, appearance, and ensuring the leather is ready for the market.
21. Finishing
This step enhances the color, gloss, and durability of the leather. A protective coating is applied, often making the leather water-resistant.
22. Final Grading
Leather is graded by softness, thickness, texture, and color uniformity. Natural imperfections, such as scratches, are noted.
23. Measurement
Finally, the leather is measured by area using precise machines. Since leather is sold by size, this step ensures accurate pricing.
Why Leather from a Leather Factory Is Special
When you walk into a leather factory, you quickly realize that making leather is not just a process—it’s a craft. Each step requires skill and attention to detail. From preserving raw hides to applying the final finish, artisans ensure that every piece of leather is unique, durable, and luxurious.
This level of craftsmanship explains why leather goods often carry a premium price. Behind every wallet, bag, belt, or jacket lies a careful 23-step journey that transforms raw animal hides into a timeless product.
Final Thoughts: Crafted with Care by Pious Leather Kolkata
Choosing the right leather wallet, bag, or accessory is more than a fashion decision—it’s about investing in quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship.
At Pious Leather Kolkata, every product reflects the skill and tradition of expert artisans working in a modern leather factory. Whether you’re sourcing leather gifts for business partners, planning a honeymoon purchase, or simply upgrading your travel essentials, our products carry timeless elegance and eco-conscious value.
Pious Leather Kolkata also specializes in crafting customized leather corporate gifts—available in both bulk and smaller quantities—to represent your unique brand identity. Whether you need a cost-effective solution or a luxury range, our team can deliver tailored options that fit your budget and market.
Discover the difference of genuine craftsmanship today with Pious Leather Kolkata—where tradition meets innovation in every product.
