A square of chrome-tanned bison leather in soft blush pink, its surface smooth and matte, one corner curling slightly.
  • A square of chrome-tanned bison leather in soft blush pink, one corner lifting to show its suede-like reverse.

Chrome-tanned bison leather is made by chemically tanning the hide of American bison, resulting in a soft, flexible material with consistent suppleness. Because it comes from a single animal hide, the leather can vary naturally in grain, thickness, and surface markings.

Composition

Bison hide, chrome tannins

Handling Notes

  • Larger leather projects require flexibility due to varying symmetry, size, and edge shape, even from the same tanner
  • Burning can produce toxic fumes because of the chrome tanning process, so be cautious
  • Permanent dyeing or painting can be attempted with care but does not burnish well

Applications in Craft

Keywords

Why is this material important to you?

It is one of the most durable and resilient materials I've ever worked with.

Anika Jaan, Founder, Stitchwalker Leather

Provenance

Stitchwalker, Asheville, North Carolina. Acquired 2025.

In Use

Have you used this material?

Please contact Mellanee Goodman, Program Director, Curator, and Materials Specialist, to start a conversation about submitting your work for inclusion on this site.

mgoodman@centerforcraft.org