What Makes Maverick Double Shoulder Different
Maverick Double Shoulder from Tandy Leather is a drum-dyed chrome-tanned shoulder that offers a light pull-up effect and a soft hand. It's made from US hides, dyed in Mexico, and comes in a range of colors including Green, Blue, and Red. The leather has a weight/thickness of 3 to 4.5 oz (1.2 to 1.8 mm) and an average size of 10.5 to 13.5 sq. ft. (0.98 to 1.25 sq. meters), making it a versatile choice for many projects.
Best Project Ideas for This Leather
Because of its soft hand and moderate thickness, Maverick Double Shoulder works well for shoe uppers, bags, bracelets, briefcases, and more. The pull-up effect adds character as the leather flexes and ages. For a bag, the 3–4.5 oz weight provides structure without being too stiff. For bracelets, the softness makes it comfortable against the skin. If you're making a briefcase, the large shoulder size (up to 13.5 sq. ft.) gives you enough material for panels and gussets.
Maverick Double Shoulder at a Glance
- Maverick Double Shoulder: Weight/Thickness: 3 to 4.5 oz. (1.2 to 1.8 mm) This weight range is ideal for bags, accessories, and light footwear—sturdy enough for structure but flexible for sewing and shaping.
Maverick Double Shoulder - Maverick Double Shoulder: Average Size: 10.5 to 13.5 sq. ft. (0.98 to 1.25 sq. meters) A single shoulder provides enough material for multiple small projects or one medium-to-large item like a briefcase or tote.
- Maverick Double Shoulder: Tannage: Chrome Chrome tanning gives this leather a soft, pliable feel and faster production time compared to veg tan, but it won't tool or stamp as well.
- Maverick Double Shoulder: These US hides are drum dyed in Mexico and have a light pull-up effect and a soft hand. The drum dyeing ensures even color penetration, and the pull-up effect means the leather will lighten at bends and creases for a natural, worn look over time.
Cutting Tips for Chrome-Tanned Shoulder
Chrome-tanned leather like Maverick Double Shoulder is softer than veg tan, so it can shift under the blade. Use a sharp rotary cutter or a straight knife with a fresh blade, and cut on a self-healing mat. For straight lines, a metal ruler and a heavy-duty utility knife work well. For curves (like bag panels or bracelet blanks), a rotary cutter gives more control. If you're cutting multiple pieces, consider making a cardboard template first to trace around—this reduces waste and ensures consistent shapes.
Trade-Offs to Consider
Because this is chrome-tanned leather, it won't hold tooling or stamping like a veg-tan shoulder. If your project requires carving or embossing, a veg-tan shoulder is a better choice. Also, the soft hand means it may not be ideal for belts or rigid structures without additional stiffener. On the plus side, the drum dyeing gives rich, even color, and the pull-up effect adds visual interest as the leather ages. The price (catalog $64.99, compared to $99.99) also makes it a good value for larger projects.
