How to Turn Pelts Into Leather

Preparing the Pelt

• 1

  Scrape all the flesh from the inside of the hide, using a dull knife or paint scraper. Avoid sharp knives, as they typically puncture the pelt.

• 2

  Soak the pelt in a solution of lime and wood ash to loosen the hair or fir. Mix 1/4 cup of hydrated lime and 1/2 cup of wood ash (from a hardwood like oak or maple) in a gallon of water. Mix up enough solution (in a plastic garbage can) to submerge the hide.

• 3

  Scrape a small section every few days to see if the hair or fur is loose. When it comes off easily, remove the pelt from the solution and rinse it several times in fresh water.

• 4

  Scrape the hair or fur from the hide with a dull knife or paint scraper.

• 5

  Soak the dehaired hide overnight in a solution of borax and water, to help neutralize the lime. Add 1/8 cup of boric acid to a gallon of water and mix enough solution to cover the hide.

Tanning the Pelt

• 6

  Tan the hide by submerging it in a solution of 1/2 lb. of salt and 1/4 lb. of alum to a gallon of water. Again, mix enough solution to completely cover the hide and stir it every day to make sure the solution gets to all parts of the pelt.

• 7

  Remove the hide after one week, lightly rinse it in cool water and allow it to partially dry.

• 8

  Rub neat's-foot oil evenly into the hide's flesh side while it is still damp.

• 9

  Stretch the hide over a log or the edge of a table or countertop. Keep working it and working it until the leather softens; it can take hours. Spray a little water on any areas that dry out as you're stretching it.