Leatherette is a fantastic fabric if you want to have something that looks like it is made of leather without all of the related maintenance. As the name suggests it is a form of fake leather, which is why it is also known as artificial leather.
There are several different kinds of leatherette available. Some are made by applying plastic coatings a base fabric. The base fabric used varies. Originally it was always calico and this remains a popular backing fabric.
Types of Leatherette
The vast majority of leatherette is still made using a combination of backing fabrics and plastic. However, you can still buy some of the original fake leather fabrics, which were made by applying layers of natural products such as boiled linseed oil mixed with pigments. Products made out of PVC and/or Polyurethane have largely replaced this kind of fake leather.
Nowadays, the vast majority of leatherette is made using polyurethane. The reason for this is that it is completely washable and in certain forms can even be dry-cleaned. Unlike PVC, in the right combination, this fabric also breathes.
Uses for Leatherette
There are many uses for leatherette and those uses are growing all the time. Initially this fabric was designed to be used in furnishings. The fact that it is hardwearing yet pliable is what made it so good for this application. It is still widely used in furnishings.
Nowadays, it is also possible to buy handbags, phone covers, PC covers a wide array of different luggage or made from leatherette. It is also now widely used to make shoes and some clothing items. To a lesser extent, you will see it used in watch straps, purses and as car seating covers.
Where to Buy Leatherette
Some haberdashery and craft shops sell leatherette. However, the range they sell tends to be quite limited and it is hard to buy it in bulk from this kind of supplier. Luckily, many manufacturers now allow the distributors to sell it online. By buying online, you get a wide choice and can shop around to secure yourself the best price possible.
UK Fabrics Online sells a huge range of leatherette. Because they stock fabrics that are made by several manufacturers, you are guaranteed to get a great choice on their website.