Leather Washers (Seconds): What to Know Before You Buy
By Klum House: Bag making kits, bag sewing patterns, waxed | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: Product Reviews
Leather washers (seconds) are budget-friendly but have visible flaws. Learn what to expect, how to pick usable ones, and when to skip them for your bag making.
Quick answer
Leather washers (seconds) are a smart buy when you need low-cost reinforcement for hidden or non-critical areas, but you must be ready to sort through imperfections like marks, dents, and discoloration.
What makes them 'seconds'?
Seconds are leather washers that didn't meet the usual quality bar. They may have marks, dents, mis-shaped cuts, discoloration, or extra hairy fibers. Because they're final sale, you can't return them if you don't like what you get.
The trade-off is price: you pay less than the regular cost, but you take on the risk of sorting through imperfect pieces. For bag making, that's often worth it if you're using washers in places no one will see.
Where seconds work best
Use seconds washers where appearance doesn't matter: behind straps, inside pockets, or under hardware. They're great for reinforcing rivet posts and adding strength without spending a lot.
Skip them for visible spots like the outside of a bag flap, where a discolored or misshapen washer would stand out. For those areas, you'd want first-quality washers.
How to decide if seconds are right for you
- Check your use case: If the washers will be hidden (behind straps, inside pockets, under hardware), seconds are a good value. If they'll be visible, choose first-quality washers instead.
- Expect to sort: Because imperfections vary, set aside the best pieces for visible spots and use the rest for reinforcement. Don't expect a uniform pack. Buy extra to account for unusable pieces.
- Accept final sale: Seconds are marked final sale, so you can't return them. Only buy if you're comfortable with the risk of some pieces being unusable. If you need consistency, buy first-quality washers.
Product facts
- Leather Washers (Seconds): Packs of leather washers in a variety of colors and weights, with imperfections like marks, dents, mis-shaped cuts, discoloration, and extra hairy fibers. You get a mixed batch, so plan to sort through them and set aside the cleanest ones for visible areas.
Leather Washers (Seconds)
Who should buy seconds?
Best for
- Bag makers who need low-cost reinforcement for hidden areas
- Crafters who don't mind sorting through imperfect pieces
Not for
- Projects where washers will be visible and need a clean finish
- Anyone who needs a uniform look and can't accept final sale
