Leather Washers vs Standard Washers for Bag Making

Quick answer

For bag making, choose leather washers when you want a soft, decorative finish that protects the leather surface from hardware; choose standard metal washers when you need maximum structural reinforcement under heavy stress.

Why material choice matters for bag hardware

The washer you place between a rivet, screw, or snap and your bag's leather affects both the look and the longevity of the hardware joint. A washer spreads the load of the fastener, preventing the leather from tearing or deforming over time. But the material of that washer changes how it interacts with your leather.

Leather washers are cut from the same material as your bag, so they compress slightly and blend into the surface. Metal washers offer a harder, more rigid support but can leave visible marks or cause the leather to wear unevenly if not matched properly.

When to use leather washers

Leather washers shine in visible locations where the hardware sits on the outside of the bag. Because they are soft and thin, they conform to the leather surface and create a nearly seamless look. They also add a small amount of cushioning, which can reduce rattling or looseness in moving hardware like D-rings or swivel snaps.

A key trade-off: leather washers provide less sheer strength than metal. If you are attaching a heavy strap that will bear constant weight, a leather washer alone may compress over time and allow the fastener to loosen. In those cases, use a leather washer on the visible side and a metal washer underneath for reinforcement.

When to use standard metal washers

Standard metal washers (typically zinc-plated steel or brass) are the go-to choice for structural joints that must not fail. They resist compression, distribute load evenly, and hold torque better than any soft washer. Use them on the inside of a bag, under lining, or behind a leather washer on the outside.

The downside: metal washers can scratch or dent the leather if over-tightened. They also stand out visually, so they are rarely left exposed in fine bag making unless the design calls for an industrial look.

Leather washer vs metal washer: trade-offs at a glance

• Leather washer: Soft, decorative, blends with leather. Best for visible exterior hardware. Provides moderate load distribution. Pair with a metal washer underneath for high-stress joints.
• Metal washer: Hard, rigid, high strength. Best for hidden or interior reinforcement. Can scratch leather if over-tightened. Use a leather washer on top to protect the bag surface.
• Stacking both: Place a leather washer on the outside (visible side) and a metal washer on the inside (under the fastener head). This combines aesthetics with strength.

Product facts

• Leather Washers: Packs of leather washers in a variety of colors. Outside diameter ⅝", inside hole ⅛". The ⅝" diameter is ideal for most bag hardware like Chicago screws and rivets, and the color variety lets you match or contrast with your bag leather for a clean finish.

  

Which washer fits your project?

Best for

• Visible exterior hardware where appearance matters
• Light to medium strap attachments or decorative rivets

Not ideal for

• High-stress structural joints without a metal washer backup
• Applications requiring maximum torque retention over time