A hide of genuine leather is nature’s product and caution must be exercised in cutting one. The above diagram shows various areas of a hide and they are cut as follows:

Section A should be used in cutting seat tops, inside backs, cushion bands and other sections that will receive the most strain and usage of flexing. Section A is the prime portion of a hide.

Section B should be used for outside arms, backs, hidden bands or any other parts of furniture that receive little or no flexing. The flank sections must be used on outside backs and nonwearing surfaces in order to avoid trouble. Flank fibers run generally in one direction as indicated by the arrow. In applying flank section to a chair, the first pull should be taken in the direction of the arrow. A stretch at right angles to the direction of the arrow may cause the finish to crack.