A sheep-split is a specific layer of sheep leather created when a full-thickness hide is sliced horizontally into two or more thinner sheets. The top layer retains the natural grain, while the bottom split has a suede texture on both sides. Leatherworkers traditionally used sheep-splits for garment linings, bookbinding, and lightweight gloves where full hide thickness was unnecessary.
Heard on the job
We need a soft sheep-split to line the interior of these winter gloves.
Insider tip
Splits lack the natural top grain of the hide, making them weaker and more prone to stretching than full-grain leather.