How to Tan a Hide Naturally

Tan animal hides naturally for valuable leather goods to use around the homestead.

By Walt And Donna Thorne
Updated on December 19, 2024
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by Adobestock/Jette Rasmussen

Avoid putting holes in a hide by tanning hides with salt, and learn how to tan a hide naturally for valuable leather goods to use around the homestead.

Every rural carnivore knows that home-raised rabbits, goats, sheep, and such — plus whatever wild animals may be trapped or hunted locally — can provide the family table with rich and nutritious food at far less than the cost of store-bought meat. Nevertheless, I’ve known many such people who passed up the opportunity offered by those same creatures’ skins.

That’s unfortunate, since hides and pelts are just as valuable as the meat they protect land possibly more so. Well-tanned skins can be fashioned into warm, appealing clothing for only a fraction of what you’d pay in the stores . . . and natural rugs, furniture covers, large floor pillows, and bedspreads add a special decorative touch that seems to blend with nearly any style of home furnishings.

I’ve often asked acquaintances why they never made use of hides, and got answers that varied from lack of knowledge or time to cost of tools and supplies. “Humbug!” I respond. “I’ve been tanning for just 18 months now and it’s really very simple. Besides, it’s quite a satisfying thing to do . . . and you can even make a little money from it if you like.” Then I go on to describe my system on how to tan a hide, and usually end up persuading my cautious friends to give it a try (maybe with a little help from me the first time or so). I hope I can persuade you, too.

The following is the tanning method I use, laid out in 10 easy-to-follow steps with one optional procedure thrown in for good measure.

First, build a rack. We made ours of green alder limbs about 3 inches in diameter: two 8-footers for legs, and seven poles about 5 feet long for the crosspieces.

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