Handmade Leather Bible Cover

Charles Spurgeon famously said, “A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” 

We certainly hope you'll read your Bible until it falls apart. However, we also hope that you'll keep your Bible in one piece for a long time — and the best way to do that is by protecting it with a handmade leather cover.  

Leather Bible covers are as beautiful as they are functional. They keep your copy of God's Word safe from bumps and tears. Even more importantly, they give it the dignity it deserves.

Are you looking to buy your own personalized Bible covers but don't know where to start? This article is your guide to buying leather Bible covers, so keep reading to learn all the Bible buying tips you need to know!

Types of Leather

Bible covers can be made with many types of leather. This means that they can differ widely in cost, quality, and durability. 

When it comes to quality, we advise buying the best leather Bible covers that fit your price range. That way, you will get the most wear out of your leather cover. Let's take a look at the different types of leather that you'll find in Bible covers.

Top Grain Leather

"Top grain" refers to leather that comes from the upper side (hide) of the animal skin. It requires extensive treatment and produces the best quality of leather used in bookbinding.

Top grain leather products are usually listed by their animal of origin. If you see a product described as "goatskin" or "calfskin," you can be confident that it is the best quality leather you can find.

What makes top grain leather so sought-after? It's both flexible and strong. This means it bends instead of breaking so it doesn't develop cracks over time.

Bookbinders use it to bind the books that they hope will last a lifetime or longer. Top grain leather makes the very best Bible covers.

While top grain leather is the gold standard for professional bookbinding, it's too costly for most people to invest in. Thankfully, you can get many of the same benefits for your bible covers with a less expensive type of leather.

Genuine Leather

Have you ever noticed a label on a leather product that simply says "Genuine Leather?" If so, you're looking at a product that is made of a lower quality leather, usually pigskin.

"Genuine leather" products are not quite as supple as top grain leather ones, which makes them a little more prone to cracking. With regular cleaning and conditioning, though, your genuine leather product can last for many years. 

Genuine leather is a popular option for affordable book covering. It makes an excellent choice for someone who wants the benefits of a leather Bible cover without breaking the bank. 

Bonded Leather

Bonded leather is the most affordable leather option. This is because it's not made up of a single piece of leather, but the scraps of other pieces.

The leftover leather fibers are bonded together with an adhesive, then rolled out and cut. The bonded leather gets stamped with an imitation leather pattern to make it look like the real thing.

Bonded leather is technically a real leather product, so it will advertise itself as leather. However, it has downsides that better-quality leathers don't have. 

It's stiffer than regular leather, so it's prone to developing cracks at stress points (such as the joint where your Bible's cover meets the binding). 

Bonded leather is more brittle and less durable than cut leather, so it simply won't last as long.

Closure

The most popular type of closure for Bible covers is a zipper. This is a practical option that keeps your Bible secure inside a full leather cover. Zipper closures are especially good for those who love to slip notes and prayer cards into their Bibles, since a zipper will keep those papers from falling out.

You may also choose a wrap-style closure. This popular option uses a leather strip to wrap around the Bible and secure it closed, giving it an ancient look. This style looks especially good on men's Bible covers. 

If you don't want a closure on your leather Bible cover, you can choose a book-jacket-style cover. This type fits over your Bible's hardcover without covering the pages. 

Other Features

When it comes to buying the best bible covers for you, make sure to think about your Bible-reading habits. 

Do you always read the Bible with a pen in hand to underline the verses that the Lord is putting on your heart? Then make sure your Bible cover has a pen holder where you can store it. If you love to take notes while you study Scripture, choose a cover that has a compartment for your notebook and other Bible accessories. 

Many Bible covers come with a carrying handle. Some women's Bible covers even come with a strap to carry your Bible like a purse. If you take your Bible everywhere you go, these handle options are perfect for you. 

Finding the Best Leather Bible Covers

The Bible is no ordinary book, and it shouldn't be treated like one. Leather Bible covers are a wonderful way to show your reverence to God's Word and protect your Bible for years to come.

Are you ready to find the best Bible covers and Bible accessories? Check out our stock today to find the one that's right for you.