What is PU Leatherette?
PU (Polyurethane) leatherette is a synthetic leather alternative made from a fabric base coated with polyurethane. It offers the look and feel of genuine leather while being vegan-friendly, more affordable, and remarkably consistent for laser cutting and engraving. Unlike PVC-based faux leather (which releases toxic fumes when lasered), PU leatherette is safe for laser applications.
Why PU Leatherette is Perfect for Laser Crafters
| Advantage |
Compared to Genuine Leather |
Compared to PVC Faux Leather |
Why It Matters |
| Laser Safe |
Equal |
PVC releases toxic chlorine gas |
Safe for home studios |
| Consistency |
More consistent (no natural variations) |
Similar |
Predictable results every time |
| Cost |
70-85% cheaper |
Similar |
Affordable experimentation |
| Color Variety |
Much wider selection |
Similar |
Creative freedom |
| Availability |
More accessible |
Similar |
Easy to source |
| Engraving Contrast |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Beautiful results |
| Edge Quality |
Slightly better (no fraying) |
Similar |
Clean professional edges |
| Environmental |
Vegan, no animal products |
PU better than PVC |
Ethical choice |
Types of PU Leatherette
| Type |
Thickness |
Backing |
Best For |
Laser Compatibility |
Price Range |
| Standard PU |
0.6-1.0mm |
Fabric knit |
Earrings, patches, bookmarks |
Excellent |
$8-15/yard |
| Glitter PU |
0.8-1.2mm |
Fabric knit |
Statement jewelry, accessories |
Very Good |
$12-20/yard |
| Metallic PU |
0.7-1.0mm |
Fabric knit |
Modern jewelry, phone cases |
Excellent |
$10-18/yard |
| Litchi/Textured |
0.8-1.2mm |
Fabric knit |
Accessories, bags |
Excellent |
$10-16/yard |
| Patent/Glossy |
0.6-0.9mm |
Fabric knit |
Fashion items, bold pieces |
Very Good |
$10-18/yard |
| Suede PU |
1.0-1.5mm |
Fabric knit |
Soft accessories, earrings |
Good |
$12-20/yard |
| Holographic PU |
0.8-1.0mm |
Fabric knit |
Y2K aesthetic, festival wear |
Good |
$15-25/yard |
Recommended Source: YXE Creations PU Leatherette Collection offers a wide variety of colors, textures, and specialty finishes specifically curated for laser crafting and DIY jewelry making.
Laser Cutting PU Leatherette
Optimal Laser Settings
| Machine Power |
Speed (mm/s) |
Power (%) |
Passes |
Air Assist |
Result |
| 40W CO2 |
300-500 |
40-60% |
1 |
Recommended |
Clean cut, minimal charring |
| 50W CO2 |
350-600 |
35-55% |
1 |
Recommended |
Fast, clean cuts |
| 60W+ CO2 |
400-700 |
30-50% |
1 |
Essential |
Very fast, watch for burning |
| Diode (20W+) |
100-300 |
80-100% |
2-3 |
If available |
Possible but slower |
Important Notes:
- Always test on scrap first - PU varies by brand and thickness
- Air assist prevents flame and reduces smoke staining
- Lower power + higher speed = less edge darkening
- Cutting is easier than engraving with PU
Cutting Techniques & Tips
| Technique |
Purpose |
How To |
Result |
| Single Pass Cutting |
Standard cutting |
Optimize power/speed balance |
Clean edges, minimal char |
| Masking Tape Application |
Prevent smoke marks |
Apply to both sides before cutting |
Pristine surface |
| Honeycomb Bed |
Support during cutting |
Use proper bed or add cardstock underneath |
No back marks |
| Vector Path Optimization |
Reduce cutting time |
Nest parts efficiently, minimize travel |
Faster, cheaper |
| Test Matrix |
Find perfect settings |
Cut grid with varying power/speed |
Documented settings |
Common Cutting Issues & Solutions
| Problem |
Cause |
Solution |
Prevention |
| Not Cutting Through |
Low power, too fast |
Increase power or slow speed |
Test cuts first |
| Excessive Charring |
Too much power, too slow |
Decrease power, increase speed |
Start conservative |
| Melted Edges |
Too slow, excessive heat |
Increase speed |
Quick passes better |
| Smoke Staining |
Poor ventilation, no masking |
Use masking tape, increase airflow |
Always mask light colors |
| Warping/Curling |
Uneven heat |
Support material flat, use weights |
Proper material prep |
| Incomplete Corners |
Speed too high for direction changes |
Slow overall speed slightly |
Adjust for complexity |
Laser Engraving PU Leatherette
Engraving Settings for Different Effects
| Desired Effect |
Power |
Speed |
DPI |
Passes |
Result |
| Light Etching |
20-35% |
400-600mm/s |
300 |
1 |
Subtle, delicate marks |
| Medium Depth |
35-50% |
300-500mm/s |
300-400 |
1 |
Standard engraving |
| Deep Engraving |
45-65% |
250-400mm/s |
300-500 |
1-2 |
Strong contrast, texture |
| Photo Engraving |
25-45% |
300-500mm/s |
400-600 |
1 |
Photographic detail |
| Texture Patterns |
30-50% |
350-550mm/s |
200-300 |
1 |
Raised pattern effect |
What Happens When You Engrave PU
Surface Layers:
- Top PU Coating - Laser removes this layer (dark brown/black exposed)
- Fabric Base - Revealed after PU removal (provides contrast)
- Backing - Should never reach this (too deep)
Color Results:
- Light colors (white, cream, pastels) → Dark brown/black engraving (excellent contrast)
- Dark colors (black, navy, burgundy) → Slightly lighter/brown engraving (subtle)
- Metallics → Base fabric color shows (varies by product)
- Glitter PU → Removes glitter layer, shows base (interesting texture)
Engraving Design Considerations
| Design Type |
Works Well? |
Optimal Settings |
Notes |
| Text |
Excellent |
Medium power, medium-high speed |
8pt+ for readability |
| Simple Graphics |
Excellent |
Medium power, medium speed |
Bold designs best |
| Photos |
Good |
Lower power, image prep crucial |
High contrast images work best |
| Mandalas/Patterns |
Excellent |
Medium power, medium-high speed |
Intricate details possible |
| Solid Fills |
Fair-Good |
Lower power, slower speed |
Can create texture variation |
| Fine Lines |
Very Good |
Lower power, faster speed |
Minimum 0.5mm line width |
Heat Melt Adhesive Applications
Types of Heat-Activated Adhesives for PU Leatherette
| Adhesive Type |
Form |
Activation Temp |
Bond Strength |
Best For |
Cost |
| Hot Melt Adhesive Film |
Sheet/roll |
250-280°F |
Very Strong |
Fabric bonding, patches |
$12-25/yard |
| Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) |
Sheet/roll |
305-320°F |
Strong |
Decorative designs, text |
$8-20/roll |
| Iron-On Backing |
Sheet |
275-300°F |
Medium-Strong |
Stiffening, structure |
$6-15/yard |
| Fusible Interfacing |
Sheet |
270-300°F |
Medium |
Adding body, backing |
$5-12/yard |
| Double-Sided Adhesive |
Sheet |
250-275°F |
Strong |
Layering, assembly |
$10-20/yard |
| Hot Glue (Gun) |
Sticks |
Instant |
Medium |
Quick assembly, findings |
$5-12/pack |
Heat Application Methods
| Method |
Temperature Control |
Pressure |
Best For |
Equipment Cost |
Precision |
| Heat Press |
Excellent (±2°F) |
Consistent, high |
Production, patches |
$120-400 |
High |
| Household Iron |
Poor (estimates) |
Manual |
Small projects, hobbyists |
$15-40 |
Low-Medium |
| Cricut EasyPress |
Very Good (digital) |
Good, consistent |
Medium projects |
$100-180 |
Medium-High |
| Hot Glue Gun |
N/A (instant bond) |
Manual |
Finding attachment, quick fixes |
$5-25 |
Medium |
| Mini Iron |
Fair |
Manual |
Detail work, small pieces |
$10-25 |
High for small areas |
Heat Press Settings for PU Leatherette
| Application |
Temperature |
Pressure |
Time |
Cover Sheet |
Notes |
| HTV Application |
305°F |
Medium-High |
10-15 sec |
Yes (Teflon) |
Peel when cool |
| Adhesive Film Bonding |
270°F |
High |
15-25 sec |
Yes |
Let cool before handling |
| Patch Attachment |
280°F |
High |
20-30 sec |
Yes |
Press from fabric side |
| Interfacing |
275°F |
Medium |
15-20 sec |
Optional |
Adds structure |
| Layering PU Pieces |
260°F |
Medium |
10-15 sec |
Yes |
Avoid overheating |
Critical Safety: Always use a protective sheet (Teflon, parchment paper) between PU and heat source to prevent melting or scorching.
Popular Projects with PU Leatherette
Laser-Cut Jewelry
| Item Type |
Complexity |
Material Usage |
Time to Make |
Material Cost |
Retail Value |
Profit Margin |
| Teardrop Earrings |
Beginner |
2” x 4” per pair |
10-15min |
$0.30-0.80 |
$12-25 |
85-95% |
| Statement Earrings |
Beginner-Intermediate |
3” x 6” per pair |
15-25min |
$0.50-1.20 |
$18-35 |
85-93% |
| Layered Earrings |
Intermediate |
4” x 6” per pair |
20-35min |
$0.80-1.50 |
$25-45 |
85-93% |
| Pendant Necklaces |
Intermediate |
3” x 4” each |
15-30min |
$0.40-1.00 |
$20-40 |
87-95% |
| Cuff Bracelets |
Intermediate-Advanced |
8” x 2” each |
25-40min |
$1.00-2.00 |
$30-60 |
88-93% |
| Hair Barrettes |
Beginner |
3” x 1” each |
10-20min |
$0.20-0.50 |
$10-20 |
90-95% |
Finding Hardware:
- Earring hooks: $0.10-0.30/pair (wholesale)
- Jump rings: $0.02-0.05 each
- Necklace chains: $0.50-2.00 each
- Barrette blanks: $0.30-1.00 each
Patches & Accessories
| Project |
Use Case |
Complexity |
Material + Hardware |
Retail Price |
Market |
| Iron-On Patches |
Jackets, bags, jeans |
Intermediate |
$1-3 + heat adhesive |
$8-20 |
Very High |
| Bookmarks |
Reading, gifts |
Beginner |
$0.20-0.60 + tassel |
$5-12 |
High |
| Luggage Tags |
Travel accessories |
Beginner |
$0.50-1.20 + hardware |
$10-20 |
Medium-High |
| Keychains |
Everyday accessories |
Beginner |
$0.30-0.80 + keyring |
$8-18 |
Very High |
| Coasters |
Home decor |
Beginner |
$0.80-1.50 + backing |
$6-15 each |
Medium |
| Phone Grips |
Phone accessories |
Intermediate |
$1.20-2.50 + adhesive grip |
$12-25 |
High |
| Bag Charms |
Purse accessories |
Intermediate |
$0.60-1.50 + chain |
$15-30 |
Medium-High |
Engraved Personalization Projects
| Item |
Laser Process |
Heat Process |
Personalization Type |
Price Premium |
| Monogrammed Bookmarks |
Cut + engrave |
None |
Initials |
+$3-8 |
| Custom Name Keychains |
Cut + engrave |
None |
Full name |
+$5-12 |
| Photo Engraved Patches |
Cut outline + photo engrave |
Iron-on backing |
Portrait |
+$15-40 |
| Pet Portrait Earrings |
Cut + photo engrave |
None |
Pet face |
+$10-25 |
| Logo Patches |
Cut + engrave |
Heat adhesive |
Business logo |
+$8-20 |
| Memorial Bookmarks |
Cut + engrave |
Tassel attachment |
Name + dates |
+$5-15 |
Advanced Techniques
Layering & Multi-Material
| Technique |
Materials Combined |
Bonding Method |
Difficulty |
Visual Impact |
| PU + Felt Backing |
Leatherette + felt |
Hot glue or adhesive |
Beginner |
Adds dimension, comfort |
| PU + Acrylic |
Leatherette + acrylic |
E6000 adhesive |
Intermediate |
Modern, mixed media |
| Multi-Color PU Layering |
2-3 PU colors |
Hot glue between layers |
Intermediate |
Depth, color contrast |
| PU + Wood |
Leatherette + wood veneer |
E6000 or hot glue |
Intermediate |
Rustic, natural mix |
| PU + Metal |
Leatherette + stamping blanks |
Rivets or E6000 |
Advanced |
Industrial, edgy |
| PU + Resin |
Leatherette + epoxy resin |
Embed or coat |
Advanced |
Glossy, preserved |
Color & Finish Enhancements
| Enhancement |
Process |
When to Apply |
Effect |
Difficulty |
| Acrylic Paint Fill |
Paint engraved areas, wipe excess |
After engraving |
Color contrast |
Beginner |
| Metallic Marker |
Color engravings with markers |
After engraving |
Metallic shine |
Beginner |
| Alcohol Ink |
Apply ink to engraved areas |
After engraving |
Vibrant color, artistic |
Intermediate |
| Edge Painting |
Paint cut edges |
After cutting |
Polished, professional |
Beginner |
| Antiquing |
Dark paint + wipe technique |
After engraving |
Vintage, aged look |
Intermediate |
| Sealant Coating |
Spray or brush sealant |
Final step |
Protection, durability |
Beginner |
Creating Your Own Designs
| Design Element |
Software Options |
Skill Level |
Time Investment |
Creative Freedom |
| Simple Shapes |
Canva, Inkscape |
Beginner |
15-30min |
Medium |
| Text-Based |
Any design software |
Beginner |
10-20min |
Medium |
| Geometric Patterns |
Illustrator, Inkscape |
Intermediate |
30-90min |
High |
| Converted Photos |
Photoshop + laser software |
Intermediate-Advanced |
45-120min |
Medium |
| Custom Illustrations |
Illustrator, Procreate |
Advanced |
2-8 hours |
Very High |
| Mandala Generators |
Online tools + editing |
Beginner-Intermediate |
20-60min |
Medium-High |
Business & Production
Scaling Production
| Production Level |
Output/Week |
Time Investment |
Space Needed |
Revenue Potential |
| Hobby Side Hustle |
10-30 pairs earrings |
5-10 hours |
Desk space |
$150-500/week |
| Part-Time Business |
30-80 pairs + other items |
15-25 hours |
Small room |
$500-2,000/week |
| Full-Time Operation |
100-300 pairs + variety |
40+ hours |
Dedicated studio |
$2,000-8,000/week |
Efficient Workflow
| Stage |
Time-Saving Strategy |
Batch Size |
Time Saved |
| Design Prep |
Template library, standard sizes |
N/A |
40-60% |
| Material Cutting |
Nest multiple designs, cut together |
10-20 pairs |
50-70% |
| Assembly |
Assembly line stations |
10-15 items |
30-50% |
| Finishing |
Pre-mix colors, dedicated stations |
Batch by type |
25-40% |
| Quality Check |
Checklist system |
Per batch |
Prevents waste |
| Packaging |
Pre-made branded packaging |
20-50 items |
40-60% |
Material Cost Management
| Strategy |
Implementation |
Savings |
Impact on Quality |
| Bulk Purchasing |
Buy full rolls, multiple colors |
20-40% |
None |
| Scrap Minimization |
Efficient nesting software |
15-30% waste reduction |
None |
| Multi-Product Design |
Use cutoffs for smaller items |
10-25% better yield |
Positive (variety) |
| Quality Sourcing |
Reliable supplier relationships |
10-20% |
Improved consistency |
| Seasonal Planning |
Stock up during sales |
15-35% |
None |
Recommended Supplier: YXE Creations offers laser-friendly PU leatherette in various colors, textures, and specialty finishes, specifically selected for crafters and small businesses.
Troubleshooting Guide
Common Issues & Fixes
| Problem |
Likely Cause |
Immediate Fix |
Long-Term Solution |
| Edges Melting |
Too slow, too much power |
Increase speed, lower power |
Find optimal settings |
| Won’t Cut Through |
Too fast, too little power |
Slow down or increase power |
Test matrix for material |
| Engraving Barely Visible |
Too light power, dark material |
Increase power, choose lighter PU |
Material selection |
| Surface Bubbling |
Too much heat |
Lower power, increase speed |
Proper settings |
| Adhesive Won’t Stick |
Wrong temp, dirty surface |
Increase temp/time, clean well |
Use correct adhesive type |
| Curling After Heat |
Too much heat |
Lower temp, shorter time |
Test on scrap |
Quality Control Checklist
| Check Point |
Standard |
Action if Failed |
| Cut Quality |
Clean edges, no fraying |
Adjust settings, clean optics |
| Engraving Clarity |
Crisp, visible |
Increase contrast, adjust power |
| Smoke Residue |
Minimal, wipes clean |
Use masking, improve ventilation |
| Finding Attachment |
Secure, aligned |
Reattach, check technique |
| Symmetry |
Balanced, centered |
Improve design or cutting |
| Overall Appearance |
Professional, gift-ready |
Identify specific issue |
Safety & Best Practices
Laser Safety with PU
| Safety Aspect |
Requirement |
Why |
Consequence of Neglect |
| Ventilation |
Exhaust fan to outside |
PU creates fumes |
Respiratory irritation |
| Material Verification |
ONLY PU, never PVC |
PVC releases chlorine gas |
Serious health hazard |
| Fire Watch |
Never leave laser unattended |
PU can ignite |
Fire damage, injury |
| Masking Material |
Paper tape only (no plastic) |
Plastic tape releases fumes |
Toxic exposure |
| Clean Workspace |
Remove debris regularly |
Residue buildup flammable |
Fire risk |
Heat Application Safety
| Hazard |
Prevention |
If Accident Occurs |
| Burns |
Use heat-resistant gloves, caution |
Cool water immediately |
| Melting/Scorching |
Test temperature first |
Discard piece, adjust settings |
| Fume Inhalation |
Work in ventilated area |
Move to fresh air |
| Equipment Damage |
Follow manufacturer guidelines |
Unplug, assess damage |
Transform versatile vegan leather into stunning creations – where laser precision meets sustainable style!