Tawing. The process of making leather by soaking hides in a solution of salt and alum, or by packing them down with dry salt and powdered alum. Used to prepare skin rugs and furs.
Tempering. The operation of wetting the leather in water to take hardness out and make leather “mull,” so that it may be worked easier.
Tip. The toe piece which is stitched to the vamp and outside of it. Stock tip is a tip of the same material as the vamp. Patent tip is a patent leather tip. Diamond tip refers to the shape extending back to a point. Imitation tip-stitching across the vamp is imitation of a tip.
Tip Cutting. Cutting the tip which goes on the toe of the vamp.
Toe and Heel Lasting. Lasting heel and toe.
Toe Piece. A piece attached to cut-off vamp to lengthen it.
Tongue. A narrow strip of leather necessary on all laced shoes.
Top. The part of the upper above the vamp; tip of shoe.
Top Cutting. Cutting the top only.