Forming leather in a mould.

[clear out]

First time I’ve done anything in leather.
I have made and used form tools for metal fab.
Anyhoo my bicycle panniers needed new bums so we sliced a few pieces off a dumped lounge.
Did a bit of googling and and it’s most likely chrome tanned being furniture.
Made up a couple of moulds in ply.
Soaked in just boiled water with a little dishwashing detergent in it.
Used my big f clamps to press it together on an old melamine shelf.
Let it dry then trimmed the first pair and removed it ok.
Second pair I left bigger but seemed to get more shrinkage? Maybe Veg tan?
Any comments from leather workers welcome.
H.