EXHIBIT 23.1





                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration  Statement
(Form S-8 No.  33-81214)  pertaining to the Employee  Stock  Ownership  Plan and
Trust of The Leather Factory, Inc. and the Registration  Statement (Form S-8 No.
333-07147) pertaining to the 1995 Stock Option Plan of The Leather Factory, Inc.
of our  report  dated  February  15,  2001,  with  respect  to the  consolidated
financial  statements and schedule of The Leather Factory,  Inc. included in the
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000.


         HEIN + ASSOCIATES LLP


         Dallas, Texas
         March 29, 2001