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  4,  2002,  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, 2001.



HEIN + ASSOCIATES LLP


Dallas, Texas
March 19, 2002