How To Make A Simple Leather Tote Bag (Perfect For Beginners), by The Upholstery Studio on YouTube. 7 min 22 s.
- Video length
- 7 min 22 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Measure and mark your leather into two matching rectangles for the bag body. Cut them out slowly with a sharp knife or rotary cutter against a straight edge.
Punch stitch holes along the side and bottom edges of both panels if your machine struggles with leather. Keep the holes evenly spaced so the seam stays straight.
Place the panels together with the good sides facing in. Sew down both sides and across the bottom with a straight stitch, then backstitch at each end.
Trim the seam allowance and turn the bag right side out. Press the seams flat with a cool iron or your fingers.
Cut two handle strips to the length you want with the strap cutter. Make them equal so the bag hangs level.
Punch two holes at each end of every handle. Mark the same spots on the bag body so the handles sit evenly.
Set a rivet through each handle end and the bag panel using the rivet setter and rubber mallet. Tap firmly but do not crush the leather.
Snip any loose threads with the end cutting pliers and check that both handles pull evenly.
Tips and common mistakes
Test your stitch length and tension on a scrap of the same leather before sewing the bag.
Punch rivet holes slightly smaller than the rivet post so the handle cannot pull loose.
Keep your fingers clear of the needle and cutter, and cut on a protected surface.
Questions
Can I make this bag without a sewing machine?
Yes. Punch evenly spaced holes and sew the seams by hand with a saddle stitch using two needles and heavy thread.
What leather works best for a beginner tote?
A medium-weight veg tan or firm upholstery leather holds its shape and feeds through a machine more easily than soft, stretchy hides.
How long should the handles be?
Measure from your shoulder to the top of the bag and add about 10 cm for the rivet ends. Cut both handles the same length.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
