Craft Your Own Leather Tote Bag: An Easy DIY Guide
- Tony See
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
Dreaming of a custom leather tote that perfectly suits your style? Making your own is incredibly rewarding and simpler than you might think! This tutorial, inspired by the excellent video guide from Tony See Patterns, will walk you through the essential steps to create a beautiful, durable handmade leather tote.
Why Go DIY with Your Leather Tote?
A handmade leather tote isn't just a bag; it's a statement of craftsmanship. You get to select premium leather, choose your preferred hardware, and ensure every stitch meets your standards. Plus, the satisfaction of carrying something you made yourself is unmatched.
Tools & Materials You'll Need
Before you begin, gather these key items:
Materials:
Leather: A sturdy piece of full-grain or top-grain leather for the main body and straps.
Leather Cement: For temporary bonding.
Rivets: Double-cap rivets for secure strap attachment.
Waxed Thread: Strong and durable for leather stitching.
Tools:
Rotary Cutter/Utility Knife & Steel Ruler: For precise cuts.
Cutting Mat: To protect your surface.
Hole Punches & Mallet: For creating holes for rivets and stitches.
Edge Beveller & Slicker: For finishing edges.
Pricking Irons/Stitching Chisels: For evenly spaced stitch holes.
Stitching Pony/Clamp: To hold your leather steady.
Leather Needles & Lighter: For hand-stitching.
Rivet Setter: To secure your rivets.
Step-by-Step Leather Tote Creation
Follow these steps to bring your leather tote to life:
Cut Your Leather: Carefully measure and cut your main body piece and two strap pieces. Precision here ensures a professional finish.
Prepare Edges: Use an edge beveller to round off all raw edges, then sand and slick them for a smooth, refined look.
Assemble & Glue: Fold your main leather piece to form the tote's structure. Apply leather cement to the side seams and press firmly.
Hand-Stitch Sides: Using pricking irons, punch evenly spaced holes along the glued seams. Then, employ the robust saddle stitch with waxed thread and two needles to securely sew the sides together. Backstitch at the ends for durability and melt thread ends.
Attach Straps: Position your straps, punch holes for rivets, and then securely fasten them to the tote using your rivets and rivet setter.
Your Masterpiece Awaits!
You've done it! You've crafted a unique, high-quality leather tote bag. While this guide provides the essentials, seeing it in action can be incredibly helpful. For a comprehensive visual guide, watch the full video tutorial by Tony See Patterns here: