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Home » Free Sewing Patterns » How to make a Leather Tote Bag (Handmade Gift Idea)
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How to make a Leather Tote Bag (Handmade Gift Idea)

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I love this leather tote bag tutorial.  I love the sewing directions and how to make this functional bag! Great DIY idea. Perfect idea for those who like bags and purses to sew or sewing projects. Tote bag pattern free is my favorite.

leather tote bag

You can learn how to make a leather tote bag with this easy to follow tutorial.  This tote bag is perfect for quick overnight trips, school books and grocery shopping.  Perfect for on the go

Materials

1/2 yard medium weight cotton, eg) denim, twill

1/2 yard faux leather or lightweight vinyl

1/2 yard quilting cotton

4 D rings

16 rivets

1 magnetic snap

Cut

out of twill:

2 X Outer Bag (Piece A) – 22″ x 18″

4 X Strap Tab (Piece E) – 6″ x 4″

2 X Strap (Piece F) – 25″ x 4″

out of faux leather:

2 X Outer Bag Leather (Piece B) – 22″ x 13.5″

2 X Lining Facing (Piece C) – 22″ x 4.5″

out of cotton:

2 X Lining (Piece D) – 22″ x 14.5″

It is helpful to label each piece with masking tape so they don’t get mixed up!

Sewing Machine

Sewing Essentials (scissors, pins, etc.)

Sew

All seam allowances are 1/2″

How to make a leather tote bag.

Step 1 – Sew the Lining

Cut a small scrap of fabric, approximately 1″ x 2″, and fold it in half. This is to reinforce the snap. Center it on the wrong side of Piece C

126leather tote bag

Cut 2 small holes and insert the magnetic snap. Repeat with the other side.

126leather tote bag-2-2

With right sides together, pin and sew lining facing (piece C) to lining (piece D). Fold seam allowance up and topstitch. Repeat with other side.

126leather tote bag-3-2

Pin and sew lining together along sides and bottom, leaving a 3″ opening along the bottom edge for turning. (I forgot, so I had to seam rip it open later!) Clip bottom corner.

126leather tote bag-4

With the right sides together, fold the lining so that the side seam is lined up with the bottom seam. Measure up 2.5″ from the bottom corner and stitch across.

126leather tote bag-6-2

Trim this seam. Repeat with the other corner.

126leather tote bag-7-2

Now you have a lining with a base and sides!

126leather tote bag-8

 

Step 2 – Sew the outside of the tote

Fold under 1/2″ of one of the long edges of piece B. I find it helpful to use glue stick to keep it in place. Pin it to the right side of piece A.

126leather tote bag-5

Topstitch close to folded edge. Baste remaining edges. Repeat with other side.

126leather tote bag-3

Step 3 – Assemble the Straps for the bag

Fold the short ends of the strap tabs (piece E) 1/2″ to the wrong side. Press.

126leather tote bag-6

Fold in long ends in towards the center, then fold the strap in half. All the raw edges are now enclosed. Edgestitch along all 4 sides.

126leather tote bag-7

Thread the strap tab through the D ring. Fold one end over 1″ and topstitch in place. Apply the rivets. 126leather tote bag-10

Position the strap tab on the outer bag 3″ down from the top edge and 6″ over from the side. Topstitch it in place. It is helpful to use a zipper foot to get around the rivets. Repeat with the other strap tab and the other side.

Sew the straps in the same manner (piece F) and stitch them to the other side of the D ring.

126leather tote bag-9

Step 4 – Put the tote bag all together

Assembly outer bag in the same way as the lining by stitching across the bottom corners.

126leather tote bag-11

Place the outer tote bag inside the lining, right sides facing, matching raw edges at the top of the bag and aligning side seams. Be sure the straps are tucked out of the way. Stitch.

126leather tote bag-2-3

Turn right side out through the hole you left in the lining.

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Stitch opening in lining closed (hand stitch for a cleaner finish).

126leather tote bag-4-2

Topstitch along top edge. You’ve completed the how to make a leather tote tutorial

126leather tote bag-6-3

128leather tote-10

Other Free Bag Patterns:

  • All of the Free Bag and Purse Patterns available
  • No Sew Hobo
  • The Blogger Bag
  • Quick Sew Hobo
  • Wine Bottle Gift Bag
  • The Easy Book Bag
  • Diaper Bag Tutorial
  • The Man Satchel
  • Shave Kit Case
  • The Tablet Cover
  • Quilted Leather Clutch
  • Little Purse Tutorial
  • Child Sheep Purse Tutorial
  • Drawstring Backpack Tutorial
  • Sleeping Bag Pack

 

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