Upcycled Leather Tote
Today, I’m going to be upcycling leather pants into a tote bag.
The pants also aren’t wearable. I’m glad I can combine two damaged pieces into one practical piece.
Tools and materials:
- Leather tote bag
- Leather pants
- Seam ripper
- Tote bag
- Iron
- Sewing machine
- Clips
- Pins
1. Seam rip the pants
First, seam rip the pants and open them up so you have the most amount of fabric.
I also removed the belt band to use as the bag strap. If your leather pants have a lining, cut that out to line your bag with.
2. Cut out the pieces
Next, cut out the pieces for your bag.
You can use the measurements of a tote bag that you like the size of.
In total, I have two outer pieces and two lining pieces, each measuring 15x16.5 inches (38x42cm).
I also have two strap pieces measuring 24x2.5 inches (61x6cm).
3. Iron the strap down
One of the straps is the belt band. Cut another strap of the same size.
Fold the sides of the other strap piece over. Press it with your iron.
4. Sew strap closed
Fold it in half and sew along either side.
5. Make a pocket
I made a pocket from scrap fabric, modeling a denim pocket that I have.
6. Sew the pocket to the bag
7. Attach straps to bag
Place one piece of leather on top of the other, right sides together.
Assemble the bag. Measure 3 inches (7.5cm) in from either side. Attach the straps.
8. Sew in the lining
Take your lining piece and flip it inside out.
Then start pinning it inside the tote bag, leaving a gap in the lining piece so you can turn it inside out.
After sewing, pull out the leather side of the bag through the gap in the lining.
9. Close the gap
Close up the gap and top stitch all around.
The author may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.
Comments
Join the conversation