Every Day Leather Tote

Make your own chic leather tote!

Posted by Operation Overhaul

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Finally, part two of a leather tote tutorial series from Operation Overhaul, a tote perfect for every day use!

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You Will Need (6 things)

  • Tailors Chalk
  • Notions: Thread , Scissors, Pins, Sewing Machine
  • Pin(s)
  • Fabric Scissors
  • 2 yd Leather
  • Canvas Tote (template)

Steps (12 steps, 60 minutes)

  1. 1

    Materials needed:

    • Leather (or any other fabric you prefer)
    • Scissors/Craft cutter
    • Measuring tape/ long ruler
    • Pins
    • Tailor Chalk
    • Canvas Tote (or any other bag as template)

  2. 2

    1. Firstly, get the measurements of your desire template. Cut 2 of each piece to form your tote. For the body, I marked a 1 inch border to leave sufficient space for sewing.

  3. 3

    2. Pin your body pieces right side together.

  4. 4

    3. Sew according to the red line. Reinforce with a zigzag stitch if you are worried that the simple stitch will not be sturdy enough.

  5. 5

    4. To achieve a box corner, flatten your tote in a way that the side seam is aligned with the bottom seam.

  6. 6

    5. Leave a mark 1.5? away from the pointed corner and secure your fold with pins on each side. Sew straight across your mark.

  7. 7

    6. Remove the pins and turn your tote inside out to check if you had done it right! Your side and bottom seams should align nicely. Repeat for the other corner.

  8. 8

    7. Bottom of the bag done!

  9. 9

    8. Fold your handle strip in half and sew down the marked 1? line. Trim excess leather away. Repeat on the other side and turn them inside out.

  10. 10

    9. Fold the top of the bag at the 1? border mark and pin your handles to where you’d like them to be. Mine was positioned 4? away from each side.

  11. 11

    10. Finally, sew all around to secure your top seam and handles. Reinforce your handles with zigzag stitches.

  12. 12

    & you're done!!! :D