Make Your Own Leather Bag!

A big purse is a great accessory when you’re looking to make a bold fashion statement. However, for moments when you need to get out the door and are looking for something smaller with just as much fashionable flair, a DIY leather drawstring bag is just the right choice!

Gather the Right Materials

When you’re ready to start creating a medium-size drawstring leather bag, having the right tools in place will make the process straightforward, simple, and satisfying. You’ll need:

• Fabric scissors
• A piece of leather (24-inches by 12-inches)
• Marking tool
• X-Acto knife or sharp blade
• Sewing machine
• Thread to match the leather you’ve selected

Before you get going, do take time to swap out the foot on your sewing machine for a version that’s up to the task of taking on the leather!

Step-By-Step Instructions to Create a Leather Drawstring Bag You’re Bound to Love

This bag is crafted using three primary pieces of leather. It’s made up of a main body of fabric and two drawstrings. Putting everything together is easier than you might think!

1. Cut out a piece of leather measuring 18-inches by 9-inches for the body of the bag.
2. Cut two long leather strips for the drawstrings, each measuring 1.2-inches by 24-inches.
3. Fold the piece of leather for the body of the bag in half. Make sure the backside of the leather is facing out.
4. Grab the sewing machine and sew a straight line down each side of the folded leather. Stay approximately a quarter of an inch from the edges with your lines, and be sure to leave the top open.
5. Use an X-Acto knife to cut three vertical slits on each side of the bag. These slits should be 1.25-inches apart and placed 2-inches from the top of the bag.
6. Grab the two long leather strips that were cut out in step 2.
7. Fold one leather strip in half the long way, so the leather is facing out.
8. Sew a straight line down the length of the leather drawstring using a quarter-inch inseam.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for the second length of leather.
10. Turn the main bag right side out.
11. String the two drawstrings through the side slits coming from opposite directions and knot the ends together.
12. Your bag is ready to carry!

Goldstar Tool

Using colorful leather for this project is a simple way to turn a drawstring bag into an eye-catching design all on its own. Using a more natural leather hue can transform the bag into a year-round accessory that promises to pair well with any outfit.

Be sure to post a picture of your results on the Goldstar Facebook or Instagram page! Contact us with questions about our products that will elevate your drawstring bag even further.