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Distressed Leather Book Bag DIY

I recently received this amazing piece of leather from the Leather Hide Store and couldn't wait to make this bag out of it. LHS provides high quality leather at wholesale prices, making projects like this one affordable without losing the quality of a high end leather bag. This piece of leather is from the remnant sale section on their site, which is one reason it has the great tattered look to it. I've been wanting a large bag to bring to meetings that can hold my lap top, notebooks, files, etc. but something more professional looking than a backpack and more personal than a briefcase. This project would be perfect for those of you about to start school and are looking for a new book bag.  Here's how I created this project:



Supplies: Large tattered piece of leather, sewing machine, heavy duty fabric or leather scissors.

Begin by cutting out the pattern of the purse. To prevent losing any leather, instead of cutting it into two separate pieces for the front and back, I cut it into one large piece and folded it over, leaving the back section longer to create a flap. Because I wanted mine to have a tattered look, I left the messy edges on the flap. Next, fold it with the outside facing inward and stitch the open side and bottom, creating a bag. I wanted mine to be as simple as possible, so I didn't add a lining, but it's always an option if you're comfortable enough with your sewing machine to add in a lining to your bag. Because your bag will most likely be holding a lot of heavy materials, make sure it has a sturdy stitch by going over the seam twice with a zig zag stitch. Next, turn the bag right side out. Cut out and stitch on a long leather strap. Because the remaining leather wasn't long enough, I attached two pieces together to create one long strap.  I measured mine to make the bag hang at my hip. Lastly, stitch on the strap to each side with a sturdy stitch. I attached the strap to the bag twice through with a zig zag stitch. 

What's great about this project is that because each piece of leather is unique, each bag will have a one-of-a-kind look. Enjoy!



Comments

  1. I'm OBSESSED with this. Great work!

    I recently made one of my own with hand-stitching & sinew, but couldn't figure out how to make the strap strong enough.

    Do you find that the leather stretches some on the strap?
    - alxandrialee @ the Wigwam Wife's Life

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    Replies
    1. I used the same leather for the strap and I think it holds up just fine! It hasn't stretched at all.

      Kinsey

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  2. this is a truly stunning piece. I am so in awe of your creative genius. I can't wait to try and make one. thank you so much for sharing. my books have no idea what is about to hit them. xoxo
    www.oomphlove.blogspot.ca

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  3. Beautiful bag! So perfect for the upcoming fall season. Love it.


    http://sometimesgracefully.com

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  4. This is a beautiful DIY! What type of sewing machine do you have? I can do this with a regular machine?
    http://liveitinerantly.com

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    Replies
    1. I used a regular sewing machine with a heavy duty needle and it worked great! :)

      Kinsey

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  5. where is the skirt and the shirt from? do tell.

    Xo. M.

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  6. i love the simplicity of it :D
    -Deana, from Birds&Oxfords

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  7. I can always get behind a book bag, and this one is awesome!

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  8. Oh wow I love that! And so easy!

    Christen
    http://christenlouise.blogspot.com

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  9. Oh I love how this came out! And I love that it is (as you said) one of a kind! You are way talented. I've actually just started getting into sewing on a machine, and I was wondering. What sort of needle do you need to sew through leather?

    xo, Juliette Laura
    http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com
    http://www.etsy.com/shop/InfiniteStyleShop

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much!

      I just used a universal heavy duty sewing needle on my regular sewing machine that I purchased at a local craft store.

      Kinsey

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  10. Totally in love!

    xo Jennifer

    http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com

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  11. Beautiful bag!!! <3

    http://mademoisellejuliet.blogspot.com/
    http://mademoisellejuliet.blogspot.com/

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  12. That bag turned out amazing! I want to make one of these for myself. Now to hunt for a piece of remnant leather for myself.

    Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com

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  13. OG I love this!! I wanna make one now! Off to find me some fabric or leather, which ever finds its way to me :)

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  14. lovelovelove this!

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  15. you know im gonna do this.
    so pumped.

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  16. Dope idea!!!

    www.3girls1apple.com

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  17. This is the perfect weekend project!

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  18. Roughly what size was the leather piece you started with? What a talent you have! I have an 8 foot piece of Italian leather that I have no idea what to do with. Something like this would make a great Christmas gift for my mother.

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    Replies
    1. It was roughly 4x3 ft. so your piece of leather should totally work!

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