DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote

Learn how to make your own DIY pattern paper leather tote with this easy tutorial. You’ll be able to customize the bag to your liking and have a new go-to piece for everyday wear.

DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote by Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth, a top lifestyle blog in Houston, Texas

This DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote lets you have the luxury look of a leather tote without all the hassle. 

I love leather handbags. But sewing on genuine leather can be finicky. I’ve encountered one too many broken needles through the years.

And I just don’t have the patience for hand-stitching.

So I, Erin was super excited to discover a material that has the strength and looks of leather and the washability of fabric.

But it’s actually PAPER. Can you believe it? Yes, you read that right. Paper!

If you’re in the market for a new tote for back to school or even a reusable bag for all those Target runs, then check out this custom DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote!

You can stroll around with it or bring it on a weekend trip.

Or this DIY Pom Pom Tassel Circle Pool Bag might be the right choice if you prefer to live in color.

DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote by Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth, a top lifestyle blog in Houston, Texas

Materials and Tools Needed to Make DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote

Kraft-Tex paper leather — In 2 colors (natural and white)

Scissors

White fabric paint

Paintbrush

Clothes pins and/or mini binder clips

Thread

Sewing machine

Ruler

Jumbo cotton rope — Sold at most fabric stores

1” curtain grommets in matte gold (or color of your choice)

DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote by Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth, a top lifestyle blog in Houston, Texas

How to Make DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote

Step 1 – Cut out the following piece sizes:

Two: 5.5” x 14” pieces of white paper leather

Two: 10” x 14” pieces of natural paper leather

DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote by Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth, a top lifestyle blog in Houston, Texas

Step 2 – Paint white dashes and squiggles on the natural paper with fabric paint.

Allow drying.

DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote by Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth, a top lifestyle blog in Houston, Texas

Step 3 – Use clothes pins or mini binder clips to pin the right sides of the natural and white pieces together to form one large rectangle. (Sewing pins leave unwanted permanent holes.)

Repeat with the back side of the bag.

Step 4 – Then, sew the white and natural pieces to one another at 3/8” seam allowance. Use a ruler or any flat object to press open the seam.

DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote by Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth, a top lifestyle blog in Houston, Texas

Step 5 – Place the right sides of the bag so they’re facing each other and hold them in place with clothes pins or mini binder clips.

Step 6 – Sew the sides and bottom of the bag together and use a ruler to press open the seam.

DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote by Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth, a top lifestyle blog in Houston, Texas

DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote by Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth, a top lifestyle blog in Houston, Texas

Step 7 – Turn the bag right side out and mark the grommet locations using the template that’s included with the grommets.

The grommets on my bag are 2” from the top and 4” from the outside edges.

Step 8 – Cut out the holes with scissors and snap the grommets together according to the package instructions.

DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote by Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth, a top lifestyle blog in Houston, Texas

DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote by Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth, a top lifestyle blog in Houston, Texas

Step 9 – Thread the rope handles through the grommets.

Step 10 – Tie the rope ends in knots inside the bag and you’re all done! 

The paper leather will crease and patina over time giving it a wonderfully weathered leather look!

DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote by Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth, a top lifestyle blog in Houston, Texas

DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote by Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth, a top lifestyle blog in Houston, Texas

More Easy DIY’s

I was so happy to discover this cool new fabric paper to play around with as it makes sewing leather-look pieces so much easier!

Have you discovered any life-changing new crafting or DIY materials lately? If so, spill the deets!

For more easy DIY’s for your closest, check out a few of our favorites from the archives below —

DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote by Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth, a top lifestyle blog in Houston, Texas

DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote

Print
5 from 1 vote
This tote is the perfect tutorial for anyone looking to learn something new. It's a fun craft project that you can use anywhere, anytime!
Active Time1 hour
Dry Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course DIY
Category Style & Beauty

Equipment

  • Scissors
  • Paintbrush
  • Clothes pins and/or mini binder clips
  • Sewing machine
  • Ruler

Materials

  • 2 Kraft-Tex paper leather any color
  • 1 fabric paint
  • Thread
  • 5-6 ft jumbo cotton rope  for the handles
  • 2 1” curtain grommets any color

Instructions

  • Cut out the following piece sizes:
    2 pieces of 5.5” x 14” white paper leather
    2 pieces of 10” x 14” natural paper leather
  • Paint white dashes and squiggles on the natural paper with fabric paint.
    Allow drying.
  • Use clothes pins or mini binder clips to pin the right sides of the natural and white pieces together to form one large rectangle. (Sewing pins leave unwanted permanent holes.)
    Repeat with the back side of the bag.
  • Then, sew the white and natural pieces to one another at 3/8” seam allowance. Use a ruler or any flat object to press open the seam.
  • Place the right sides of the bag so they’re facing each other and hold them in place with clothes pins or mini binder clips.
  • Sew the sides and bottom of the bag together and use ruler to press open the seam.
  • Turn the bag right side out and mark the grommet locations using the template that’s included with the grommets.
    The grommets on our bag are 2” from the top and 4” from the outside edges.
  • Cut out the holes with scissors and snap the grommets together according to the package instructions.
  • Thread the rope handles through the grommets.
  • Tie the rope ends in knots inside the bag and you’re all done! 
Cost: $25
KEYWORD: diy paper leather tote

Don’t forget to share your DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote with us on Instagram using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more interior design inspiration? You can find all of our home decor tutorials and ideas right here!

 

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7 thoughts on “DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote”

  1. Oh my gosh this is lovely. I can’t wait to make one. This is so Amazing. The Bag is looking so good. Its Really Amazing. So have really shared something really helpful and great. That tote is so cute! Thank you for sharing.

    Reply

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