DIY Bag Hack – How to Revamp Any Bag with Leather Straps
Want to take your canvas bag to a new level? Sharing how to revamp any bag with leather straps tutorial that will take any bag up a notch.
I’m always on the lookout for simple and inexpensive ways to revamp items I already own once I wear out their traditional look.
Like this DIY Pattern Paper Leather Tote, you can have the luxurious look of leather!
It’s just an added bonus when the finished outcome of a revamp makes it look even more expensive than it really is, like a DIY leather strapped tote bag which only cost me $15 in materials!
Chelsea from Lovely Indeed sent me this darling tote a few months ago, and I’ve been using it for everything.
It was just a matter of time before it earned its leather straps, here’s how..
Materials and Tools Needed to Modify an Old Bag
Scissors
Leather straps — I purchased mine pre-cut from Tandy Leather. This is a similar strap.
How to Revamp Any Bag
Step 1 — First, cut the existing straps off your bag as close to the trim as you can.
Step 2 — Then, measure and cut two 22inch leather pieces to use as straps.
The width is up to you as far as comfort, mine are cut a 1/2 inch thick.
Step 3 — Once you have the desired placement of your straps, use the leather punch to punch through the straps and tote bag.
I made two holes for two rivets on each side for added support, but it’s up to you.
Next, insert rivets in the holes you previously made according to the instructions on your kit.
Step 4 — If you want to make a closure strap, measure and cut a piece of leather that is 1inch wider than the desired width of your closure strap, and insert a rivet on each side.
This way it’s snug enough to keep the strap closed.
Step 5 — Cut a piece of leather that’s about 6 or 7 inches long to use as a strap (making sure it’s long enough to safely rest where you placed the enclosure piece).
Step 6 — Make sure the leather is facing the wrong side up, and use a rivet to attach the leather strap.
Step 7 — Fold the strap over and under the enclosure, and you’re finished!
Swapping out the straps with leather straps really adds a luxe look! We love working with this textile.
There is no end to what you can do with leather, from placemats to leather stools and more!
For more of our easy projects with leather, check out a few of our favorites from the archives —
More DIY’s with Leather
- Pom Pom Leather Luggage Tag
- Leather Hexagon Vanity Tray
- DIY Leather Bar and Drink Tags
- Pattern Paper Leather Tote
DIY Leather Straps Bag
Equipment
- Scissors
- Leather hole punch
Materials
- 1 tote bag
- 1 leather strap
- 1 small rivet starter kit
Instructions
- Cut the existing straps off your bag as close to the trim as you can.
- Measure and cut two 22" leather pieces to use as straps.The width is up to you as far as comfort, ours are cut a 1/2" thick.
- Once you have the desired placement of your straps, use the leather hole puncher to punch through the straps and tote bag.You can make holes for two rivets on each side for added support, but it’s up to you.
- Insert the rivets in the holes you previously made according to the instructions on your kit.
- Optional: If you want to make a closure strap, measure and cut a piece of leather that is 1" wider than the desired width of your closure strap, and insert a rivet on each side.This way it’s snug enough to keep the strap closed.
- Cut a piece of leather that’s about 6- 7" long to use as a strap (making sure it’s long enough to safely rest where you placed the enclosure piece).
- Make sure the leather is facing the wrong side up, and use a rivet to attach the leather strap.
- Fold the strap over and under the enclosure, and you’re finished!
Don’t forget to share your DIY bag hack 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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