It took me a little time, but I finally found the perfect second-hand leather coat to upcycle into my new bag. When making a DIY leather bag, choosing the right material is key—you’ll want to love both the texture and the color, since they set the whole vibe of your project.

I’m especially proud of this bag because I used only recycled materials. If you get the chance, try making your own upcycled leather bag too. Reusing fabric not only saves money, it’s also an eco-friendly sewing project that helps reduce waste. After all, producing new textiles often requires thousands of liters of water and contributes to environmental damage—so giving old clothes a second life makes a real difference.

The best part about working with leather is how beautifully it ages. With a little care, your handmade leather bag will last for years and even look better with time. Leather develops a rich patina, meaning one day you could pass your bag down to your granddaughter as a treasured piece with a story behind it.

DIY Upcycled Leather Bag – Materials and Sewing Tips

When I decided to make my own DIY leather bag, I wanted to focus on sustainability and creativity. Instead of buying new fabric, I sourced everything from my closet and a local second-hand shop. Using recycled materials for sewing not only saves money but also gives your project a unique story.

Here’s what I used for my upcycled bag:

• Old leather coat from a second-hand shop – A sturdy leather jacket is perfect for repurposing into a bag. The material is strong, durable, and already beautifully broken in.

• My old denim jeans – Denim pairs wonderfully with leather and adds a casual, textured contrast. Old jeans are also a great choice for linings, pockets, or straps.

By combining these two materials, you get a stylish, eco-friendly bag that’s truly one of a kind.

DIY Upcycled Leather Tote Bag – Step-by-Step Tutorial

I wanted to create a DIY leather tote bag using only recycled materials, so I started with an old leather coat from a second-hand shop and a pair of worn-out denim jeans. With just these two items, you can make a beautiful, durable, and eco-friendly bag. Below, I’ll walk you through the exact steps I followed (and you can see each stage in the photos).

How to Make a Leather Bag Pattern

 

The first step is preparing your fabric. Instead of buying new leather, I cut apart an old coat:

1. Cut the leather coat along the seams – This gives you large, flat pieces to work with.

2. Cut the bag pieces – Using a simple tote bag template (see photos), cut out the front, back, sides, and bottom from the leather.

Next, prepare the lining from your old denim jeans:

 

• Cut the jeans along the seams to open them up.

• From the flat denim pieces, cut two lining panels that match your bag’s dimensions. Denim works great because it’s sturdy and pairs beautifully with leather.

How to Sew a Slip Pocket Inside the Bag

Every tote bag is more practical with pockets. I added a simple slip pocket inside:

1. Measure and cut a square of fabric – I used leftover denim.

    

2. Finish the edges and sew – Follow the steps in the photos to prepare the pocket.

3. Attach the pocket to the lining – Pin or clip the pocket to one lining panel and stitch around the edges.

    

4. Divide into smaller compartments – Add a few vertical stitches to create sections for keys, phone, or pens.

Sewing the Bag Body

Now it’s time to put the bag together:

1. Sew the leather pieces – Join the front, back, sides, and bottom as shown in the photos.

2. Sew the denim lining the same way – You’ll now have two bags: one leather outer and one denim lining.

3. Cut and sew the corners – This gives your bag depth and shape. Repeat for both the leather bag and the lining.

How to Sew Bag Handles

Handles need to be strong but comfortable. Here’s the method I used:

• Glue before sewing – A simple trick: use school glue or fabric glue to hold the leather strips together. This makes sewing easier and prevents shifting.

• Sew the handles – Stitch along the edges for strength and a neat look.

• Attach handles to the bag – Clip them into place and sew them securely to the top of your leather bag.

   

Extra tip: Reinforce the handles with an “X-box” stitch (a square with a cross inside) for extra durability.

Different post about handles:

KLIK1


KLIK2

How to Sew the Lining into the Bag

1. Place the denim lining inside out, and slide it over the leather bag right sides together.

2. Sew along the top edge, leaving a small gap on one side.

3. Turn the bag right side out through the gap.

    

4. Sew the gap closed.

5. Topstitch around the upper edge of the bag for a polished finish.

Final Touches

For a finishing detail, I added a button closure to my bag (see photos). You could also add magnetic snaps or even a zipper if you prefer.

And that’s it—your upcycled leather tote bag is ready! With recycled materials, a little creativity, and patience, you’ve made a bag that’s both eco-friendly and stylish. Best of all, leather only gets better with age, so this bag will last for years and develop its own unique character.

Before and after photos show the amazing transformation: from an old coat and jeans to a beautiful, handmade leather tote.