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Cost
$ $ $ $ $
Difficulty
• • • • •
Time
45 mins

Not just your usual grocery bag!
The first of a two-part leather tote tutorial series from Operation Overhaul, this version is a wallet and environmental friendly version of Maison Martin Margiela's luxury shopping totes!

For more process photos please head to our site! Enjoy & keep a look out for another leather tote tutorial coming up! xx

Posted by Operation Overhaul from Singapore, Singapore • Published See Operation Overhaul's 30 projects »
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  • How to sew a leather tote. Black Leather Shopping Tote - Step 1
    Step 1

    Materials Needed:
    - Leather (or any other fabric you prefer)
    - Scissors/Craft cutter
    - Measuring tape/ long ruler
    - Pins
    - Fabric Pen (not pictured)
    - Grocery Bag

  • How to sew a leather tote. Black Leather Shopping Tote - Step 2
    Step 2

    Firstly, find a grocery bag the desired size of your bag and measure it. Here are the approximate measurements of my bag.

  • How to sew a leather tote. Black Leather Shopping Tote - Step 3
    Step 3

    Cut out the correct amount of leather — this might get tricky. Turn it inside out and sew down the sides.

    Length = 2 x 12? (width) + 4 x 2? (handle width) = 43?

    Height = 21? (height of bag + handle drop)

  • How to sew a leather tote. Black Leather Shopping Tote - Step 4
    Step 4

    Lay the piece flat on a table and push the sewn side inwards as shown. Make sure that both sides are folded in to the desired width of the handle you want to achieve. Pin it down and repeat to the other side.

  • How to sew a leather tote. Black Leather Shopping Tote - Step 5
    Step 5

    Sew straight across the bottom on top of the folded sides, securing it all down.

  • How to sew a leather tote. Black Leather Shopping Tote - Step 6
    Step 6

    Now working on the top, use a fabric pen and draw out the handles. You can simply cut out a rectangle but I chose to add a slight curve.

  • How to sew a leather tote. Black Leather Shopping Tote - Step 7
    Step 7

    Should you try and carry the bag now, you’ll find that there are no “holes” for the handles. Snip downwards as in the picture (for the side without the seam) to create the armholes for the handles.

  • How to sew a leather tote. Black Leather Shopping Tote - Step 8
    Step 8

    For the side with the seam, simply snip downwards right beside the seams, cutting them away and creating a hole for the handle.

  • How to sew a leather tote. Black Leather Shopping Tote - Step 9
    Step 9

    Finally, sew the top of the handles together!

  • How to sew a leather tote. Black Leather Shopping Tote - Step 10
    Step 10

    You’re done!!! :D

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