https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/two-tone-recyled-leather-purse • Posted by Alana S.
Learn how to make a two tone leather purse from an old leather jacket. It's simple & costs a fraction of a bought one!
Learn how to make a two tone leather purse from an old leather jacket. It's simple & costs a fraction of a bought one!
Step 1| Buy some old leather garments This is my favorite part….the hunt for the leather via all the second hand stores I can find! I love good thrift shop expedition and they are definitely the cheapest place to buy old leather garments. Look for beautiful soft leather skirts and jackets in both suede and smooth leather. Make sure the leather is not too thin as you want a little structure and strength but not too tough either as you need to be able to get your sewing machine through it without much trouble. I bought a selection of leather so I could play around and see what worked best and this way I had a good selection of colors for my two tone look.
Step 2| Cut out the purse Cut out two pieces of leather in the size that you want, allow for a 1cm seam allowance and make sure they are exactly the same size. A rotary cutter is good for this but scissors are fine too.
Step 3| Make the fabric tabs Making the tabs is pretty simple, all you need to do is cut out a 4cm wide and 3cm high piece of your chosen fabric. Make sure it is non stretch. Then using an iron, press the piece of fabric in half. This gives a clear halfway line. Use this halfway line to press each side of the fabric into the middle and then in half again like the image shows.
Step 4| Trim the zip up to the stopper Trim the excess material “tail” off the zip at the top end. Just above the metal stoppers.
Step 5| Attach the fabric zip tab Pin the fabric tab (stay to one side as you will use the other half for the second tab at the other end of the zip) to the end of the zip like this. Make sure the zip is sandwiched inside the folded over fabric.
Step 6 | Trim zip to correct length Now lay the zip on top of one of the leather pieces for a measuring guide and trim the zip allowing 1cm each side for seam allowance.
Step 7 | Attach the other zip tab Then attach the fabric tab to the other end of the zip. Follow the same process as before.
Step 7 | Attach zip to leather pieces Place the zip face down on right side of one of the leather pieces like the photo depicts. Using a zipper foot and a leather or denim neddle, sew along the length of the zip. Then attach the other side of the zip. Placing the zip once again upside onto the right side of the remaining piece of leather and sew as before.
Step 8 | Sew sides & bottom of purse The final step is to sew up the purse. Pin the sides of the purse together and sew close to but not over the fabric tabs. Sew both sides first then the bottom. Then trim the corners and turn the purse in the correct way. Making sure you push the corners out properly, they may need a little coxing. .
Step 9 | Admire This is the step when I sit back and admire!