Who doesn’t love a leather bag, or a quality faux leather?! These fabulous leather bag sewing patterns and tutorials will give you some top tips for sewing with leather.
How about stunning friends and family with stylish leather purses?
I have gathered free leather purse patterns for you to enjoy, endeavouring to source a wide range of styles for you to choose from. If you fancy stretching yourself further there are many printable leather handbags PDF patterns for sale on Etsy (affiliate link).

Before we start on your leather bag making journey I am sure you are wondering about whether you can sew leather on a domestic sewing machine and where to source leather….
Where to source leather?
Do not have any leather in your stash? No worries. I was fortunate to pick up leather from a car boot sale (I suspect the equivalent of a yard sale in the US). How about upcycling? Source old leather jackets from second-hand websites/thrift shops or even old sofas!
Alternatively fabric shops now regularly sell leather, such as Joanna’s in the US and Minerva crafts in the UK.
Tips for sewing leather on a domestic sewing machine
- Use a leather machine needles in your sewing machine
- Lengthen your stitch length, I suggest 3.5 or longer
- Difficulty feeding through your machine? Try a Teflon foot, or a walking foot, or tissue paper next to your feed dogs (you can rip this away later)
- Strong thread such as a top stitch thread
21 Leather Purse Patterns
Making your own leather bags and purses is super easy with this fabulous list of projects. These free sewing patterns and tutorials have something for everyone. Each of these tutorials goes into detail on how to sew with leather or faux leather, give it a go!
leatherette pouch — Domestic-Diva
This super cute leather pouch has a printable to cut the leather design our with a craft knife. or a SVG if you have a silhouette or cricut.
Personally, I think this leather pouch would make a fantastic gift for friends.
Handcrafted Leather Messenger Bag Pattern
This beautiful handmade messenger bag will take you some time and effort but oh my goodness the result is superb!!
The detailed instructions include lots of photographs to take you step by step through the leather messenger bag making process. This bag is too good to give as a gift, keep the bag and enjoy for yourself.
Fabric and Leather Handbag FREE Pattern: Good for Beginners
This sparkly leather bag is made on a regular sewing machine, with detailed instructions and printable instructions.
This is a great leather purse which is easily customizable with your favourite fabrics.
Upcycling A Leather Coat into a DIY Leather Bag
This DIY leather bag is totally my kinda style - an upcycled coat is the basis of the bag.
Keeping the original features of the coat adds lots of personality to your bag.
faux stone washed leather bag — Domestic-Diva
This faux leather bag comes with a free printable PDF pattern including the pattern pieces as an instant download. It's a detailed bag with a few steps to follow carefully.
Two external zipped pockets add detail to the design, especially if you choose metal zippers.
Leather Backpack Patchwork Tutorial
This is a stunning leather backpack, with the design making the most of the curves of the leather hide.
The instructions are limited so this free pattern is perfect if you are an experienced bag maker.
How to make a leather purse
Learn how to sew with a clasp frame to make this gorgeous leather purse. You can make the purse with or without the additional flower details.
The tutorial includes written and video tutorials plus a free downloadable pattern for newsletter subscribers.
Sew Easy: DIY Sewn Leather Pouches (3 Ways)
A super easy sewing DIY that can be used for makeup, cash, credit cards, etc.
These purses are fabulous leather accessories, plus they only take about 30 minutes to make! Great options if you make to sell at craft fairs.
Easy Leather Hobo Bag - video
Sara from Sew Sweetness has a youtube channel video and free leather pattern with download link showing how you can sew this simple leather hobo bag.
The leather has a substantial body so the bag is sleek and structured, rather than slouchy like many hobo bags.
Bucket bag
I love the look of this unlined bucket bag.
This tutorial is written in German, with limited photographs - however with a translate app you will be able to make this bag, it is easier than it looks!
Diy Pyramid Leather Pouch
This is a super cute leather pyramid pouch which you can size to your own requirements.
A fun small project to try your hand at, perfect for your leather scraps.
How to sew a Tote bag
This unlined tote is an easy make - my eye is particularly drawn to the use of eyelets to add that touch of style to the leather purse.
Another lovely touch is using crimping scissors for the top of the bag.
DIY: How to make a leather bag in 10 minutes!! The easiest bag EVER!!!
Wow - this bag is simply stunning. It is a Spanish youtube video tutorial but as the bag is fairly straight forward to make you should be able to follow along.
The choice of colours make stunning leather bags.
Kelly Waist Bag Pattern
This waist bag is simply stunning, but you will need a sewing machine which can cope with layers of fabric (I know my regular machine would not manage this but my old Bernina possible would).
This detailed free leather pattern includes free printable leather pattern pieces.
Sew a faux leather purse: trio zippered bag
This leather bag looks super complicated and very professional, however, it is easier than it looks!
Choosing different tones in leather compliments the design of the leather purse.
Round Leather Bag Tutorial - Darling Darleen | A Lifestyle Design Blog
Who doesn't love a round bag?? This purse pattern is easy to sew and looks stunning.
With a retro vibe it has a simple look, the round leather bag is a fun accessory.
Leather DIY Clutch Purse
This is a fabulous project to start with, easy to make and super stylish. Learn how to add pattern to your leather clutch with Deco Pens. Unlike fabric, leather does not fray so there's no need to hem the edges or line the interiors.
A simple clutch that can be sewn in minutes.
DIY Stylish Leather School Satchel
Learn how to make a super stylish and affordable purse with a strap. You can take this to work, school, or anywhere when you go out.
With no zipper or button, just sew and attach the strap and ta-da, it’s ready to use. This bag is easier to make than it looks, give it a go!
How to make a tote bag with lining
With this free tote pattern, you will learn how to combine leather with canvas fabric. The instructions include a video with top tips for sewing leather on a domestic sewing machine.
The finished tote bag has a lined internal pocket designed to protect a tablet or similar device.
Lush & Plush Trends from Fabric.com: Trendy Faux Leather Handbag
This super stylish bag is great for an intermediate sewer. With many pockets, it is easy to organisee your belongings.
Learn how to sew faux leather.
How to sew an upcycled leather purse
Stephanie shows us how to upcycle an old leather jacket into a stylish tote - prolonging the life of a much-loved item.
Learn how to capture features from the original item to show off in your new leather tote bag.
Love bag making? Check out my ebook Bag Making for Beginners which covers essential bag skills with incremental bag patterns to hone your skills.


Marjorie
Saturday 25th of February 2023
Vicky:
Great bag patterns! But my sewing machine guy warned me not to ruin my machine sewing leather. What kind of machine do you use to sew leather?
Marjorie
Vicky Myers
Tuesday 14th of March 2023
Hi, I have a Janome XL601 which is really not keen on leather, but get on better with my Bernina 830. If you are looking to change your sewing machine I suggest trying out the regular materials you like sewing to see how the new to you sewing machine manages.
Tuija
Wednesday 20th of April 2022
Thanks for the ideas!
Vicky
Tuesday 10th of May 2022
Glad you like them :)
Nitann
Wednesday 10th of March 2021
I love your ideas! I have patterns for American Girl Dolls' purse patterns, but I really like your patterns for us! My daughter will want several, I know. Thanks for sharing.