DIY LEATHER TOTE

Sometimes all you need is a simple leather tote. Sometimes that simple leather tote will cost you a couple hundred dollars. Instead you can make your own because these totes are actually very easy to make.

You will need
- 100% polyester sewing thread
- a sewing machine that can take the abuse of sewing leather
- leather

 Cut out pieces from the leather according to the dimensions given

1: Take two "a" pieces and sew them with the leather sides facing together, leaving a 1/2"wide seam
2: Open up the seam and press it down with your fingers
3: Sew the seam down 1/4" from the middle. Repeat for the other "a" pieces
4: Sew the 2 front pieces to the bottom piece "c" with a 1/2" seam allowance
5: For bonus points, sew another "c" piece, leather side facing up and along the seam, to make the bottom more stiff and nicer on the inside

6: Sew the sides "b" along the sides of "a" and bottom "c"with a 1/2" seam allowance

1: For the straps, fold the sides in, overlapping slightly in the middle
2: Sew down the middle
3: Mark where you want to place your straps. My straps were placed 2.5"off centre, with stitch starting at 3/4" from the top of the bag, with the bottom of the strap at 2.75" from the top of the bag
4: If you can, sew with the leather side facing up to protect the fabric
5: Make two stitches one at the bottom and one at the top to reinforce each of the straps
6. Admire  your handy work