How to Make a Leather Tote Bag at Home (Using a Domestic Sewing Machine!)
Looking for the perfect leather DIY tote bag that’s both timeless and super practical? You’re in the right place. In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll show you exactly how to make a leather tote bag at home using a regular sewing machine. No industrial tools needed! This is my go-to bag for daily life, and once you make it, I think it’ll be yours too.
Amanda’s Go-To Everyday Tote Bag
Let’s talk about this bag. It’s roomy enough for all the essentials: your laptop, water bottle, umbrella, packed lunch, and that "just in case" jumper. I even throw a small shoulder bag inside in case I want to downsize during the day. This is the kind of bag that handles work, travel, errands, and more. It’s practical, polished, and yep, completely handmade.
The best part? You can sew this leather tote on your domestic sewing machine.
What You'll Learn in This Tutorial
This project is part of my online bag making course I Can Make Bags, where I teach you how to make professional leather handbags from home. When you join, you’ll get:
✅ Free downloadable patterns
✅ Step-by-step video instructions
✅ Beginner-friendly guidance
✅ Pro finishing techniques for a high-quality finish
✅ Ongoing support from professional leather bag makers
This leather tote tutorial is broken into bite-sized, easy-to-follow lessons so you can build your bag with confidence, even if you’re new to bagmaking.
Here's What You'll Make
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A fully lined tote bag with a secure zip top
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A padded laptop sleeve with magnetic closure
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A large zip pocket and two medium inside pockets
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Optional rolled or flat handles
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A sturdy and structured bag that looks like it's straight from a boutique
Want to Try This Leather Tote Project?
If you're already enrolled in I Can Make Bags, you’ll find the full step-by-step video tutorials along with everything you need inside the course dashboard.
Not in the course? No problem. If you've already got bagmaking skills, you can buy the pattern separately and follow along with the walk though video below.
🎥 Watch the walk-through video below:
What You’ll Need
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Printable pattern
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Leather for the outer and lining
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Optional reinforcement materials
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Domestic sewing machine and zipper foot
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Water-based leather glue
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Magnetic snap
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Two zippers (one for the top and one for the inside pocket)
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Optional edge paint and padding
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Optional rope for rolled handles
Order of Construction:
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Print and prepare all your pattern pieces.
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Cut out all of your pieces including your lining pieces.
- Create and attach the padded laptop sleeve.
- Stitch the zip pocket into the lining.
- Add the mini double pocket (Optional)
- Stitch the sides and the base of the lining closed with a 1cm seam allowance.
- Add some optional reinforcement to the base of the exterior piece of the bag for a bit more structure.
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Make and attach your handles, I did rolled handles but you can do straight handles if you find it easier.
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With the bag inside out, stitch the sides and the base of the exterior of the bag with a 1cm seam allowance. Then flip the bag right side out.
- Assemble the inset zip for the topline of the bag, by placing a long zip in between two strips of leather and stitching it in place.
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Attach the inset zip section to the to of the bags lining.
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Insert the lining into the exterior bag piece and secure the topline of the inset zip with the topline of the bag, then stitch the topline closed.
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Finish with edge paint and a little tidy up of your threads or any excess glue.
Let’s Make a Tote Bag!
This is one of my favorite bagmaking projects, and I can’t wait to see your version. Whether you’re brand new to leathercraft or just want to try something fresh, this tutorial is a great way to build your skills and make something you’ll use every day.
Tag us on Instagram @icanmake_bags so we can cheer you on and share your amazing work.
Remember, you’ll find the full step-by-step video tutorials along with everything you need inside the I Can Make Bags Online Bagmaking Course.
Happy Bagmaking! 👜