Basic Leather Tote Bag - Build Along Tutorial

This is a build along video for the Basic Tote Bag Acrylic Template Set. If you wish to purchase the template set:

PDF Version:

Looking to start selling your handcrafted leather goods and need an e-commerce platform? We recommend you start with what we use here at Makesupply… Shopify!

Are you using the PDF version and need help printing and assembling the paper template? Watch the video below.

Need help with hand-stitching? Check out our saddle stitch tutorial.

Inventory of Tools

Leather Selection Suggestions

In this video we used 4/5 oz Waxy Veg Tan leather from the Badalassi Carlo Tannery in Italy. The color is 06 Cognac. If this is your first large scale bag project we highly suggest purchasing a more affordable leather. You can find a great selection of leathers that are suitable for this tote bag project at Acadia Leather. The ideal type of leather for this project would be flexible and at least 4-5 oz up to 7-8 oz. Stiff and rigid veg tan leathers can be used but will be more troublesome at certain parts of the project.

For the straps we used a dark brown 8-9 oz veg tan shoulder. You do not need to purchase another leather to make the straps you can use the same as the previous step. If you are interested in using a different leather for straps without breaking the bank, you can order pre-cut straps from many leather suppliers.