I have seen this style bag everywhere lately, and have wanted to make one for a while. I love the shape. Check out the tutorial to learn how to make a leather bucket bag just like this one. You can also shop similar options below. You can also check out some of my other bag tutorials here, here and here.
1. Clare V. // 2. Amazon // 3. Amazon // 4. Neely and Chloe // 5. Target
6. Moda Operandi // 7. Shopbop // 8. Mozaer // 9. Shopbop // 10. Target
11. Mozaer
How to Make a Leather Bucket Bag
Materials – How to Make a Leather Bucket Bag
- Leather (you can use fabric for this. I recommend a medium weight upholstery fabric
- Lining fabric
- Lightweight and medium weight fuseable interfacing
- Grommets
- Jump rings
- Chain or strap
Optional Materials – How to Make a Leather Bucket Bag
- Flexible cutting board
- 1/4″ craft foam
Instructions – How to Make a Leather Bucket Bag
Cut one piece of leather, lining fabric, medium weight and lightweight interfacing that measures 21.5″ x 11″
Next cut one piece of leather, lining fabric, medium weight and lightweight interfacing in the shape of a circle that measures 7″ across.
Following the instructions on the packaging, fuse medium weight interfacing to the wrong side of your leather, and the lightweight interfacing to the wrong side of the lining fabric.
Fold both body pieces together and using a 3/8″ seam allowance sew the short sides together.
Next with right sides together stitch the bottom piece of the lining to body of the bag. Do the same with the leather piece.
Cut a hole in the bottom of the lining piece. You will need it to flip the bag right side out when your done.
With right sides together put the outer bag inside of the lining, and stitch around the top using a 1/2″ seam allowance. If your pieces don’t line up like mine just trim them.
Flip the bag right side out through the hole you cut in the bottom of the lining.
Optional Step
I like to re-enforce the bottom of my bags so when I fill it up the bottom doesn’t sag.
Cut a piece slightly smaller that the original bottom of the bag out of something sturdy. I use flexible cutting boards I buy on Amazon. Then I wrap in in 1/4″ craft foam and sew around the outside. You don’t have to cover it in foam, you can just use the cutting board. Note. I had to tape two pieces together to get the right size for my bag. That is why there is tape on mine.
Place it flat in the bottom of the bag and stitch the bottom closed.
Flip the lining into the bag. Secure the top with clips and top stitch around the top of the bag.
Fold the bag in half to find the center. Keep the seam on one side of the bag when you fold it. This will keep the seam at the back when your done.
Mark the center of the bag on both sides. This is where you will place the grommets. If you have never used grommets before I recommend watching this video.
After you insert the grommets attach your strap. I used this acrylic chain link strap that I bought on Etsy. The cool thing about this chain is that the it comes in pieces. You need to put them together. At first I thought it would be a pain, but it very easy and you can make the strap whatever length you want. Feel free to use whatever you like for the strap. You could use fabric or a chain strap. Next I attached it with some lobster swivel clasps but you can use any kind of sturdy ring. Split rights would work also.
Done! Now get outside and enjoy your new bag!