How to make a DIY hand bag with a leather loop closure?

Jul 23, 2025

Hey there, crafty friends! I'm stoked to share with you today how to make a DIY handbag with a leather loop closure. As a DIY Hand Bag supplier, I've seen firsthand the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating your own unique accessories. So, let's dive right in!

Materials You'll Need

First things first, you'll need to gather your materials. Here's what you'll need for this project:

Fabric: Choose a fabric that you love and that's suitable for a handbag. You can go for something sturdy like canvas or denim, or get creative with a fun print or pattern.
Leather Strips: You'll need some leather strips for the loop closure. You can find these at your local craft store or online.
Thread: Make sure you have thread that matches your fabric.
Needle: A sharp needle will make sewing much easier.
Scissors: Good quality scissors are a must for cutting your fabric and leather.
Ruler: You'll need a ruler to measure and mark your fabric.
Pins: Pins will help you hold your fabric in place while you sew.
Zipper: A zipper will be used for the main opening of the handbag.
Buttons: You'll need a couple of buttons for the leather loop closure.

Step 1: Cutting the Fabric

The first step is to cut your fabric. You'll need to cut two pieces of fabric for the front and back of the handbag. The size of your fabric will depend on how big you want your handbag to be. I usually cut mine about 12 inches by 16 inches, but you can adjust the size to your liking.

Once you've cut your fabric, you'll need to mark the placement of the zipper. Measure about 2 inches down from the top of the fabric and mark a line across the width of the fabric. This is where you'll sew the zipper.

Step 2: Sewing the Zipper

Now it's time to sew the zipper. Place the zipper on top of the marked line on one of the pieces of fabric, with the teeth facing up. Pin the zipper in place, making sure it's straight and centered. Then, using a zipper foot on your sewing machine, sew along the edge of the zipper, close to the teeth.

Next, place the other piece of fabric on top of the zipper, right sides together. Pin the fabric in place, making sure the edges of the fabric match up with the edges of the zipper. Sew along the top edge of the fabric, attaching it to the zipper.

DIY Handbag

Step 3: Sewing the Sides and Bottom

Once the zipper is sewn in, it's time to sew the sides and bottom of the handbag. Place the two pieces of fabric right sides together, with the zipper in the middle. Pin the sides and bottom of the fabric together, making sure the edges match up.

Using a straight stitch on your sewing machine, sew along the sides and bottom of the handbag, leaving a small opening at the bottom for turning the handbag right side out.

Step 4: Turning the Handbag Right Side Out

After sewing the sides and bottom, it's time to turn the handbag right side out. Reach through the opening at the bottom of the handbag and gently pull the fabric through, turning the handbag right side out. Use a chopstick or a pencil to push out the corners and edges, making them nice and sharp.

Once the handbag is right side out, sew the opening at the bottom closed. You can do this by hand or using a sewing machine.

Step 5: Making the Leather Loop Closure

Now it's time to make the leather loop closure. Cut two pieces of leather strip, about 6 inches long each. Fold each piece of leather strip in half, lengthwise, and sew the edges together, leaving a small opening at one end.

Turn the leather strips right side out and sew the opening closed. Then, attach a button to one end of each leather strip.

Step 6: Attaching the Leather Loop Closure

To attach the leather loop closure to the handbag, place the buttons on the front of the handbag, about 2 inches down from the top and centered on the sides of the zipper. Mark the placement of the buttons with a pen or pencil.

Then, using a needle and thread, sew the buttons onto the handbag. Next, place the leather loops on the back of the handbag, lining up the open ends with the buttons on the front. Pin the leather loops in place and sew them onto the handbag.

Step 7: Adding the Straps

The final step is to add the straps to the handbag. You can use fabric straps or leather straps, depending on your preference. Cut two pieces of strap material, about 24 inches long each.

Fold each piece of strap material in half, lengthwise, and sew the edges together, leaving a small opening at one end. Turn the straps right side out and sew the opening closed.

Then, attach the straps to the sides of the handbag, about 2 inches down from the top. You can do this by sewing the straps onto the handbag or using rivets.

Conclusion

And there you have it! You've just made a beautiful DIY handbag with a leather loop closure. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and that you're inspired to create your own unique handbags.

If you're interested in purchasing DIY handbag kits or materials, check out our DIY Handbag and DIY Leather Handbag pages on our website. We also have a great selection of DIY Graffiti Canvas Bag kits if you're looking for something a little more creative.

If you have any questions or need more information, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'd love to hear from you and help you with your DIY projects.