1 - Check you have everything in your Box:

Pre-cut and Punched Leather Pieces
2x Chicago screws
2x Buckles
4x Binder Clips
2x Keyring loops
2x Colours of Handmade Waxed Thread
6x Canvas Cloth
4x Sewing Needles
Illustrated Learner Guide

You will also need:

• Small pair of scissors
• A little pot of water
• Your quality time, 2 - 3 hours

2 - Measure the Thread

Your Leather Tote Bag has 12 stitching sections, so you will need to cut lengths of thread measuring 160cm (x1), 110cm (x1), 40cm (x2), 100cm (x2) and 50cm (x6). Start by choosing the thread colour that you would like to stitch with, then measure and cut the pieces of wax thread.

3 - Burnish the Edges

Next, seal the leather edges using a traditional technique called ‘Burnishing’. Use the diagram above to find the edges that need burnishing at this stage.

Take your finger tip and dab a small amount of water on the edge of the leather. Then take your cotton cloth and gently rub the edges. You will see the rough edge turn smooth and shiny.

*Top tip - You can use a cotton bud for express precision when apply your water*

4 - Thread the Needle

A. Thread the eye of the needle with the 160cm piece of thread. 
B. Pull through 6-8cm of thread and then pierce the thread.
C. Pierce the thread again at 1cm distance along the long piece of thread.
D. Holding the needle tip, pull down the entire thread. This is called locking the needle.

5 - Locate Holes for Alignment

Find the correct holes for alignment circled in orange below. This section will require you to use your hands to keeps the pieces in place.

6 - Start Stitching

Start stitching by pushing the needle through the top hole of the back stitching section. Pull the needle through so that there is an equal amount of thread on either side.

7 - Locking Backstitch

This stitch section requires a locking backstitch to add durability. It may look like you have started 1 stitch down from the start, but in this step you will go back on yourself to create the locking stitch before starting your saddle stitch.

A. With your left hand, take the needle from one side of your bag and pass it through the next hole. You will be stitching along the piece away from yourself.

B. Pull this needle through, leaving a loop of thread about 10cm long on the side.

C. Take the second needle and push it through the same hole as the first. Avoid piercing the thread as you do this and pull the other thread tightly to the side as this will help.

D. Pull both needles away from the leather to form a tight stitch.

Your thread will now be at the first stitching hole.

A. With your left hand, take the needle from one side of your bag and pass it through the next hole. You will be stitching along the piece towards yourself.

B. Pull this needle through, leaving a loop of thread about 10cm long on the side.

C. Take the second needle and push it through the same hole as the first. Avoid piercing the thread as you do this and pull the other thread tightly to the side as this will help.

D. Pull both needles away from the leather to form a tight stitch. Repeat this for every stitch hole. 

8 - Use Saddle Stitch

A. With your left hand, take the needle from one side of your bag and pass it through the next hole. You will be stitching along the piece towards yourself.

B. Pull this needle through, leaving a loop of thread about 10cm long on the side.

C. Take the second needle and push it through the same hole as the first. Avoid piercing the thread as you do this and pull the other thread tightly to the side as this will help.

D. Pull both needles away from the leather to form a tight stitch. Repeat this for every stitch hole. 

Continue with saddle stitch until you reach the point detailed below:

9 - Secure the Thread with Backstitch

Once you reach the end, saddle stitch back on yourself for 2 stitches to secure the thread.

Take you needle from the smooth sides of the leather pieces. Take this needle through the next hole bringing both threads out on the rough side.

10 - Cut and Tidy Threads

Cut your thread and use your needle to neaten the loose ends.

11 - Locate Holes for Alignment

Take time to find the correct holes for alignment circled in orange:

12 - Place and Clip Pieces Together

Place your bag and magnet piece together and use the needles to help align the holes correctly. Clip in place with the binder clips using the canvas cloth to protect the leather. 

13 - Start Stitching

Following step 4, re-thread your needles with a 40cm length of thread.

Start stitching by pushing the needle through the top hole of the back stitching section. Pull the needle through so that there is an equal amount of thread on either side.

14 - Locking Backstitch

This stitch section requires a locking backstitch to add durability. It may look like you have started 1 stitch down from the start, but in this step you will go back on yourself to create the locking stitch before starting your saddle stitch.

A. With your left hand, take the needle from one side of your bag and pass it through the next hole. You will be stitching along the piece away from yourself.

B. Pull this needle through, leaving a loop of thread about 10cm long on the side.

C. Take the second needle and push it through the same hole as the first. Avoid piercing the thread as you do this and pull the other thread tightly to the side as this will help.

D. Pull both needles away from the leather to form a tight stitch.

Your thread will now be at the first stitching hole.

A. With your left hand, take the needle from one side of your bag and pass it through the next hole. You will be stitching along the piece towards yourself.

B. Pull this needle through, leaving a loop of thread about 10cm long on the side.

C. Take the second needle and push it through the same hole as the first. Avoid piercing the thread as you do this and pull the other thread tightly to the side as this will help.

D. Pull both needles away from the leather to form a tight stitch. Repeat this for every stitch hole. 

15 - Use Saddle Stitch

A. With your left hand, take the needle from one side of your bag and pass it through the next hole. You will be stitching along the piece towards yourself.

B. Pull this needle through, leaving a loop of thread about 10cm long on the side.

C. Take the second needle and push it through the same hole as the first. Avoid piercing the thread as you do this and pull the other thread tightly to the side as this will help.

D. Pull both needles away from the leather to form a tight stitch. Repeat this for every stitch hole. 

Continue with saddle stitch until you reach the point detailed below:

16 - Secure the Thread with Backstitch

Once you reach the end, saddle stitch back on yourself for 2 stitches to secure the thread.

Take you needle from the outta side of the leather pieces. Take this needle through the next hole bringing both threads out on the rough side.

17 - Cut and Tidy Threads

Cut your thread and use your needle to neaten the loose ends.

18 - Repeat for Other Side

Repeat steps 11 - 17 for the other bag piece.

19 - Locate Holes for Alignment

Take time to find the correct holes for alignment circled in orange:

20 - Place and Clip Pieces Together

Place your two bag pieces together and use the needles to help align correctly, clip in place with the binder clips. Use the canvas cloth to protect the leather. 

21 - Start Stitching

Following step 4, re-thread your needles with a 110cm length of thread.

Start stitching by pushing the needle through the top hole of the back stitching section. Pull the needle through so that there is an equal amount of thread on either side.

22 - Use Saddle Stitch

A. With your left hand, take the needle from one side of your bag and pass it through the next hole. You will be stitching along the piece towards yourself.

B. Pull this needle through, leaving a loop of thread about 10cm long on the side.

C. Take the second needle and push it through the same hole as the first. Avoid piercing the thread as you do this and pull the other thread tightly to the side as this will help.

D. Pull both needles away from the leather to form a tight stitch. Repeat this for every stitch hole. 

Continue with saddle stitch until you reach the point detailed below:

23 - Secure the Thread with Backstitch

Once you reach the end, saddle stitch back on yourself for 2 stitches to secure the thread.

Take you needle from the smooth sides of the leather pieces. Take this needle through the next hole bringing both threads out on the rough side.

24 - Cut and Tidy Threads

Cut your thread and use your needle to neaten the loose ends

25 - Locate Holes for Alignment

Take this time to find the correct holes for alignment circled in orange:

26 - Place and Clip Pieces Together

Fold the bag pieces with your hands to bring the two stitch sections together. Use the needles to help align the holes correctly. Clip in place with the binder clips using the canvas cloth to protect the leather. 

27 - Start Stitching

Following step 4, re-thread your needles with a 100cm length of thread.

Start stitching by pushing the needle through the top hole of the back stitching section. Pull the needle through so that there is an equal amount of thread on either side.

28 - Secure with a Bar Tack

Create a simple secure bar tack stitch by bringing the right hand needle up and over to the other side, pushing the needle through and back to the right side, creating a loop of thread. Pull this firmly closed and repeat 3 times.

29 - Use Saddle Stitch

A. With your left hand, take the needle from one side of your bag and pass it through the next hole. You will be stitching along the piece towards yourself.

B. Pull this needle through, leaving a loop of thread about 10cm long on the side.

C. Take the second needle and push it through the same hole as the first. Avoid piercing the thread as you do this and pull the other thread tightly to the side as this will help.

D. Pull both needles away from the leather to form a tight stitch. Repeat this for every stitch hole. 

Continue with saddle stitch until you reach the point detailed below:

30 - Secure the Thread with Backstitch

Once you reach the end, saddle stitch back on yourself for 2 stitches to secure the thread.

Take you needle from the smooth sides of the leather pieces through the next hole so that both threads come out on the rough side.

31 - Cut and Tidy Threads

Cut your thread and use your needle to neaten the loose ends.

32 - Repeat for Other Side

Repeat steps 29 - 35 for the opposite side of your Tote Bag.

33 - Place and Clip Pieces Together

Fold the bag to bring the next stitch section together and use the needles to help align the holes correctly. Clip the in place with the binder clips using the canvas cloth to protect the leather. 

34 - Start Stitching

Following step 4, re-thread your needles with a 50cm length of thread.

Start stitching by pushing the needle through the top hole of the back stitching section. Pull the needle through so that there is an equal amount of thread on either side.

35 - Locking Backstitch

This stitch section requires a locking backstitch to add durability. It may look like you have started 1 stitch down from the start, but in this step you will go back on yourself to create the locking stitch before starting your saddle stitch.

A. With your left hand, take the needle from one side of your bag and pass it through the next hole. You will be stitching along the piece away from yourself.

B. Pull this needle through, leaving a loop of thread about 10cm long on the side.

C. Take the second needle and push it through the same hole as the first. Avoid piercing the thread as you do this and pull the other thread tightly to the side as this will help.

D. Pull both needles away from the leather to form a tight stitch.

Your thread will now be at the first stitching hole.

A. With your left hand, take the needle from one side of your bag and pass it through the next hole. You will be stitching along the piece towards yourself.

B. Pull this needle through, leaving a loop of thread about 10cm long on the side.

C. Take the second needle and push it through the same hole as the first. Avoid piercing the thread as you do this and pull the other thread tightly to the side as this will help.

D. Pull both needles away from the leather to form a tight stitch. Repeat this for every stitch hole. 

36 - Use Saddle Stitch

A. With your left hand, take the needle from one side of your bag and pass it through the next hole. You will be stitching along the piece towards yourself.

B. Pull this needle through, leaving a loop of thread about 10cm long on the side.

C. Take the second needle and push it through the same hole as the first. Avoid piercing the thread as you do this and pull the other thread tightly to the side as this will help.

D. Pull both needles away from the leather to form a tight stitch. Repeat this for every stitch hole. 

Continue with saddle stitch until you reach the point detailed below:

37 - Secure the Thread with Backstitch

Once you reach the end, saddle stitch back on yourself for 2 stitches to secure the thread.

Take the needle from the side facing the top of the bag through the next hole so both threads come out on the bottom side of the bag.

38 - Cut and Tidy Threads

Cut the thread and use your needle to neaten the loose ends.

Adding the strap

39 - Locate Holes for Alignment

Take this time to find the correct holes for alignment circled in orange:

40 - Place and Clip Pieces Together

Place the strap piece behind the main bag piece and use the needles to help align the holes correctly. Clip in place with the binder clips using the canvas cloth to help protect the leather. 

41 - Start Stitching

Following step 4, re-thread your needles with a 50cm length of thread.

Start stitching by pushing the needle through the top hole of the back stitching section. Pull the needle through so that there is an equal amount of thread on either side.

42 - Locking Backstitch

This stitch section requires a locking backstitch to add durability. It may look like you have started 1 stitch down from the start, but in this step you will go back on yourself to create the locking stitch before starting your saddle stitch.

A. With your left hand, take the needle from one side of your bag and pass it through the next hole. You will be stitching along the piece away from yourself.

B. Pull this needle through, leaving a loop of thread about 10cm long on the side.

C. Take the second needle and push it through the same hole as the first. Avoid piercing the thread as you do this and pull the other thread tightly to the side as this will help.

D. Pull both needles away from the leather to form a tight stitch.

Your thread will now be at the first stitching hole.

A. With your left hand, take the needle from one side of your bag and pass it through the next hole. You will be stitching along the piece towards yourself.

B. Pull this needle through, leaving a loop of thread about 10cm long on the side.

C. Take the second needle and push it through the same hole as the first. Avoid piercing the thread as you do this and pull the other thread tightly to the side as this will help.

D. Pull both needles away from the leather to form a tight stitch. Repeat this for every stitch hole. 

43 - Use Saddle Stitch

A. With your left hand, take the needle from one side of your bag and pass it through the next hole. You will be stitching along the piece towards yourself.

B. Pull this needle through, leaving a loop of thread about 10cm long on the side.

C. Take the second needle and push it through the same hole as the first. Avoid piercing the thread as you do this and pull the other thread tightly to the side as this will help.

D. Pull both needles away from the leather to form a tight stitch. Repeat this for every stitch hole. 

Continue with saddle stitch until you reach the point detailed below:

44 - Secure the Thread with Backstitch

Once you reach the end, saddle stitch back on yourself for 2 stitches to secure the thread.

Continue with saddle stitch until you reach the point detailed below:

45 - Use Saddle Stitch

A. With your left hand, take the needle from one side of your bag and pass it through the next hole. You will be stitching along the piece towards yourself.

B. Pull this needle through, leaving a loop of thread about 10cm long on the side.

C. Take the second needle and push it through the same hole as the first. Avoid piercing the thread as you do this and pull the other thread tightly to the side as this will help.

D. Pull both needles away from the leather to form a tight stitch. Repeat this for every stitch hole. 

Continue with saddle stitch until you reach the point detailed below:

46 - Secure the Thread with Backstitch

Once you reach the end, saddle stitch back on yourself for 2 stitches to secure the thread.

Take the needle from the smooth sides of the leather through the next hole so that both threads come out on the rough side.

47 - Cut and Tidy Threads

Cut your thread and use your needle to neaten the loose ends.

48 - Final Burnish

Finish your tote bag by burnishing all the outer edges of the leather piece.

Ta-daa! Great job - you have now finished your personally crafted .Ar:ti|sans Tote Bag! What will you choose to do now with your Tote Bag - gift it or maybe use it yourself?

We would love to see your creation! Share it with us and our crafting community so we can celebrate your leathercraft dexterity. Tag us @artisans.life on Instagram (using the hashtag #artisanslife), drop us an email or leave us a review on our website to tell us what you enjoyed most about the making experience.

P.S. Did you recognise our Keyring Kit wrapped in your thread? Now you can practice your leathercraft skills further by crafting your very own leather keyring! Click here to access the Keyring Craft Kit instructions blog.