TIPS FOR SEWING LEATHER, VINYL + SUEDE:
-As a beginner, it's best to start with the thinnest material that you can. Choose a leather, vinyl or suede that isn't too thick. Remember that most commercial leather products are sewn with an industrial machine.
-Buy a leather needle for your sewing machine.
-Consider buying a walking foot for your sewing machine (both this and the leather needle can be found at a sewing shop!) A walking food helps grip the leather and feed it through your machine more smoothly!
-Change your stitch length to 3-3.5. You don't want tiny stitches when sewing leather!
-Be minimal with pins. If you use them, test a scrap piece first to see if the pin holes will disappear or stay visible.
-Test stitch scraps before starting on your project.
-If your leather gets stuck in the machine, lift the foot and allow the leather to relax for a moment before continuing.
-Leather, suede and most vinyl fabrics are dry clean and hand wash only, so don't put them in your home washing machine!
LEATHER FRINGE PURSE:
This small leather fringe purse is the perfect first project when sewing. It's the perfect size to hold makeup or money in your purse.
Step 1: Cut a rectangle of leather. Ours was a small purse and the piece measured 6 inches x 14 inches. You can make it larger if you want a full size purse.
Step 2: Fold your leather so that you see where the pocket and flap will be. Stitch three sides to enclose the two sides and stitch down the bottom of the pocket. Trim any excess from the sides of the seams.
Step 3: Cut fringe on the flap with a pair of scissors. Enjoy!
This sewing basics series was created in collaboration with Missy Creed of Momentum Fashion. Missy is a talented seamstress who sews for Red Velvet!
Cute idea. You could add beads or ric rac! I love this...
Thank you for another inspiring project!
happiness...
dannelle@nestenterprises
http://nestenterprises.com
Posted by: dannelle@nestenterprises | January 21, 2012 at 04:26 PM
Cute post! But what I really like is the blue dress in the back round! Unless my eyes deceive me it's vintage :D Loves!
Posted by: Allie | January 21, 2012 at 04:41 PM
I've actually been really interested in sewing leather lately and this is such a huge help!
Can't wait to use it as a reference for upcoming projects :)
xoxohannah
a cup of subtle tea
Posted by: xoxohannah | January 21, 2012 at 04:45 PM
Allie, yes it's vintage. XO!
Posted by: elsie | January 21, 2012 at 05:02 PM
This is so so so adorable! I can't express how much I love your blog and how inspiring it always is :) Definitely need to try this little purse sometime!
Posted by: Tonya | January 21, 2012 at 05:07 PM
I'm really loving all of these sewing posts - its been a while since I dragged my 40 year old sewing machine (!) out, but I think I'll have to tomorrow :)
Posted by: Hayley | January 21, 2012 at 05:10 PM
I love all the leather projects you do! I need to find some leather and make things out of it!!!
-Miranda
Posted by: Miranda | January 21, 2012 at 05:10 PM
Loving these tips so much. Such a fantastic feature! Must give this a go soon, we have some gorgeous purple suede fabric that is going to waste, would be perfect for a project like this!
much love
R&L xx
Posted by: Rhi & Lola - SDiB | January 21, 2012 at 05:16 PM
Yes, I agree with the others! I have been interested in this and even picked up some leather pieces of various colors at a garage sale this morning---$1 each!!!--- You are such gems to share with us! THANK YOU, ELSIE, EMMA and MISSY!!
Posted by: Sandee | January 21, 2012 at 05:38 PM
Very cute!
A jewelry blog.
http://www.houseofavandan.blogspot.com
Posted by: Vanita | January 21, 2012 at 05:41 PM
I like this one!
Is this also possible hand sewing? because i don't have a sewing machine :o(
Maybe when its a thin leather?
You can ad studs and stuff Love it! ;o)
Posted by: Liesbeth | January 21, 2012 at 05:57 PM
I love this!
It would make a great makeup bag for on the go.
Thanks for sharing so many lovely DIYs, I love seeing all of your creative ideas come to life!
www.vivikstyle.blogspot.com
Much love, Vivi
Posted by: vivienne kathryn | January 21, 2012 at 06:14 PM
So cute, I just put a bid in for some leather online! Will you be doing a tutorial about your super cute moccasins sometime soon too?
Posted by: Dashfield Vintage | January 21, 2012 at 06:19 PM
You are amazing! Those DYIs you are sharing are the best for inexperienced but creative people :)
xx
Posted by: San | January 21, 2012 at 07:50 PM
Super cute little purse. I've been looking to buy leather for a few different little projects lately, but it seems so expensive to me!
http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com
Posted by: Heather | January 21, 2012 at 07:51 PM
I love love love this series of sewing posts you have done. I am just getting started and interested in the whole sewing thing, and I am trying to figure out what sewing machine I should buy.
PLEASE can you do a post about sewing machine options? Is that dumb? Maybe I'm the only one in this boat, but it would be awesome to see your recommendations. :D
Posted by: Carolina | January 21, 2012 at 08:45 PM
This will come in handy when I finish my black leather pencil skirt! Thanks Elsie!
Posted by: Caty | January 21, 2012 at 08:58 PM
Sandee, you are so quite welcome!! :)
Posted by: Missy | January 21, 2012 at 09:20 PM
Oh I love it! Can't wait to create my own version.
xoxo, Jjanga
www.sayhelloandsmile.blogspot.com
Posted by: Jjanga | January 21, 2012 at 09:57 PM
thanks for all the helpful sewing tips lately! this looks like it would be really fun to do!
Posted by: Madeleine | January 21, 2012 at 10:01 PM