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!
thanks for the tips. i made my own leather clutch but used leather glue beccause i was afraid to sew it! i must try and sew a clutch soon!
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Posted by: allison young | January 21, 2012 at 10:57 PM
Very cute and helpful! thanks :)
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Posted by: Andrea Lynne Rose | January 21, 2012 at 11:23 PM
fringe + clutch = frutch. love.
Posted by: sara from L.A. | January 21, 2012 at 11:39 PM
♡I love it so much!!!!!!!
from your follower! ♡
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Posted by: welovefur | January 22, 2012 at 02:30 AM
Aw, thank you for this tutorial. Now I feel encouraged enough to finally sew leather. And I got some inspiration too. :)
Have a nice sunday!
Posted by: Malina | January 22, 2012 at 04:15 AM
Thanks for your amazing blog with all these helpful posts and great ideas! Your style is amazing!
Actually another little tip for sewing leather is using masking tape instead of pins... I've tried that on my bag that I made out of my boyfriend's old leather jacket. http://creaytive.wordpress.com/2011/04/06/from-jacket-to-purse/
Thank you so much for your inspiration!
xx Krisse
Posted by: Krisse | January 22, 2012 at 04:28 AM
thank you so much, its really helpful! and amazing!
with love,
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Posted by: chocarome from chocarome.blogspot.com | January 22, 2012 at 04:42 AM
nice idea, but the internal cut is not straight :-/
Posted by: chicca | January 22, 2012 at 05:00 AM
This is so cute! And thank you for these tips, I just made a little leather bag by hand, but I want to make more on a sewing machine so I'll definitely keep these tips in mind!
Posted by: michele | January 22, 2012 at 06:02 AM
WOW. i just thought about sewing on some leather straps on a bag last night but questioned if it could be done. THANKS FOR THIS!
Posted by: POWkim | January 22, 2012 at 07:23 AM
Oh this is so perfect!!!
LOVE it!!!
bB
Posted by: Brianna | January 22, 2012 at 07:36 AM
I've been dying to make a pretty pleated vinyl midi skirt like one I saw on the Dior runway several years ago, but it's so ambitious! I totally appreciate these tips. I'm gonna use them to start small and work my way up to that project. Thank you!!!
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Posted by: radyo dinle | January 22, 2012 at 11:20 AM
soo cute.. love all of your posts :) so inspiring :):)
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Posted by: Nettan | January 22, 2012 at 12:52 PM
Very nice and helpful tips!
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Posted by: The life after | January 22, 2012 at 01:27 PM
Such a great idea! I'm going to have to give it a try!
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Posted by: Amanda | January 22, 2012 at 01:34 PM
Very cute! I would never have thought I could even attempt to sew leather! Thank you!
Posted by: Deanna | January 22, 2012 at 02:46 PM
love this idea!!!!
Posted by: Cassie M | January 22, 2012 at 02:56 PM