This DIY basket bag is the perfect project for the season.
With a simple basket—almost any basket will work—you can make an on-trend, super-cute summer bag. It’s an easy weekend project that gives inexpensive baskets a fashionable upgrade.
I was inspired by a popular striped bucket bag style and wanted to recreate that look without spending a lot. After a bit of trial and error I arrived at this quick, straightforward method. You’ll only need a few basic supplies to make your own.
Materials for a Summer DIY Basket Bag
- A basket without handles
- Leather straps or leather scraps (length depends on the handle style you want)
- Leather hole punch
- Needle and embroidery floss in your chosen color
- Ruler or straight edge
- Sharp knife or box cutter (for cutting leather)
How to Make a Summer Basket Bag
1. Cut leather straps
Decide what length and width you want for your handles and cut the leather accordingly. For example, one version used a single strap 11 inches long and 2 inches wide. Another used two straps, each 9.5 inches long and 1 inch wide. You can also make longer straps for a tote-style look if your basket suits that shape. There are lots of variations to try.
2. Punch holes in the leather
Punch evenly spaced holes near each end of the strap where you’ll attach it to the basket. On one sample bag I used three holes at each end; on another I used two. Choose the spacing and number of holes that look best with your strap width.
3. Attach the first leather strap
Position the strap where you want it on the basket. Thread embroidery floss through a needle, triple-knot one end, and bring the floss from the inside of the basket through a hole in the strap. Stitch through each punched hole several times (about 4–5 passes per hole) so the attachment is secure. When you finish, bring the needle back inside the basket, triple-knot, and trim the excess floss.
4. Repeat for the remaining strap(s)
Repeat the attachment process for every strap until both or all handles are firmly secured. Make sure each hole is stitched multiple times so the straps hold up to regular use.
With the handles attached this way, the basket remains intact and can be returned to its original use later if you remove the straps carefully.
What I usually carry in one of these bags: wallet, sunglasses, a few makeup items, keys, and other small essentials. They’re sturdy for everyday use if you make several passes of embroidery floss through each hole—but they’re not designed to carry extremely heavy loads like a “kitchen sink” bag.
Tips and variations
- Try dyeing or painting the basket before attaching handles for a more personalized look.
- Mix leather with colorful embroidery floss for contrast stitching.
- If you want removable straps, use small leather tabs and loop them around the basket rim so you can unfasten them later.
- For a more finished interior, add a simple fabric lining or a drawstring pouch that fits inside the basket.
This project is a great beginner-friendly way to create a stylish summer accessory. It’s quick to make, affordable, and easily reversible so your basket can be used for storage or décor when you choose.
Quick recap
- Choose a basket without handles that has a rim sturdy enough to take stitching.
- Cut leather straps to the length and width you prefer.
- Punch holes in the leather, position the straps, and secure them with embroidery floss passed through from the inside of the basket several times.
- Finish with secure triple knots and snip excess thread.
Looking for more basket inspiration?
- Woven baskets for storage and home organization
- Small woven baskets you can dip-dye for a quick color update
- DIY projects that repurpose woven baskets into functional storage solutions
Are you as excited for summer as I am? I’m already thinking about warm-weather projects and this basket bag is an easy, stylish place to start.