I use a deep bucket bag almost every day. I love its look and practicality, but it has no internal pockets, so digging around for small items like keys can be frustrating when the bag is full.
For days when I want something smaller and easier to manage, I made this leather drawstring purse inspired by the popular Clare V silhouette. It’s perfect for running out the door with just a few essentials and for locating those essentials quickly. The clean, simple shape works year-round: choose a bold color for summer or a neutral leather for a timeless look. Click through for a quick, straightforward sewing tutorial.
These measurements make a medium-sized drawstring purse. With simple adjustments you can scale the pattern down to a mini coin pouch or makeup bag, or scale up to a full-size purse. Keep that in mind as you recreate this project. Here’s how to make your own.
Materials You’ll Need to Make a Leather Drawstring Purse
- One piece of leather, approximately 24 inches x 12 inches
- Fabric scissors
- Sharp blade or sharp scissors
- Marking tool
- Sewing machine and thread that matches the leather
How to Make a Leather Drawstring Purse
Note: depending on your machine and the thickness of the leather, you may need to change the presser foot to accommodate leather.
- Measure and cut the three leather pieces. Cut the main body 18 inches by 9 inches. From the remaining leather cut two long strips for the drawstrings, each 24 inches by 1.25 inches.
- Fold the larger piece (the main body) in half with the wrong sides facing out — this means the interior surface will be on the outside while you sew.
- Sew a straight seam down both sides about 1/4 inch from the edge, leaving the top open. Backstitch at the start and end of each side for strength. Keep the top edge raw, so be sure the initial cut is neat.
- About 2 inches below the top edge on each side, cut three 1-inch vertical slits spaced 1.25 inches apart to create the openings for the drawstrings. A sharp blade or X-acto knife works best for clean slits.
- To make the drawstrings, take the two 24 x 1.25-inch strips. Fold each strip lengthwise with the wrong sides together so the right sides face out, and sew a straight seam with a 1/4 inch allowance down each strip.
- Turn the bag right side out. Feed each drawstring through the slits in opposite directions and knot the ends to secure them.
I love the bright green for summer, but a neutral leather works equally well for fall and year-round wear. If you want a patterned look, you can paint a design on the leather before sewing using textile paint and a brush — similar to painting canvas projects but adapted for leather.
Photography Amelia Lawrence
Sewing and modeling: Emma Spear
What kind of bag do you carry every day? Would you try a smaller drawstring purse like this one?