Must-try Recycled Leather Projects

We all know how expensive leather can be, so that is why we have to use every single inch of the leather we buy for our projects diligently. If you are finding yourself scrimping those pieces and bits of leather lying around on your workstation, do not worry because you are not alone. You may be pleased to find out that you can use your old leather items lurking inside your closets and boxes — from your old trench coats to your belts and even those old luggage carriers you have under your bed. 

What are the different projects for recycled leather? You can do jewelries, tiebacks for your curtains, and bracelets down to the complicated ones such as lunch totes, folders, leather purses, and other items which may require sewing and other skills such as wetting the leather and jewelry making.

This article lists fifteen projects that you can start with by using recycled leather. These range in terms of difficulty level, skills needed, and materials needed. Some do not require extensive sewing at all while some projects may incorporate other skills such as jewelry making or other important skills in crafts. A couple of projects incorporate leather with other materials such as paint, wood, and fabric.

The Benefits of Recycling Leather in Projects

Saves You More Money in Recycling

Buying leather by the yard is expensive at times. Cheap leather is readily available but use high quality leather or at least good quality leather if you want projects to last longer. It can be as cheap as 15-30 USD for a handbag project. It can also be as expensive as 100-140 USD for a simple handbag project. Thus, using recycled leather is much better. Also, there might be designs or details that are hard to find with leather stores online.

Sources Are Pretty Much Everywhere

You can use old leather bags or luggage in doing some of the projects. Some luggages are made of premium grade leather, so aside from saving money, it saves you time to look for such kinds in stores, online and offline.

Similarly, you can also use old leather jackets, coats, and other leather apparel. However, be careful in using these because you might not find similar types if you run out of leather in the future. Use them wisely and diligently for your every project.

A Sustainable Option For Leatherworking

Using recycled leather for your projects is a very sustainable option for this hobby. We save animals from dying because of leather hides. Recycled leather sources are basically within everyone’s reach, which makes it totally sustainable. Lastly, it helps conserve the environment in the long run.

Here are some projects you can make from recycled leather

Chic Leather Purse from an Old Leather Jacket

Turning Scrap Into Something Really Fab

If you have old jackets lying around or not fitting you, you can use this for this project. This is perfect especially for old long coats like trench coats lying around in your closet or storage shed. Longer coats are better since this requires more leather to use, but if you cannot find one inside your house, you can find it in thrift stores or on sellers online, Facebook Marketplace or Instagram.

Tools and Materials Needed for This Project

For this project, you will be needing an old leather coat (any color is okay, it depends on you; you can get your leather coats anywhere but looking in your closet is the key). You will also need ⅜” grommets and a grommet installation tool.

For the tools, you will be needing these: a rotary cutter, an acrylic ruler, a pair of scissors, a seam ripper, a hammer, a point presser and pounding block, a couple of leather needles, some coordinating thread, walking foot for sewing machine, some magnetic purse closures, and wonder clips.

Turnaround Time And Other Important Things

The turnaround time for this project is two to three hours, if you are focused enough. Making your own purse is going to save you a lot of money rather than buying a brand new purse. It can be customized according to your liking, which makes it a one of a kind leather purse made especially for you.

Vintage Cuff Bracelet to Spice Up Your Wardrobe

Cop Old School Feels With Your Bracelets From Belts

This particular project is perfect for belts that are not okay to wear outside anymore. The cuts and bruises on the belts give it a weathered feel, which adds a more textured feel on the bracelets. These can be gifted to friends and family, and they are much cheaper than buying online.

Tools and Materials Needed for This Project

For this project, you will need the following: an old leather belt, some snap fasteners, a setter and anvil, a rotary hole punch, a pair of scissors, a mallet or a hammer, and a pen or marker.

Turnaround Time And Other Important Things

The turnaround time for this project can be done in a couple of hours, since this is an easier project. You can use your old belts or the straps on your old leather bags. The weathered look adds a texture to the piece, and it is much cheaper than buying a brand new one.

Leather Pillow Cover for Your Living Room

From Crusty To Chic With These Pillow Covers

This project requires you to work with a lot of leather, so old couches or bigger jackets are good for this project. This provides an original accent piece on your sofa or couch. It is an affordable and artistic way to transform old pillows into something fresh-looking. Leather needles are perfect for this one, in case you are still hesitant to use a sewing machine.

Tools and Materials for This Project

For this project, you will need lots of leather that you can get from old couches or old bigger jackets or coats, a pair of scissors, a couple of leather needles, some waxed thread, a coordinating zipper, and a sewing machine (optional).

Turnaround Time And Other Important Things

For this project, the turnaround time is 6-12 hours since skinning a couch is a very tedious task. Do not hesitate to ask for help in skinning the couch since it can be very difficult when done alone. The pillow covers can be customized according to the size of your pillows. 

Remember to exercise extra care on using the pillow covers since they are made from weathered leather, which can disintegrate faster compared to new leather. Follow the washing instructions when you are washing them so that it would last longer.

Simple Leather Pennant Great for Your Bedroom

Put The “Go” in “Gorgeous” With This Pennant

Similar wall hangings available on Etsy and Amazon, but making this by yourself saves you more money. Weathered leather is perfect for this project, and you can put any memorable quote, movie line, or mantra for extra inspiration.

Tools and Materials for Your Project

For this project, you will be needing the following: recycled leather, which can be from couches or old messenger bags, a pair of fabric scissors, a dowel, a hot glue gun, some paint markers, a hand saw, and 120 grit sandpaper.

Turnaround Time And Other Important Things

The turnaround time for this project is two to three hours. Pennants are hung as a show of support to your sports teams or alma mater. This is a much creative approach to your usual pennants sold in your school gift shops, and it is longer lasting than cloth counterparts. This project also incorporates elements of woodworking, so be careful in using the saw.

Leather Phone Holster for Your Smartphone on the Go

Giving Your Smartphone A New Home

Leather boots are perfect to protect your smartphone. It is perfect to protect your phone against the elements and water splashes. This can be another gift suggestion if you have lots of old leather. It can be customized with metallic markers, stamps, and other decorations.

Tools and Materials for Your Leather Holster

For this project, you will be needing the following: a pair of old leather boots, some leather glue, a pair of scissors or a rotary cutter, a traced smartphone outline, a clamp, a couple of leather needles, and some waxed thread.

Turnaround Time And Other Important Things

The turnaround time for this project is three to four hours. Finding the perfect leather holster can be a hassle, since there are not a lot of sellers selling leather holsters nowadays. A lot of people prefer having their phone cases made of plastic and other durable materials. For leather holster users, the ability to customize it to your liking is a good deal.

DIY Embroidered Coasters For Your Drinks

A Cool Marriage of Fabric and Leather

For this project, you can use an old jacket lying around, no particular colors required. You can also use colorful pieces of cloth lying around. This project requires sewing, and most of the materials are recycled and basic tools are used.

Materials And Tools to Use in This Project

You will be needing the following for this project: white perle cotton, two fat quarters of quilting cotton, one fat quarter of leather or suede, a pair of scissors, some iron, coordinating thread, a rotary cutter, an acrylic quilting ruler, a disappearing marking pen or chalk, an embroidery needle, and a sewing machine.

Turnaround Time And Other Important Things

This project will take you two to four hours to finish. Be careful in stitching leather and fabric since they have different compositions. This is a good alternative to plastic coasters bought in supermarkets. You can also create matching coasters for the seasons, such as creating autumn themed coasters for Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas themed coasters for the Yuletide season, and so on.

Cool and Easy Leather Christmas Tree Ornaments

Giving Some Rustic Feel To Your Yuletide Cheer

This is a very simple and easy do-it-yourself activity. You can do this with kids as a time to bond with them. You just have to guide them in cutting the leather, and this does not require sewing as well.

Materials And Tools For Your Leather Ornaments

You will be needing these materials and tools for this project: scrap leather, two wood beads, a pair of scissors, some waxed twine, and some 3-in-1 glue. You will not be needing a lot of leather since these are small ornaments as well.

Turnaround Time And Other Important Things

For six to eight pieces, this project will take you at least an hour or two. This provides you a creative alternative to the traditional plastic and glass hangings for your Christmas tree. It will also be long lasting if kept properly. This does not require much leather so this is an easy project for families this holiday season.

Thrifty Leather Pot For Your Pens and Stuff

Leather Pen Pots To Hit The Spot

Bigger pieces of leather are recommended for this project since you have to cut a lot of pieces, but medium sized ones will do. You can also paint leather with painting tools to add a touch of color. In addition, you can also use these as plant holders or catchalls for anything you have at home. This project uses recycled materials and takes 30 minutes to complete.

Tools And Materials Needed For This Project

For this project, you will be needing the following: some old tin cans, any size is okay, white faux leather or any color of leather, some watercolor paints, a paintbrush, and some colored embroidery thread and needle.

Turnaround Time And Other Important Things

This project will take you 30 minutes to an hour per 2 pieces, depending on your sewing skills. It gives your plant pots a different personality that can match your moods. Painting leather is also fun since you can customize it to your liking. You can make more and give it away as gifts for your friends and family.

Tassel Curtain Tiebacks For Your Drapes

Simple Yet Elegant Tassel Tiebacks

This project will give your drapes a creative touch with these tiebacks. They will also keep them organized and enjoy the view with your curtains under control. Minimal sewing is required for this project, and you can use basic tools and materials.

Tools And Materials For Your Tassel Tiebacks

For this project, you will be needing the following: a pair of scissors, a pair of jewelry pliers, a ruler, some thick card stock (at least 5” in one direction), some Beacon 527 multi use glue, 8 medium jump rings, four large closed rings, four large wood beads, four medium clear acrylic beads, two screw in wall hooks, three yards of round leather cord, some end caps to match the thickness of leather cord, a lot of silk thread (six spools for each color, 110 yards/spool), and a 2mm clear elastic cord.

Turnaround Time And Other Important Things

This project will take you two to three hours since tassel making eats up the most time in this project. The lengths of tassels and tiebacks can be customized according to your needs. It is a simple yet easy to do project despite the tassel making part, and you can also add a touch of personality to your drapes by choosing your favorite colors.

Chic Leather Lunch Tote For Your Snacks

Taking Your Lunch Game To The Next Level

For this project, you can use a much sturdier piece of leather from luggage or some old bags. This makes your lunch box gaming even more incredible. You can also put other things in the tote bag. This project only uses basic tools with no complicated skills required.

Tools And Materials For Your Leather Lunch Tote

For this project, you will be needing the following: leather punches — #5 and #00, a pair of leather sewing needles, some contact cement, a rotary knife, a ruler, a stitching spacer, a downloadable template, 6-7 oz. weight stiff leather (preferably leather from old luggage carriers), and some heavy waxed thread.

Turnaround Time And Other Important Things

This project takes at least two to three hours. Leather lunch totes are expensive online, so making one saves you lots of money. You can add names or other designs and embellishments to match your desired aesthetic.

Leather Makeup Brush Holder For Your Brushes

Housing Your Brushes Inside A Sassy Cover

Putting your makeup brushes here is a more organized way rather than just tossing everything inside your bag. This is very easy to do as it requires no sewing. The basic tools and materials are needed for this project. You can make more of these as gifts to your makeup loving friends.

Tools And Materials Needed For This Project

For this project, you will be needing the following: some scrap leather (12” long and 8.5” wide), a piece of leather cord, an X-acto knife, and some embellishments (rhinestones or stamps).

Turnaround Time And Other Important Things

The turnaround time takes one to two hours for this project. This is a relatively easy project since no sewing is required. However, be careful with cutting the slits because you might cut too much and it can make your leather poor in quality if you cut more. This is perfect for your brushes when you are going on trips, and you can use this to take Instagram-worthy photos of your brushes.

Painted Leather Sketchbook For Your Journal

Boost Your Sketchbook Gaming With This Patterned Cover

This one is perfect for those into bullet journaling and making your own sketchbooks. This does not require complicated processes or skills to do. This is perfect if you have old bags lying around since more sturdy leather is needed. This specific project has a honeycomb pattern but feel free to do whatever pattern you like.

Tools And Materials For Your Sketchbook Cover

For this project, you will need the following: an X-acto knife, a pen, Blue Scotch painter’s tape, 15 pages Arches cover watercolor paper (cold pressed) 6” x 9”, a paper punch, some natural unfinished leather, 20” x 7” (if you do not have this, any type will do), and 2 nickel-plated Chicago screws.

You will also need some leather dye if you want to dye your leather, some water, a sponge, some wool for burnishing, a pair of latex gloves, some gold shellac ink (Sennelier), acrylic leather finish, and an ink pen.

Turnaround Time And Other Important Things

The turnaround time for this project is at least two to four hours since you need to let the paint and the acrylic spray dry. You can also do other patterns aside from honeycomb such as zebra print, stripes, polka dots, checkered. You can also print your name using the template given. Gold paint works best for this project since it complements the earthy color of the leather.

Leather Plant Hangers For Your Greens

Maximize The Little Space You Have

You can use these to put your pots and hang them by the ceiling or the wall, whichever you choose. This project does not require a lot of leatherworking skills to do this. This gives out a boho-inspired look on your room. This project involves wetting the leather so be careful not to ruin it entirely during the process.

Tools And Materials For This Project

For this project, you will be needing the following: Vellum tracing paper (8.5” x 11”), 4 pieces long rope strands or leather laces (3-4’), 1 sq ft veg-tanned tooling leather (12” x 12”), some masking or packing tape, a dull pencil, an X-acto knife or a carpet knife, the printed template, and a piece of sponge.

Turnaround Time And Other Important Things

This project takes five to six hours to make since you need to wet the leather and sculpt it to dry. Do not make the leather too wet or it will disintegrate. Make sure the weight of the pots will not be too much for the plant hangers or it will collapse. This project is perfect for houses with little spaces to put pots of plants.

Amazing Leather Earrings To Adorn Your Ears

Grab That Simply Boho Chic Aesthetic

Wear these earrings over a maxi skirt and a plain white shirt, finishing the look with a pair of sandals for the ultimate hippie chic look. This does not require sewing but having jewelry making skills is a plus for this one. You can customize this according to your aesthetic. This is also perfect for gifts.

Tools And Materials For This Project

You will be needing the following: some scrap leather, a leather punch, a pair of scissors, 2 large jump rings, 2 earring wires, a pair of jewelry pliers, and a printable pattern.

Turnaround Time And Other Important Things

You can finish making a pair of earrings for thirty minutes to an hour, depending on your ability. You can also use other shapes and colors of the leather. You can also mix different types of leather (soft and hard leather). Jewelry making skills is considered a plus in making this project. These earrings can be sold for $5-10 per pair depending on the design and the quality of the earrings.

Sophisticated Leather Folders For Your Files

Keeping Your Files Safe And Stylish Looking

Put your important papers inside these leather folders for the ultimate storage hack. These folders are waterproof than its paper counterpart. This project requires sewing but this project is relatively easy. Lastly, this does not require complicated tools or processes to make.

Tools And Materials For This Project

You will be needing these materials and tools for this project: some leather (8.5” x 11” for smaller folders and 11.5” x 18” for larger ones), a pencil, a rotary cutter or an X-acto knife, a ruler, a mallet, two leather stitching needles, some waxed thread, a leather awl, and a lighter for burnishing.

Turnaround Time And Other Important Things

The turnaround time for this project takes about two hours depending on the skills since it requires sewing. Again, this is considered waterproof compared to paper folders. These can also last longer and costs much cheaper rather than buying. If you are planning to sell these, these can be sold for $10-15 depending on the size and quality of the finished products.

Conclusion

There are a lot of projects that you can do using recycled or upscale leather. These range from simple ones such as jewelry, which requires simple processes and materials and tools to use, down to more intricate ones such as folders, totes, and purses, which requires more complicated processes and tools to use. Some do not even require sewing so these can be very easy projects for everyone alike. Choose from any of these projects and start customizing these everyday items, while enhancing your leatherworking skills in the process.

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