Leather is one of those timeless materials that just never seems to go out of fashion. I bet you have a piece of leather in your closet right now—maybe a jacket, a bag, or even an old belt. If it’s been gathering dust for a while, it might be time to think about giving it a new purpose.
You can turn those scrap leather pieces into all sorts of stylish, chic, and practical items and accessories that you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. Whether it’s turning it into trendy earrings, a stylish bracelet, or even home décor and travel accessories, there’s plenty of potential in that old leather.
That’s exactly why we’ve put together these leather crafting ideas.
1. How to Make Woven Leather Napkin Rings
This gorgeous woven leather napkin ring looks very high-end. But it’s super easy and cheap to make. It uses an old piece of leather clothing, but you can use remnants of leather found at a thrift store. This is perfect for when you’re hosting for the holidays, as a napkin ring adds a really special touch to the table.
How to Make Woven Leather Napkin Rings
2. How to Make Woven Leather Coasters
To make a woven leather coaster you’ll simply cut strips of leather, weave them together, then hot glue the leather to the cork base. It’s a super easy DIY.
See the Project: How to Make Woven Leather Coasters
3. Leather Pen Pot
Create a unique pen holder for your office using scraps of leather. This leather craft uses white leather and a tin can that has been painted in various colors.
See the Project: Leather Pen Pot
4. DIY Leather Phone Sleeve
This simple leather craft is made using a Cricut Maker to cut the leather pieces with precision. The design includes a small heart detail on the front, and the finished case is perfectly sized to hold your phone. You can also use it as a minimalist wallet for a few cards, though it doesn’t include any clasps, flap or closures.
See the Project: DIY Leather Phone Sleeve
5. Leather Tablecloth
Turn leather into a tablecloth for your dining room. This is a no sew project that will be fun and easy to make.
See the Project: Leather Tablecloth
6. Cord Organizer
Wires tend to get messy, making it hard to keep them organized. This DIY leather craft helps you create a cord organizer so that they are nice and tidy.
See the Project: Cord Organizer
7. DIY Baby Shoes
Use leather to make your own baby shoes. These can also be used for dolls and you can create different styles.
See the Project: DIY Baby Shoes
8. Leather Earrings
Another leather craft that uses the Cricut Maker, this one shows you how to create fun earrings with pieces of faux leather.
See the Project: Leather Earrings
9. Folded Leather Earrings
These DIY leather earrings are folded and add a little extra style with the dangle bead. The set is a cute and fun accessory you can make with leather.
See the Project: Folded Leather Earrings
10. DIY Leather Bookmarks
If you love to read and want to make a unique leather craft, these DIY leather bookmarks are both fun and functional.
See the Project: DIY Leather Bookmarks
11. Monogrammed Leather Keychain
Create a personalized leather keychain for yourself or to give as a gift. Leather keychains are fairly easy to make and customizable.
See the Project: Monogrammed Leather Keychain
12. Leather Wrap Bracelet
Super cute, these leather wrap bracelets are perfect for showing off your love for leather.
See the Project: Leather Wrap Bracelet
13. Geometric Leather Coasters
Here’s a fun leather DIY that you can make at home. These coasters will look great on the coffee tables and will help keep them clean.
See the Project: Geometric Leather Coasters
14. Leather Passport Covers
Travel in style by making your own leather passport covers. You can customize it with your own design or color choices to make it truly unique. The built-in pocket is perfect for keeping your boarding pass handy, and its slim shape slips easily into a purse or backpack for effortless travel organization.
See the Project: Leather Passport Covers
15. Luggage Tags
Create your own adorable leather tags for luggage using simple leather strips. You can use any of your favorite artworks for these DIY luggage tags.
See the Project: Luggage Tags
16. DIY Boho Vase
Transform old leather pieces into a charming vase for your home. Use it to show off your favorite flowers. They’ll also be a great addition to your boho style décor.
See the Project: DIY Boho Vase
17. Woven Leather Bracelet
Add a touch of style to your outfits by crafting your own woven leather bracelet. Grab this design for your Cricut Maker to create your own bracelet easily.
See the Project: Woven Leather Bracelet
What is a good first leather project?
A good first leather project is something small, simple, and valuable — like a keychain, cord organizer, or bookmark. These beginner-friendly crafts let you practice basic skills such as cutting, punching holes, and attaching rivets without needing many tools.
Small projects, such as bracelets or luggage tags, are also significant next steps once you’re comfortable working with the material. In our roundup, we’ve shared several easy ideas to get you started, but the key is choosing a project that’s quick to finish and helps you build confidence for more advanced leatherwork later on.
What tools do I need to sew leather?
To sew leather, you’ll need a few specialized tools designed to handle its thickness and toughness. Start with a leather needle (also called a glover’s needle) — it has a sharp, triangular point that easily pierces through leather. Use waxed thread, which is stronger and slides smoothly through the material. A stitching awl or hole punch helps pre-punch holes for even, clean stitches.
You’ll also want a cutting mat, a ruler, and a rotary cutter or utility knife for precise cuts. Clips or binder clips are more effective than pins for holding pieces together without leaving marks. If you plan to hand-stitch, a stitching pony or clamp can keep your work steady, and a bit of leather glue can help hold seams in place before sewing.
