Leather Pouches for Kids DIY

It's Rachel here with a fun project to add to your Christmas crafting list this year. These leather pouches are designed with littles in mind and can be finished without the use of a sewing machine. It would also be really easy to substitute leather with felted wool or vinyl—anything with a bit of sturdiness to it. I made Ruby's first and almost had to hide it to ensure I would be able photograph it before she filled it with crayons, rocks, and toy horses so I think this project was a win.To make this project you'll need the following: 1. Supplies: One cut of leather, felted wool, or vinyl measuring about 8" x 18" (per pouch), small pieces of contrasting scrap leather for details, three strips of fabric measuring about 2" x 42" (not shown), waxed linen cord, a needle made for leather work, an awl, a cutting mat, sharp scissors, and an x-acto knife. 2. Cut out eyelashes and a nose or any other details you'd like to add to the top flap. 3. Round off one short end of the leather as shown. I used a Pyrex dish and pen to trace a nice round edge and then cut along my line with my shears. Then, I measured about 6" from that rounded edge and made a rounded triangular cut with my x-acto knife to create ear flaps. The negative space will be used for the straps to be stitched in. 4. I placed my eyelashes and nose in place on the open flap and used my awl to poke holes through both layers of leather. 5. I then separated them and made bigger holes before stitching them to the front flap. If you are using felted wool or vinyl you may just be able to use a fabric or gorilla glue to adhere your detail pieces. 6. I braided my three strips of fabric to create my strap and stitched each in to the inside of the ouch with the straps coming out of the ear holes. 7. Finally, I folded my pouch up and poked holes through one side at a time with my awl before stitching them shut. I started on the inside near the top, stitched to the bottom, and then stitched back up to the top in the opposite direction.I made a similar style for Sebastian so he wouldn't feel left out but changed up the length to look a little less like a purse and more like a pouch for collecting things. I added a clasp and some eye details to give it the look of a creature. To make something similar you'll need:1. Supplies: As shown in the first set of instructions, a cut of leather measuring about 8" x 14" for the pouch, scraps of leather or buttons or felt for details, waxed linen cord, a needle for leather work, an awl, three strips of fabric measuring about 2" x 42", sharp scissors, a cutting mat, and an x-acto knife. Cut a small strip of fabric about 1" x 3" and stitch it about 1" away from one of the short ends of your larger piece of leather so that it's almost folded up like a caterpillar. You'll need to pre-poke your holes using your awl and then thread your waxed linen through with your leather needle. Tie off on the back side of the leather. 2. Round off the opposite end using a dish as your template and then make a cut centered about 1.5" above the rounded edge. Your cut should be larger than your leather strip that will fit through it. 3. Fold your pouch up and stitch together at the sides as shown above. Instead of cutting ear shapes for this one I just cut regular slits in the same spot and stuck the ends of the straps through to the inside of the bag before stitching them down. 4. I then added two cuts of scrap leather for the eyes and stitched them down.These kinds of pouches will surely be put to good use collecting treasure or going on little adventures. I love that it adds a little bit of whimsy to their everyday. You could easily adjust the sizes of these pouches for older kids and even have them help you design the front flaps with creature details, embroidery, or paint. xo, Rachel