Turn a coat into a bag

I have been searching our local Goodwill for the perfect brown, distressed leather jacket to turn into a bag. I never had any luck though. I always found lots of black, but no brown. I decided to try ebay, and had great luck. I wanted something for under twenty bucks, and I found it.

A very large, old, leather jacket with huge shoulder pads for under twenty dollars! It had these great side pockets that I wanted to utilize, so I cut the jacket straight across the middle. One big square was all I needed.

I wanted something large, and slouchy, with some hardware. I could not decide if I should use a zipper, or a buckle, but after deciding to use grommets for my handles, I went with the buckle.

I made a lining out of some Amy Butler fabric I had in my stash. The great thing about sewing with leather is you don't have to hide your unfinished ends. I made the handles by cutting one long strip from sleeve to sleeve. I then sewed it together with wrong sides facing. I did the same with the straps for the buckle closure.

The grommets are my favorite part. I used four on the front, and four in the back, and looped my handles through.

I have had this idea in my head for a long time, and I am happy with the end result. The possibilities are endless with turning coats into bags. There are great wool blazers, suede, and of course leather coats out there, that are outdated and could be recycled into great bags.

If you make one, let me know! I would love to see it!

P.S. I wanted to tell you all that I purchased a leather sewing needle for the bag. I do think if your leather, or suede is on the thin side, a denim needle would work as well!

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