Personalise Your Style: The Art of Leather Bag Customisation

It’s often said that with proper care, leather bags can last a lifetime. Their beauty lies in their ability to be repaired, restored, and passed down through generations. If you have an inherited leather bag, adding personal touches can be a wonderful way to make it your own while preserving its sentimental value. Customising an inherited leather bag can create a unique accessory that carries both personal and family history.

Paint It

Painting an old leather bag is a creative, cost-effective, and sustainable way to breathe new life into a sentimental accessory. It’s a great way to give it a fresh look and extend its life. Also, a fresh coat of paint can cover up scuffs, scratches, and wear, making the bag look new again.

If the original colour doesn’t suit your style, consider dyeing the leather using safe, high-quality leather paints. Before applying the paint, make sure to remove any existing finish or coatings on the leather with a leather preparer. When applying paint for leather it’s always advisable to start with a small area to test the colour and work your way up. If properly applied, quality leather paints will not crack, peel, fade, or rub off. However, once the paint has dried, you can still apply a leather sealer or finisher to protect the paint and give the bag a smooth finish.

Painting an old leather bag can be a fun and satisfying DIY project, allowing you to express your creativity. However, if you don’t feel comfortable with your DIY skills it’s better to leave things in the hands of professionals. Sometimes it’s better to get the job done right than to risk making a mistake, especially when it comes to things that hold sentimental value.

Get It Monogrammed

Monogramming is a great way of putting your stamp on things and can showcase your style and personality. It will surely add a unique element to this accessory, making it distinctly yours. Apart from enhancing your bag’s aesthetic appeal, the addition of initials or a name can also make the bag even more special and cherished than it already is.

You can choose to monogram the leather bag yourself or turn to pros, depending on your skill level, the tools you have, and the quality of finish you desire. While DIY monogramming can save you money, turning to professionals who know how to handle different types of leather is a safer choice since there’s minimal risk of damaging your bag.

Embroider It

Embroidery adds texture and depth to leather, creating a visually striking contrast that can elevate the overall design of your bag. With a wide range of thread colours available, embroidery enables the creation of striking and distinctive designs that can either accentuate or contrast with the leather.

Apart from its decorative purpose, embroidery can strengthen the leather in places vulnerable to wear. When done professionally embroidery can add an additional layer of material and stitching to the leather, which can help reinforce certain spots that are more prone to wear and tear.

Whether by hand or machine, the process of embroidery on leather requires a combination of knowledge and attention to detail. If you’re skilled with needle and thread, consider adding some embroidery to the bag by yourself either with leather-friendly thread or by sewing on fabric patches. If not, consider taking it to the pros. This ensures that the process is done correctly, with the right equipment, expertise, and techniques, resulting in a high-quality finished product.

Fringe It

Fringe and tassels have a unique ability to add texture, depth, and movement to accessories. Adding these details to your leather bag can give it a more relaxed, artsy vibe. Fringe and tassels are simple DIY projects to add to a bag. Fringe trims can be found ready-made and you can simply attach them to the bag’s sides, zippers, and edges with adhesive or sewing. For the fringes you can pick soft, flexible leather or suede so they hang nicely and move naturally.

Line It

The lining is the interior part of the bag, designed to protect the contents of your bag and give it a finished look. If the existing lining of your leather bag is worn out or boring, you can replace it with a fabric that has a pattern or colour you love. Neutrals like beige and black offer versatility and can complement any leather colour while a bold and contrasting lining can add a pop of colour.

When it comes to choosing a new fabric for the lining, cotton is a popular choice. It’s soft, durable, breathable, and comes in various patterns and colours. Silk is another popular option. This material can add a touch of elegance but is less durable than cotton. The soft fabric interior will not only protect your everyday essentials but will also provide a luxurious feel when reaching inside the bag.