DIY Leather Tote with a Tooled Front Pocket

Instructor: Sarah Lane
Course Length: 1 hour | Lessons: 29
Skill Level: Intermediate

Make a tote you’ll be proud to carry.
Few projects are as rewarding—or as versatile—as a handcrafted leather tote. In this course, Sarah Lane shows you how to build one from start to finish, including a tooled front pocket that takes the design to the next level.

From selecting leather and cutting patterns to tooling, finishing, stitching, and rivet placement, you’ll learn everything you need to create a bag that’s both stylish and functional. Whether for yourself, a gift, or as a custom piece, this tote is designed to turn heads and stand the test of time.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to choose and prepare leather for tote construction
• Step-by-step tooling techniques for a floral front pocket
• Finishing methods: oiling, resisting, antiquing, and top coating
• Rivet setting, stitching, and assembly for durability
• Tips for creating polished, professional-looking results

Inside the Course:

• Supplies & Pattern Overview
• Cutting & Edging the Tote Pieces
• Tooling & Detailing the Front Pocket
• Finishing the Pocket (oil, resist, antique, top coat)
• Tote Assembly: Rivets, Stitching & Final Construction

Included with Membership:
✅ 140+ professionally filmed courses
✅ Downloadable patterns & checklists
✅ Monthly live Q&As with expert instructors
✅ Supportive artisan community
✅ Ongoing new course drops

About the Instructor:
Sarah Lane’s love of western life began in Illinois, where she grew up riding horses and competing in FFA. Her passion for leathercraft started with making spur straps and small goods, eventually growing into a small business and later a career at Burns Saddlery in Utah. Today, she combines her love of horses, craftsmanship, and western heritage to create beautiful leather pieces and teach others the skills to do the same.