Leather Handles (1"-wide)

Love leather? These durable 1"-wide leather handles are perfect for using with my Pepin Tote, Caravan Tote, and Wool + Wax Tote pattern (and for the Hillside Tote and Redwood Tote crossbody strap - the 54" length) as well as any other sewing project where you need handles! 

• For the 28" length and 18" length, you will receive TWO (2) 1"-wide handles of the length chosen.
• For the 54" length, you will receive ONE 1"-wide handle.
• Included is a small scrap of leather for test sewing.

*The 54" length can be used for a crossbody strap or you can cut it down to two shorter handles or any length you might need. 

• See below for choosing colors (temper & weight information), tips on sewing with leather, and more.
• If you have any questions about these handles, please contact me prior to ordering! * I cannot guarantee that your specific sewing machine will be able to sew through either handle type.
• Photos shown of finished projects are for demonstration purposes, this listing is for the leather only.

Choosing colors:

• Medium Brown & Dark Brown
  • 4-5 oz. weight leather (1.6-2mm thick), most* home sewing machines should be able to sew through the leather
  • firm temper English Bridle
  • backside is finished in Medium Brown or Dark Brown, and gum paste for longevity/durability
• Rustic:
  • 5-6 oz. weight leather (2-2.4mm thick), the majority of home sewing machines* should be able to sew through the leather.
  • has lots of character, so expect color variation and markings (see images for examples). Each hide has color variation within the hide. It's my personal favorite color!
  • backside is a clean finish, but not gum pasted like the other colors. It has a softer temper than Medium Brown color.

Leather source & info: 

• This leather sourced from a world premier US tannery and hand cut in my studio. 
• Leather is a natural product, minute blemishes may be present. Great care has gone into creating a beautiful handle that will stand the test of time.

Sewing with leather handles:

• I advise using a leather needle or topstitching needle of a size 14 or 16 and polyester thread for sewing the leather into a seam.
• Using a heavy weight thread (such as Coats & Clark Dual Duty Heavy) in the needle (and all-purpose polyester thread in the bobbin) is a great option for machine sewing handles directly to the exterior of projects.
• Handles can be hand-sewn to projects using waxed linen or waxed polyester thread (or other heavy weight thread) for durability. Pre-punch holes with an awl or leather hole punch.
• Handles can also be attached to projects by using rivets. Check out my tutorial for setting rivets.