Creative Ways to Use Leather Scrap Pieces and Remnants

Leather is a versatile and durable material that often leaves us with plenty of scraps and remnants after completing larger projects. Instead of discarding these leftover pieces, why not put them to good use?

Repurposing leather scraps is not only a creative way to make the most out of every inch, but it also contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly crafting practice. In this guide, we explore a variety of imaginative and practical ways to transform leather remnants into beautiful, functional items. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out, these ideas will inspire you to think outside the box and turn those scraps into something extraordinary.

Products featured in this article:

• Colorful Leather Pieces
• Embossed Leather Pieces
• Tan Leather Pieces
• Brown Leather Pieces
• Black Leather Pieces

Sections in this article:

1. Keychains and Fobs
2. Jewelry
3. Home Décor
4. Tech Accessories
5. Fashion Accessories
6. Stationery
7. Patchwork Projects
8. Pet Accessories
9. Upcycling and Repairs
10. Gift Wrapping and Tags
11. Seasonal Decorations
12. Upcycled Fashion

As you explore the world of leather crafting, let your imagination guide you. Experiment with different techniques, combine materials, and don’t be afraid to try new designs. The ideas outlined in this guide are just the beginning – there’s no limit to what you can achieve with a little ingenuity and a collection of leather scraps.

1. Keychains and Fobs

Personalized Keychains
Leather keychains are a fantastic way to utilize small scraps while creating something both practical and stylish. Here’s a simple guide to making your own personalized keychains.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Keyring
• Hole punch
• Stamping tools or engraving kit
• Cutting mat and rotary cutter/scissors

Steps:

1. Cut the Leather: Using a rotary cutter or scissors and mat, cut the leather into desired shapes. Popular choices include rectangles, circles, or custom shapes like hearts or stars.
2. Personalize: Use stamping tools or an engraving kit to add initials, names, or designs to the leather piece.
3. Punch a Hole: Punch a hole at the top of the leather piece where it will attach to the keyring.
4. Attach the Keyring: Slide the keyring through the hole, and your personalized leather keychain is ready to use or gift!

Tassel Keychains
Tassel keychains are not only trendy but also an excellent way to repurpose leather scraps. They add a chic touch to keys, bags, or even as a decorative item. Here’s how to make them.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Keyring or lobster clasp
• Scissors
• Strong adhesive or leather glue
• Cutting mat

Steps:

1. Cut the Leather: Cut a rectangular piece of leather. The width will determine the length of the tassel, and the height will be the tassel's thickness when rolled.
2. Fringe the Leather: On the cutting mat, use scissors to cut thin strips along the width of the leather, leaving about half an inch uncut at the top.
3. Prepare the Top: Cut a small strip of leather to use as the loop for attaching the tassel to the keyring. Glue the ends together to form a loop.
4. Roll the Tassel: Apply glue along the uncut edge of the fringed piece. Place the loop at one end and roll the leather tightly, securing with additional glue if needed.
5. Attach to Keyring: Once the glue is dry, attach the tassel to a keyring or lobster clasp.

2. Jewelry

Leather Bracelets
Leather bracelets are fashionable and easy to make, allowing you to utilize small pieces of leather in a stylish way. Here's how you can create your own leather bracelets.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Snap fasteners or magnetic clasps
• Hole punch
• Cutting mat
• Ruler

Steps:

1. Cut the Leather: Measure and cut a strip of leather to your desired bracelet length and width. Common widths range from 1/2 inch to 1 inch.
2. Punch Holes: Use a hole punch to create holes for snap fasteners or magnetic clasps at each end of the leather strip.
3. Attach Fasteners: Secure the snap fasteners or magnetic clasps to the holes following the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Decorate (Optional): Add embellishments like studs, beads, or stamped designs for a personalized touch.

Earrings
Leather earrings are lightweight and can be made in a variety of shapes and designs. Here’s a simple guide to crafting leather earrings.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Earring hooks
• Jump rings
• Hole punch
• Scissors
• Jewelry pliers

Steps:

1. Design and Cut: Draw your desired earring shape on the leather and cut it out. Popular shapes include teardrops, feathers, and geometric designs.
2. Punch Holes: Use a hole punch to create a small hole at the top of each leather piece for attaching the earring hook.
3. Attach Hooks: Open a jump ring with jewelry pliers, insert it through the hole in the leather, and attach it to the earring hook. Close the jump ring securely.
4. Customize (Optional): Add additional layers of leather, beads, or paint to create unique and intricate designs.

3. Home Décor

Coasters
Leather coasters are a stylish and functional way to repurpose leather scraps. They protect surfaces while adding a touch of sophistication to your home décor. Here’s how to make them.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Cutting mat
• Rotary cutter or scissors
• Ruler
• Round object for tracing (optional)
• Leather finish or sealant (optional)

Steps:

1. Cut the Leather: Decide on the shape of your coasters. Use a round object to trace circles or a ruler to measure squares on the leather. Cut out the shapes with a rotary cutter or scissors.
2. Finish the Edges (Optional): Apply a leather finish or sealant to the edges and surface for a polished look and added durability.
3. Personalize (Optional): Stamp or engrave designs or initials onto the coasters for a custom touch.

Drawer Pulls
Replacing traditional drawer pulls with leather strips can give furniture a unique and modern look. Here’s a simple guide to creating leather drawer pulls.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Screws and washers
• Drill

Steps:

1. Measure and Cut: Cut leather strips to your desired length and width for the drawer pulls.
2. Punch Holes: Punch holes at both ends of each leather strip where the screws will go.
3. Prepare Furniture: Use a drill to create holes in the furniture where the new pulls will be attached.
4. Attach Pulls: Secure the leather strips to the furniture using screws and washers, ensuring the leather is taut and securely fastened.

4. Tech Accessories

Cord Organizers
Leather cord organizers help keep your cables neat and tangle-free. They are simple to make and perfect for using small leather scraps. Here’s how.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Scissors
• Snaps or button studs
• Hole punch

Steps:

1. Cut the Leather: Cut small strips of leather, approximately 4-5 inches long and 1 inch wide.
2. Punch Holes: Punch a hole at each end of the strip for the snap or button stud.
3. Attach Snaps or Studs: Secure the snaps or button studs to the holes, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Use: Wrap the leather strip around your cords and snap it closed to keep them organized.

Phone Sleeves
Creating custom phone sleeves from leather scraps can protect your device and add a touch of elegance. Here’s a guide to making a simple phone sleeve.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Ruler
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Needle and thread or leather adhesive
• Cutting mat

Steps:

1. Measure and Cut: Measure your phone and add a half-inch to each dimension for seam allowance. Cut two pieces of leather to these measurements.
2. Sew or Glue: Place the leather pieces together, wrong sides facing out, and sew along the edges, leaving the top open. Alternatively, you can use leather adhesive to bond the edges.
3. Trim and Finish: Trim any excess leather from the seams and turn the sleeve right side out.
4. Decorate (Optional): Add embellishments, stamping, or painting to customize your phone sleeve.

5. Fashion Accessories

Bag Charms
Bag charms add a personal and stylish touch to any handbag. They are easy to make and a great way to use up small leather scraps. Here’s how to create your own leather bag charms.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Keyring or lobster clasp
• Hole punch
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Decorative elements (beads, charms, etc.)
• Cutting mat

Steps:

1. Design and Cut: Draw your desired charm shape on the leather and cut it out. Popular shapes include hearts, stars, and initials.
2. Punch a Hole: Punch a hole at the top of the charm for attaching it to the keyring or clasp.
3. Decorate (Optional): Add beads, smaller leather pieces, or other decorative elements.
4. Attach to Keyring: Slide the charm onto a keyring or lobster clasp.

Hair Accessories
Leather hair accessories are both fashionable and functional. You can create hair ties, bands, and bows with just a few pieces of leather. Here’s a simple guide.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Elastic hair ties
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Strong adhesive or needle and thread
• Cutting mat

Steps:

1. Leather Hair Tie: Cut a strip of leather and wrap it around an elastic hair tie, securing with glue or stitches.
2. Leather Bow: Cut two pieces of leather – one for the bow and a smaller one for the center wrap. Form the bow by folding the larger piece and securing the center with the smaller piece.
3. Attach Elastic: Use adhesive or stitches to attach the bow to an elastic hair tie.

6. Stationery

Bookmarks
Leather bookmarks are durable and elegant. They make excellent gifts and are a great way to use up long, thin scraps of leather. Here’s how to make them.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Hole punch (optional)
• Decorative elements (tassels, beads, etc.)
• Cutting mat

Steps:

1. Cut the Leather: Measure and cut a strip of leather to your desired bookmark size.
2. Decorate (Optional): Add designs, initials, or stamped patterns to the leather.
3. Add Hole and Tassel (Optional): Punch a hole at the top of the bookmark and attach a tassel or decorative element through the hole.

Notebook Covers
Custom leather notebook covers add a touch of sophistication to your stationery. They are simple to make and can be personalized in many ways. Here’s how.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Notebook
• Ruler
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Needle and thread or leather adhesive
• Cutting mat

Steps:

1. Measure and Cut: Measure the dimensions of your notebook and add an extra inch to each dimension for seam allowance. Cut the leather accordingly.
2. Sew or Glue Edges: Fold the edges over the notebook covers and sew or glue them in place, ensuring a snug fit.
3. Personalize (Optional): Add pockets, pen holders, or decorative elements to the cover.

7. Patchwork Projects

Patchwork Bags
Patchwork bags are a creative way to use a variety of leather scraps. They allow for a unique, personalized design and are functional and stylish. Here’s how to create a patchwork bag.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Needle and thread or leather adhesive
• Lining fabric (optional)
• Cutting mat

Steps:

1. Design and Cut: Plan your patchwork design and cut the leather scraps into pieces that fit together like a puzzle.
2. Assemble the Pieces: Sew or glue the leather pieces together to form the outer shell of the bag.
3. Add Lining (Optional): Cut lining fabric to the same dimensions as the leather shell and sew it in place.
4. Construct the Bag: Sew the assembled leather pieces into the shape of a bag, adding handles or straps as desired.

Wallets and Pouches
Creating small wallets, coin purses, and pouches from leather scraps is both practical and creative. Here’s a guide to making a simple leather wallet.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Ruler
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Needle and thread or leather adhesive
• Snap fasteners or buttons (optional)
• Cutting mat

Steps:

1. Measure and Cut: Measure and cut a piece of leather to your desired wallet size, allowing for folding and seam allowances.
2. Fold and Sew/Glue: Fold the leather piece to create pockets and sew or glue the edges in place.
3. Add Closure (Optional): Attach snap fasteners or buttons for a secure closure.
4. Personalize (Optional): Add additional pockets, designs, or decorations.

8. Pet Accessories

Collars and Leashes
Leather scraps can be transformed into durable and stylish collars and leashes for pets. Here’s how to make them.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Hole punch
• Rivets or stitching supplies
• D-rings and buckles
• Cutting mat

Steps:

1. Measure and Cut: Measure your pet’s neck and cut a strip of leather accordingly, adding a few inches for adjustments and buckle attachment.
2. Punch Holes: Punch holes for the buckle and rivets along the leather strip.
3. Attach Buckle and D-ring: Secure the buckle and D-ring with rivets or stitching, ensuring they are firmly in place.
4. Finish Edges (Optional): Round off and smooth the edges for a polished look.

Pet Toys
Leather scraps can also be used to create durable and engaging toys for pets. Here’s a simple guide to making a braided leather tug toy.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Scissors
• Cutting mat

Steps:

1. Cut Strips: Cut several strips of leather, each about 1 inch wide and 12-18 inches long.
2. Braid: Gather the strips together and braid them tightly, ensuring the braid is secure.
3. Secure Ends: Tie knots at both ends of the braid to prevent it from unraveling.
4. Check for Safety: Ensure there are no small or loose parts that could be a choking hazard.

9. Upcycling and Repairs

Clothing Patches
Leather patches can add a stylish touch to clothing while also serving as durable repairs. Here’s how to use leather scraps as clothing patches.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Needle and thread or fabric adhesive
• Cutting mat

Steps:

1. Cut the Patch: Cut a piece of leather slightly larger than the area you need to cover.
2. Prepare the Clothing: Lay the clothing flat and position the leather patch over the damaged area.
3. Attach the Patch: Sew the patch onto the clothing with a needle and thread, or use fabric adhesive for a no-sew option.
4. Decorate (Optional): Add decorative stitching or designs to integrate the patch into the clothing’s style.

Furniture Repairs
Leather scraps can be used to cover worn or damaged spots on furniture, giving it a fresh, updated look. Here’s a guide to making leather patches for furniture.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Leather adhesive
• Cutting mat

Steps:

1. Measure and Cut: Measure the damaged area on the furniture and cut a piece of leather slightly larger than this area.
2. Apply Adhesive: Apply leather adhesive to the back of the leather patch.
3. Attach the Patch: Press the patch firmly onto the damaged area and smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles.
4. Allow to Dry: Let the adhesive dry completely before using the furniture.

10. Gift Wrapping and Tags

Gift Tags
Leather gift tags add a unique and elegant touch to presents. They can be personalized and reused, making them both stylish and eco-friendly. Here’s how to make them.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Hole punch
• String or ribbon
• Decorative elements (stamps, paint, etc.)
• Cutting mat

Steps:

1. Cut the Leather: Cut the leather into tag shapes, such as rectangles, circles, or custom shapes.
2. Punch a Hole: Punch a hole at the top of each tag for threading string or ribbon.
3. Decorate: Personalize the tags with stamps, paint, or other decorative elements.
4. Attach to Gift: Thread string or ribbon through the hole and attach the tag to your gift.

Gift Wrap Embellishments
Leather scraps can be used to create beautiful embellishments for gift wrapping, adding a touch of luxury and creativity. Here’s how.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Glue or double-sided tape
• Cutting mat

Steps:

1. Cut Shapes: Cut leather into various shapes like flowers, leaves, or geometric patterns.
2. Prepare Gift Wrap: Wrap your gift with plain paper to make the leather embellishments stand out.
3. Attach Embellishments: Use glue or double-sided tape to attach the leather shapes to the wrapped gift.
4. Layer and Arrange: Layer and arrange the shapes in a pleasing design, adding dimension and interest to your gift wrapping.

11. Seasonal Decorations

Holiday Ornaments
Leather scraps can be transformed into beautiful and unique holiday ornaments. They add a touch of sophistication to your holiday decor and are simple to make. Here’s how.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Hole punch
• String or ribbon
• Decorative elements (stamps, paint, etc.)
• Cutting mat

Steps:

1. Design and Cut: Draw your desired ornament shapes on the leather and cut them out. Popular shapes include stars, trees, and snowflakes.
2. Punch a Hole: Punch a hole at the top of each ornament for threading string or ribbon.
3. Decorate: Personalize the ornaments with stamps, paint, or other decorative elements.
4. Attach String or Ribbon: Thread string or ribbon through the hole and tie it to create a loop for hanging.

Garlands
Leather garlands are a stylish way to decorate for any season or event. They are durable and can be reused year after year. Here’s how to create them.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Hole punch
• String or twine
• Cutting mat

Steps:

1. Cut Shapes: Cut the leather into various shapes such as leaves, hearts, or geometric patterns.
2. Punch Holes: Punch holes at the top of each shape for threading string or twine.
3. Thread Shapes: Thread the shapes onto the string or twine, spacing them evenly.
4. Hang the Garland: Hang the garland across your desired area, securing the ends.

12. Upcycled Fashion

Appliqués
Leather scraps can be used as appliqués to add a unique touch to clothing and accessories. They can be sewn or glued onto various items. Here’s how to use leather appliqués.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Needle and thread or fabric adhesive
• Cutting mat

Steps:

1. Cut the Leather: Cut the leather into your desired shapes and designs. Popular choices include flowers, animals, and abstract patterns.
2. Prepare the Item: Lay the clothing or accessory item flat and position the leather appliqué on it.
3. Attach the Appliqué: Sew or glue the leather appliqué onto the item, ensuring it is securely attached.
4. Personalize (Optional): Add additional decorative elements like beads, sequins, or embroidery.

Shoes and Accessories
Leather scraps can be used to embellish and customize shoes and other accessories, giving them a new lease on life. Here’s how.

Materials Needed:

• Leather scraps
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Strong adhesive
• Decorative elements (studs, beads, etc.)
• Cutting mat

Steps:

1. Design and Cut: Design and cut leather pieces to fit the areas of your shoes or accessories you want to embellish.
2. Apply Adhesive: Apply strong adhesive to the back of the leather pieces.
3. Attach Leather: Press the leather pieces firmly onto the shoes or accessories, ensuring they are securely attached.
4. Add Decorations (Optional): Add studs, beads, or other decorative elements to enhance the design.

Endless Possibilities with Leather Scraps

Repurposing leather scraps and remnants is not only a creative endeavor but also a sustainable one. By finding new uses for these small pieces of leather, you can create a variety of stylish, functional, and unique items that range from fashion accessories to home décor. Whether you’re crafting elegant jewelry, enhancing your home with custom coasters and drawer pulls, or personalizing tech accessories, the possibilities are endless.

Engaging in these projects allows you to reduce waste and contribute to a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Moreover, the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and useful from materials that might otherwise be discarded is immensely rewarding. Each project is an opportunity to express your creativity and craftsmanship, resulting in pieces that are not only practical but also rich with personal significance.

So gather your materials, set up your workspace, and start crafting. Transform those leftover pieces of leather into something extraordinary, and enjoy the process of bringing your creative visions to life. Happy crafting!

Products featured in this article:

• Colorful Leather Pieces
• Embossed Leather Pieces
• Tan Leather Pieces
• Brown Leather Pieces
• Black Leather Pieces

Share Your Creative Ideas & Projects!

We hope you found inspiration in these creative ways to repurpose leather scraps! Now, we’d love to hear from you. How do you use your leftover leather pieces? Do you have any unique projects or tips that you’d like to share?

Leave a comment below with your ideas, experiences, and projects. Your contributions could spark new ideas and help others make the most out of their leather remnants.

Happy crafting, and we can’t wait to see what you come up with!