This DIY basket bag is the perfect project for the season.
Using a simple basket (nearly any basket will work), you can create a super cute summer bag that is totally on trend.
Inspired by these bags from Clare V that I literally have been seeing everywhere lately, I wanted to create a bag that wouldn’t break the bank, but would mimic this look.
After a little trial and error, I came up with this quick and easy tutorial. And you’ll only need a few supplies to make your own!
I’m no stranger to making a DIY purse. I’ve embellished a few bags, like my flower print purses (and wallets), I’ve shared how to make a leather drawstring bag, and even made a DIY beach bag with woven placemats.
But this DIY bag has a distinctly summer vibe and I love the simplicity. It’s a great beginner project.
But my favorite part of the basket bag is the fact that you can deconstruct any time, without ruining the basket at all.
Here’s how you can make your own…
Materials for DIY Summer Basket Bag
- cool basket with no handles
- leather straps or scraps (length dependent on preference)
- leather hole punch
- needle and embroidery floss in desired color
- ruler / straight edge
- sharp knife or boxcutter (for cutting the leather)
How to Make a Summer Basket Bag
1. Cut leather straps.
Start by cutting down a piece of leather to your desired handle size.
For one of the baskets (the neon striped one), I cut the leather down to just one piece that is 11 inches long and 2 inches wide.
And the other basket, was cut into two leather handles that are each 9.5 inches long and 1 inch wide.
It would also be cool to do a bag with really long leather straps that tape on more of a tote shape, if you have a basket that would work for that.
There are lots of possibilities for this one!
2. Punch holes in the leather.
Once the handle or handles have been cut, punch holes on each end of the leather in your desired design.
For the neon striped basket, I did three evenly spaced holes toward the bottom of each end of the strap.
And for the earthy striped basket, I punched two evenly spaced holes toward the bottom of each end of the leather handles.
3. Attach the first leather strap.
Next, determine your desired placement of the handles on the basket and attach each handle to the basket with embroidery floss.
Just triple knot one end of the embroidery floss and then start threading through the inside of the basket and go through the already punched holes several times each (4-5 times each hole should be good).
Then thread the floss through to the inside once more and triple knot the end before cutting off any excess.
4. Repeat step 3 for other strap.
Repeat this process from step 3 on all the handle holes until everything is secure and then it’s ready to use.
When I use one of these bags, I usually carry my wallet, sunglasses, some makeup, my keys, and a few other small items.
And it holds up great! But that said, these DIY summer basket bags probably aren’t meant for a ‘kitchen sink’ bag moment.
As long as you stitch the embroidery floss through multiple times, as I suggested, it’s totally sturdy for general use.
DIY Basket Bag for Summer
Ingredients
- cool basket with no handles
- leather straps or scraps length dependent on preference
- leather hole punch
- needle and embroidery floss in desired color
- ruler / straight edge
- sharp knife or boxcutter for cutting the leather
Instructions
Cut leather straps.
- Start by cutting down a piece of leather to your desired handle size.
- For one of the baskets (the neon striped one), I cut the leather down to just one piece that is 11 inches long and 2 inches wide.
- And the other basket, was cut into two leather handles that are each 9.5 inches long and 1 inch wide.
- It would also be cool to do a bag with really long leather straps that tape on more of a tote shape, if you have a basket that would work for that.
- There are lots of possibilities for this one!
Punch holes in the leather.
- Once the handle or handles have been cut, punch holes on each end of the leather in your desired design.
- For the neon striped basket, I did three evenly spaced holes toward the bottom of each end of the strap.
- And for the earthy striped basket, I punched two evenly spaced holes toward the bottom of each end of the leather handles.
Attach the first leather strap.
- Next, determine your desired placement of the handles on the basket and attach each handle to the basket with embroidery floss.
- Just triple knot one end of the embroidery floss and then start threading through the inside of the basket and go through the already punched holes several times each (4-5 times each hole should be good).
- Then thread the floss through to the inside once more and triple knot the end before cutting off any excess.
Repeat step 3 for other strap.
- Repeat this process from step 3 on all the handle holes until everything is secure and then it's ready to use.
Looking for more basket inspiration?
- Where to source woven baskets for storage
- Small woven baskets that were dip dyed as a 10 minute DIY
- A DIY that leverages woven baskets for storage and makes them loopy
Are you as excited for summer as I am? Minus the extreme heat in Atlanta, I ‘m happy to have an excuse to start with the summer project ideas!
17 comments | Click here to reply
What a fabulous post!! Very interesting.
NipponAmazing idea! I never would have thought of that. But then again that’s why your blog is so successful and exactly why we included you on our best sites to follow in 2019!
https://www.annieandoak.com/blogs/design-style/best-modern-farmhouse-sites-award
This is also great for the environment! Staying away from plastic and creating something re-usable.
Thanks!
Kyle
Annie & Oak | Kyle[…] DIY rainbow bangles from The House that Lars Built 2. how to make a basket bag 3. DIY statement earrings 4. how to make a sugar cube scrub from Jojotastic 5. six ways to style a […]
6 DIYs to Try this Weekend - Paper and StitchThese are so adorable!!😁 I am going to make one for myself….if all goes well then my daughter will get one! You have great insructions!🌷 Thanks for this really cool idea😊 Take care, Stacy
Stacy Burton[…] Favorite DIY (this homemade basket bag idea that won’t break the bank via Paper & Stitch): […]
Friday Favorites - Lauren Conrad[…] • If you’re feeling crafty and have an unused basket lying around, Paper & Stitch can help you turn it into a cute summer basket bag. […]
This + That – Keira LennoxThat’s a nice DIY!! I made one and it looks awesome. Perfect for shopping veggies and fruits. This DIY should be promoted more, there is a great need for an alternative to plastic bags.
Sarah[…] haven’t noticed, woven bags are one of this Summer’s staples. But who knew you could make a stylish basket bag from an old […]
Friday Favorites | Volume Fifty-Three • Original CarolineGreat idea, I need that bag
The pink pineappleBlog:https://thepinkpineappleblog.blogspot.com/
Aw, thanks Kacey. Always nice to hear.
BrittniWhat?! This is the cutest! And so easy! Thanks so much for sharing.
Kacey PerezThanks Paul. I appreciate that. 🙂
BrittniBrilliant idea – looks very posh.
PaulDefinitely a great bag for the season, Andrea. Thanks! 🙂
BrittniThis is such a cool and helpful idea considering this type of bag is the one for the season!
Andreahttps://www.conamorandrea.com
Thanks Michelle. I just love how easy it is.
BrittniThat is such a neat idea, and it looks so beautiful!
Michellehttps://www.makeandmess.com/