Ever since Alexander Wang brought out his studded Diego bag (so long ago now!) I’ve had a whole lotta love for the bucket – something about it is just so easy to wear – to me it’s the perfect chilled out summer bag. This season I’ve been seeing bucket bags everywhere – from classic minimal ones to neon brights to crazy patterned ones, and I love them all! I had some metallic PU fabric that I didn’t know what to do with and decided to try my hand at making myself a bucket bag – not the most simple project around but definitely one of the most rewarding. Read on to see how I made it, and how you can make one too!
You need:
- 2 meters (2.2 yards) of PU leather, heavy woven fabric or light leather
- 2 meters (2.2 yards) of stiff fabric for the lining
- scissors
- a measuring tape
- a ruler
- matching thread
- a sewing machine
- pins
How to:
1. Determine the size you want for the base of your bag. I hunted around in the kitchen and used a strainer because I thought it was the right size (don’t laugh – it was the only thing I had in that perfect size – in between a plate and a saucer!). Use a pen to trace it onto the leather/fabric.
2. Cut out the base.
3. Then cut out the side panel. To do this you need to work out the correct length so measure the diameter of the circle you cut (from side to side going through the middle) and then times that by π = 3.14. Remember maths at school? Circumference = diameter x π. If you need a little assistance – use the calculator here. Make the height of the side panel equal to how tall you want your bag to be – with a few extra inches to allow you to turn over and sew down the edge.
Click on the template to enlarge.
4. Fold the side panel in half and then sew along the short edge with your sewing machine, leaving the top two inches open (so you can turn down and hem).
5. Pin the side panel (which will be a cylinder now) to the base.
6. Sew the edges. This can be tricky so take it slowly.
7. Recreate the exact same process for your cotton lining.
8. Pin and sew the lining properly, and then, with the seam facing out, slide it into your bag.
9. To secure the lining in place, fold the top edge of the outside fabric over the lining onto the inside and sew down. You may have to trim the lining shorter to fit it properly. If you are using fabric for the outside you should double over the edge so you don’t get any fraying.
10. To make the holes for the drawstring/strap you have a few options. If you are using fabric I would use a grommet maker so that you don’t have any fraying happen from the strain of the drawstring, however if you are using leather or PU leather, you can cut slits instead – which is what I did. Measure where you want the holes to go – you want to do an even number of holes so the strap comes out at the back on each side of the seam.
11. Cut the holes, making sure they are the same height and avoid cutting the lining.
12. Sew your strap by folding over and sewing down, make it around 1 m (1.2 yards) long. If you are using fabric for this I would sew the strap inside out and then turn right way out so you don’t have too much fraying,
13. Thread the strap through.
13. Centre the strap so either end comes out beside the back seam and then link the strap up and sew together (by hand or machine) so the drawstring also acts as a long shoulder strap.
There you have it – I can’t wait to use this all summer!
Wearing: DIY Bucket Bag, Macgraw Shorts and DIY leather collar denim shirt
This was the first time I’ve tried to make a bucket bag and I think it turned out a-ok (practice makes perfect after all!) – I can’t wait to make the same style in some thick white fabric (I’m thinking neoprene!) for summer.
Photos of the finished product by Lauren Engel
Wow, cool bag! I love anything with a metallic look 🙂
http://www.Fashioncontainer.com
Fashioncontainer Facebook page
Thanks, I wasn’t so sure about the fabric originally but it worked out well in the end!
This is so lovely! What a great idea.
Xx
http://sarah-nunn.blogspot.co.uk/
Cool idea!
I want that bag <3 perfect :3 i'm your big fan Geneva!
Aww thanks Atari, glad to hear you enjoy my projects. x
I love your DIYs! Great idea! x
This is awesome! I love the gold!
Love this! You did such a great job! <3
http://styleitwithme.blogspot.co.uk
Love this DIY, looks so professional!
http://www.beblacknblue.blogspot.co.uk
http://www.beblacknblue.blogspot.co.uk
I love it. Nice idea!! 🙂
http://www.emerjadesign.com
Ooooh, love it! I love how this turned out.
i loev this! the gold is perfect!
xo, aiyanajane || http://www.citystylecountrysmile.com
Very nice!! xx
http://www.creativityandchocolate.com
What a great idea! Not sure my attempt would be that neat! !
It’s kind of trial and error to start with – particularly sewing the round base – but you’ll soon get the hang of it!
This is such an awesome idea! I should really put my sewing machine to use, haha.
charsd.blogspot.com
You should 🙂
Great DIY!
Great idea! Tomorrow I go to the store to get all the materials 🙂 you are a real inspiration to me!
That’s so great to hear – send me some pics of your finished product. xx
I love bucket bags, but never thought of making one myself. Will have to try this! Thanks for the tutorial. xx
http://thepeppermintstore.blogspot.co.uk/
Turns out it was super hard to make – just a bit fiddly.
I love bucket bags, but never thought of making one. Will have to try this! Thanks for the tutorial. xx
http://thepeppermintstore.blogspot.co.uk/
wooo geneva I need to make this!! Best diy bag ever…
Such a super cool tip from you! Love this bag!
Thanks from Latvian stylist & blogger
http://Www.lauravaluta.blogspot.com
OMG your bag looks amazing.
I will try and make my own bag 😉
Greetings from Germany
Dana
http://danalovesfashionandmusic.blogspot.de/
Great to hear Dana, I would love to see your version. x
i love the shape of the bag!
http://www.styleandshades.blogspot.com
Buckets are my fave shape atm. x
where did you get the leather?
It was PU leather and just some random joint near me in HK.
This is so good for australian winter
I love this, it’s not so hard when you see how to do it, just need to get a better sewing machine!
I love my sewing machine. 🙂
Pink and denim looks so good together.
Glad you’re doing more difficult projects now.
I like to do a mix so there is something for everyone. x
Geneva this is one of your best projects yet,
So glad you think so!
i would do it in leather.
Me too – I think it might be a bit trickier to sew. x
That looks amazing! If I had just an inkling of your DIY talent I’d be happy 🙂
Practice makes perfect!
I am so making this, I have the perfect fabric and a bucket bag is a must have for summer.
Lauren
livinginaboxx
bloglovin
I couldn’t agree more lauren.
Great tutorial. thank you for sharing! 🙂
Love it!!
xxx
Naomi
http://www.bonnieclydemarni.com
I have nominated you for The Addictive Blog Award!
http://minimalexposure.blogspot.com/2013/05/one-addictive-blog-award.html
Looks a little advanced as far as my DIY goes haha (not far at all), but it looks really good! I agree, there have been so many bucket bags of all types that I’ve seen and loved!
http://currentlylovingblog.blogspot.com/
Me too – I started seeing them everywhere last year and wanted to make one then – better late than never.
Such a great idea!! Love it 🙂
Don´t forget to check out MY FIRST GIVEAWAY: http://www.simply-nastya.com/2013/05/my-first-giveaway.html
Love, Nastya!
Such a great idea, looks great and would be fun to do also!…Thanks for sharing!…xv
http://vickiarcher.com
That is amazing! I have the perfect fabric waiting in my closet! I see a DIY project this weekend! Can’t wait! Xo
SJ
http://Www.fashinny.blogspot.com
Great to hear SJ!
Oh please do neoprene! That would be amazing.
x eva
http://www.evamarieclosephotography.blogspot.com.au
I agree – just need to find the right fabric. x
Love the metallic!
http://lovealwaysesther.com
http://youtube.com/lovealwaysesther
Nice idea. Isn´t it great to have something unique 😉 I´m just done with my leather bag and can´t wait to start my next project ^^
Oh my gosh your creations are amazing!! I’ve been following you for many months now and, I assure you, you are just a model to aspire! Thank you for making these amizing creations 😉
i love it! and it’s metallic too! simply perfect 🙂 thank you Geneva 😀
http://ainihapsari.wordpress.com/
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Love this project. I’ll definitely give it a try.
[…] you’ve got the shorts sorted, why not add a Fringed Knit, Flower Headband, Bucket Bag and Chevron Rings to your festival […]
What a great idea! One of a kind and saves money. 😉
Hi Geneva! I absolutely love your blog!
Today I tried out your tutorial with black leather and it came out fab!!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/942378_10151555734983651_1454051401_n.jpg
Thank you for the great tutorial 🙂 It was super easy to do!!
OMG amazing work!!! xx
Love you, thanks!!!
really love this diy <3 but can it been done sewing by hand instead of machine?:pp
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