Babylon Leather DIY Leather Bag Kit

If you’ve ever dreamed of making your own leather bag but thought it would be too complicated, I’m here to prove you wrong. Recently, I completed the Babylon Leather Tabby Crossbody Bag Kit, and not only was it easier than I expected… I finished it in just one day!

Here’s how it went, from unboxing the kit to excitedly wearing my brand-new bag, plus a discount code at the end… You can also watch the YouTube Video for a demo of me making the bag!

My much-loved black leather handbag had finally given up after years of daily use. I needed a replacement; something timeless, high-quality, and durable. When Babylon Leather offered to send me one of their DIY bag kits in exchange for a review (plus a discount code for my followers), I jumped at the chance.

After browsing their huge selection (there’s everything from fancy Birkin bags, workhorse styles, trendy hobo bags, baguette bags, and even men’s backpacks); I settled on the Tabby Crossbody. It’s classic, versatile, and small enough for everyday wear. Tabby comes in several colours and I chose classic black since that’s what my wardrobe needed. Not a colour I often wear head-to-toe you know, but a nice black bag is a must-have for me.

The kit arrived beautifully packaged and included everything I needed:

• Pre-cut and punched pieces in high-quality black leather

• Matching hardware and accessories

• All tools and notions, even a small screwdriver for the hardware

• Heavy-duty waxed thread (enough for two bags)

• A link to a full step-by-step video tutorial

• Plus free accessories of scarfs and charms for my bag!

The only thing I had to provide myself? A lighter or matches to seal the thread ends. (Understandable, they can’t exactly ship a lighter in the box!)

The leather smelled incredible right out of the package, and I could tell instantly it was the real deal! No risk of the cheap, plastic look you sometimes get with faux leather.

I’ve never made a leather bag before, but this kit was incredibly beginner-friendly. Each piece came pre-punched with stitching holes, and the video tutorial was clear and easy to follow.

My key takeaways:

• Saddle stitching with two needles is surprisingly satisfying once you get into a rhythm.

• Pulling the first thread to one side so the light can pass through the hole before inserting the second needle makes finding the hole again much easier.

• The waxed thread glides through leather without snagging.

• That decorative stitching adds a professional touch without being difficult.

• This bag is one of the few smaller bags that features an internal pocket – an essential to me – perfect for safely holding your phone, a key, etc.

Over the course of the day — between doing laundry, feeding the cat, and watching BBC’s Dracula — I stitched together the clasp panel, the front of the bag, the base, sides, and inner pouch.

By late afternoon, I’d attached the flap and strap, tightened the hardware, and admired my brand-new bag.

The Tabby Crossbody isn’t just good-looking — it’s practical too:

• Adjustable strap with a stylish buckle and decorative under-panel

• Magnetic closure (the buckle is purely decorative)

• Handy inner pouch for essentials like a phone or lipstick

• Sturdy, structured shape that feels like it will last for years

Best of all, it looks and feels like a high-end store-bought bag — but I made it myself.

Want to make your own? Get 10% off with code Amy10off and get inspired here https://www.babylonleather.com/Amy10off

Making this bag has given me the confidence to try more leather projects. There’s a local shop near me — Scrap Leeds — that sells leather hides in all colours, and I’m tempted to buy some and try Babylon Leather’s patterns with my own materials.

I’ve got my eye on a perforation chisel so I can create my own stitching holes and make wallets, purses and maybe the cat shaped handbag pattern!!