Leather Pouches for Kids DIY

DIY leather pouches for kids make a practical, creative project for carrying crayons, small toys, rocks, and other little treasures. These two designs can be assembled by hand, so you do not need a sewing machine. Leather is one option, but felted wool or vinyl can also work if the material is sturdy enough to hold its shape. The finished pouch can be personalized with simple details or adapted to suit a child’s interests.

Project by Rachel.

Table of Contents

DIY Leather Pouches for Kids: First Design

This rounded pouch has a flap and braided fabric straps. Prepare the pieces before sewing, and check that the material is suitable for hand-stitching. If children are helping, an adult should handle sharp cutting tools and the awl.

Materials

One piece of leather, felted wool, or vinyl, about 8" x 18" per pouch
Small contrasting leather scraps for decorative details
Three fabric strips, each about 2" x 42"
Waxed linen cord and a needle made for leatherwork
An awl, cutting mat, sharp scissors, and a craft knife

How to make it

Cut out eyelashes, a nose, or other decorations for the top flap. Round one short end of the main piece. A dish can be used as a template to draw a smooth curve before cutting.
Measure about 6" from the rounded end and cut a rounded triangular opening with a craft knife. This creates the ear flaps; keep the removed space for the straps to pass through.
Position the decorative pieces on the open flap. Use an awl to make holes through the details and the pouch material, then separate the layers and enlarge the holes as needed before stitching the details in place.
For felted wool or vinyl, a suitable fabric adhesive may be an alternative for attaching decorative pieces. Follow the adhesive instructions and allow it to dry fully.
Braid the three fabric strips to make a strap. Stitch the strap to the inside of the pouch, with its ends coming through the ear openings.
Fold the pouch into shape. Use the awl to make stitching holes along one side at a time, then sew each side closed. Starting inside near the top, stitch down to the bottom and back toward the top.

A Shorter Creature-Inspired Pouch

The second version uses a shorter piece of leather and can be shaped as a small pouch for collecting objects. Eye details and a simple clasp-like fabric loop give it a playful creature-inspired look.

Materials and construction

One piece of leather, about 8" x 14"
Leather scraps, buttons, or felt for the details
Waxed linen cord, a leatherwork needle, and an awl
Three fabric strips, each about 2" x 42"
A small fabric strip, about 1" x 3", plus sharp scissors, a cutting mat, and a craft knife

Cut the small fabric strip and stitch it about 1" from one short end of the leather. Fold it so it forms a small loop. Make the holes first with the awl, pass the waxed linen cord through with the needle, and tie the cord off on the back.
Use a dish as a template to round the opposite end. Make a centered slit about 1.5" above the rounded edge; it should be wide enough for the fabric loop to pass through.
Fold the pouch and stitch the sides closed. Make straight slits for the straps instead of ear-shaped openings, then pass the strap ends through to the inside and stitch them down.
Cut two small pieces of scrap leather for eyes and sew them in place. Buttons or felt can also be used as details.

Personalizing and Using the Pouches

These pouches can hold small items for everyday play or outings. For an older child, adjust the dimensions while keeping enough material for the flap and side seams. Children can help choose the decorations or plan details such as embroidery and paint; test any paint or adhesive on a scrap of the chosen material first.

Before use, check that the stitching is secure and that there are no sharp edges or loose small decorations. With sturdy material, careful hand-stitching, and a little customization, DIY leather pouches for kids can become useful accessories for carrying small treasures.