How to Use Leather Scrap Pieces in Bag Making
By Klum House: Bag making kits, bag sewing patterns, waxed | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn practical ways to use leather scrap pieces in your bag making projects, from zipper pulls to strap reinforcements, and save money while reducing waste.
Quick answer
You can use leather scrap pieces to make small functional components like zipper pulls, leather washers, strap reinforcements, and key fobs for your bags, saving money and reducing waste.
Why use leather scraps instead of buying full hides
Full leather hides are expensive and often leave you with more material than you need for small bag details. Leather scrap pieces give you a cost-effective way to practice stitching, test finishes, and create components without committing to a full hide. The trade-off is that you have less control over grain direction and may need to piece together multiple scraps for larger parts.
Choosing the right weight for your project
Leather weight (thickness) matters for different bag parts. A 5–7 oz scrap is flexible enough for zipper pulls and washers, while 8–10 oz leather works better for structural pieces like backpack strap reinforcements. If you're unsure, a mixed-weight grab bag gives you variety to experiment.
Step-by-step: Using leather scraps in your bag
- Sort your scraps by weight and size: Separate pieces into 3–4 oz, 5–7 oz, and 8–10 oz piles. Set aside any straps or die-cut shapes. This helps you match the right scrap to the right job later. Common mistake: using a thin scrap for a structural part like a strap reinforcement, which can tear under load.
- Cut zipper pulls from 5–7 oz scraps: Use a template or freehand cut a rectangle about 1" x 3". Round the corners with scissors or a corner punch. Punch a slot or hole at one end for the zipper tab. Sand the edges smooth. Check that the slot is wide enough for your zipper tape to slide through before finishing.
- Punch leather washers from 5–7 oz pieces: Use a rotary punch or hole punch to create washers that fit over rivets or screws. Stack multiple washers if you need extra thickness. They protect the bag fabric and add a finished look. Test the washer on a sample rivet first; if the hole is too tight, the washer may crack when set.
- Cut strap reinforcements from 8–10 oz scraps: Trace the shape of your backpack strap where it meets the bag body. Cut one or two layers of heavy scrap and glue them in place before stitching. This distributes weight and prevents tearing. Bevel the edges of the reinforcement piece so it blends smoothly with the strap and doesn't create a sharp step.
- Make key fobs or bag charms from odd-shaped pieces: Use small irregular scraps to cut simple shapes like leaves, circles, or abstract forms. Punch a hole, add a split ring, and attach to a bag zipper or D-ring. It's a zero-waste way to add personality. Avoid using very thin 3–4 oz leather for key fobs that will see daily handling; it may stretch or tear.
Leather scrap products that help
- Leather Scrap Piece: This high-quality 8" x 6" piece of leather scrap comes in multiple colors and two different weights. You can use a 5–7 oz leather scrap piece to make zipper pulls and leather washers for any Klum House bag. A single scrap piece gives you enough material for several small bag components, so you don't have to buy a full hide.
Leather Scrap Piece - Leather Scrap Grab Bag: This 3 lb grab bag of 3-4 oz, 5–7 oz and 8–10 oz leather scrap includes leftover pieces from hides used for kits, plus some ¾" or 1" straps. The variety of weights and shapes in one bag lets you test different uses without committing to a single weight or color.
Leather Scrap Grab Bag - Seconds Leather Bundle: The Seconds Leather Bundle includes 20 zipper pulls, 50 washers, and 10 tabs in assorted colors and weights, with B-grade imperfections like marks or mis-aligned cuts. This bundle gives you ready-made small parts at a discount, perfect for adding hardware details without cutting your own.
