Alright, so I finally got around to making my own version of the The Row crossbody bag. Been eyeing those bags for ages, but the price tag? Nah, I’m good. So, DIY it is!
First things first: the hunt for materials. I knew I wanted something that looked kinda luxe but wasn’t gonna break the bank. I ended up finding this really nice, thick leather at a local shop. It had the perfect slouchy vibe I was going for. And for the strap, I snagged some heavy-duty chain from a hardware store – figured it would give it that edgy-but-still-classy look.
Cutting and Shaping: I started by sketching out the basic shape of the bag on some paper. Nothing too precise, just getting a feel for the size and proportions. Then I transferred that to the leather, adding a bit of extra room for seam allowances. Cutting the leather was a bit nerve-wracking, ngl. One wrong move and you’re screwed. But I took my time, used a sharp blade, and it came out pretty good.
Sewing Time (aka My Nemesis): Okay, sewing leather is a whole different ball game than sewing regular fabric. My poor little sewing machine was struggling! I had to switch to a heavy-duty needle and go super slow. I mostly hand-stitched the tougher parts. This took forever, but it was worth it for the clean look.
- I used a saddle stitch for the main seams.
- Reinforced the corners for extra durability.
The Strap Situation: Attaching the chain strap was surprisingly easy. I just used some sturdy jump rings and pliers to connect it to the sides of the bag. I played around with the length until it felt right – not too long, not too short.
Finishing Touches: Once everything was sewn and the strap was attached, I added a magnetic snap closure to the top of the bag. It’s not exactly like the original The Row bag, but I think it works.
The Verdict: Honestly? I’m pretty damn proud of how it turned out. It’s not perfect, there are definitely some wonky stitches here and there, but it looks surprisingly similar to the real deal. Plus, I saved a ton of money. Would I do it again? Maybe. It was a lot of work, but the satisfaction of making something myself is hard to beat.
If you’re thinking about making your own bag, I say go for it! Just be prepared to spend some time, be patient with yourself, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
