DIY | Leather Chain Crossbody Bag Strap + Turn Any Clutch Into A Crossbody!

*Disclaimer: This post is brought to you courtesy of Endlessleather.com. I received samples of their products in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and are in no way influenced by their company. 

As promised, this is my second tutorial for Endlessleather.com! I purchased this lovely Kimchi Blue crossbody purse from Urban Outfitters but within a few months, I got frustrated because the chain began to kink up. I couldn't figure out how to fix it so I opted to replace it entirely. Sadly I couldn't find a strap that I liked, so I DIY'd my own with some chain and flat leather lace! This is a great project if you're frustrated by kinked chains, chain straps that dig into your shoulder, or simply find that your crossbody is too long for your liking. I'll also teach you how to make an instant crossbody out of any clutch!

Photo credit to Urban Outfitters | my kinked chain | DIY crossbody strap!

DIY Leather Crossbody Bag Strap

(Difficulty: Intermediate)

Supplies

(1) Flat leather lace (I picked black to match with my purse)
(2) Clutch or crossbody
(3) Thick chain
(4) Two spring rings (large lobster clasps would also work)
(5) Eyelets (I used 3/16")
(6) Eyelet setter
(7) Rotary punch
(8) Jewelry pliers + cutters
(9) Scissors (not shown)

*If you can't purchase from Endlessleather, you can find these supplies at your local craft store, Amazon, or Etsy! I can't guarantee the quality is the same though!

What's ReadyCart?

Steps

1. Measure and cut out leather cord long enough to wrap around your shoulder comfortably. Mine came out to 6 inches.

2. Punch a hole at one end of the cord, big enough to fit your eyelet. Repeat with other end.

3. Fit an eyelet into the hole and set with eyelet tool. In hindsight, I probably would have picked a smaller eyelet; I had to use black since I didn't have gold on hand. Repeat for the other end.

*If you're attaching this to a regular crossbody purse...

4. Measure and cut two equal chains to desired length.

5. Open the ring of one chain's end and attach it to your eyelet. Attach the other end of the same chain to a spring ring. Repeat this step for the other chain.

6. Secure your chain strap to the links on your crossbody and wear!

*If you're attaching this to a clutch...

4. Measure and cut one piece of chain to desired length. Mine came out to about 3 feet.

5. Open the ring of one end and attach it to your eyelet. Attach the other end of the same chain to the other eyelet. You should now have a complete circle.

6. Bring the leather part of the chain to your shoulder and tuck the chain under the flap of your clutch.

7. Secure the flap per usual and wear! Boom--insta-crossbody!

I added on a detachable chain strap to my adorable mint phone wallet (psst, I got mine here!) to turn it into a crossbody for those days when I just want to be hands-free. If you want to see my first project or read my review for all the leather laces and accessories that I received from Endlessleather.com, click here!

*Boom; action shot!

Here's me in my highlighter pink dress!

source : cafecraftea