Turn an old leather bag into a backpack without damaging the bag

For this project I used an old Leather Coach Willis Bag, but any bag with top rings will work.

 

My bag was missing it's crossbody strap. With this alteration technique it can be worn as either a crossbody (above) , or a backpack (below).

 

 I attached a jump ring, in a rectangle shape to the bottom of the bag.  You'll need a piece of scrap leather and a rivet.  I got the jump ring from another old bag, Re-purpose as much as you can on this project . 

 At the bottom I'll have a supplies resource list. 

I inserted the hole needed for the rivet through and between the stitches at the bottom of the bag. The rivet can be removed later if desired, and the bag will return to it's prior condition.  I used an awl to coax the stitches apart just enough to insert the rivet shaft. (you could also use a small screwdriver to coax the stitches apart).

 I used a couple of old belts (again re-purposing)  to make a long strap that can be separated using  head button studs to fit it to the size you desire.  I placed the studs 2" apart on one belt and punched holes 2" apart on the other. 

I attached the straps to the top rings with rivets, this could also be done with the Ball Studs to make it fully detachable.

You'll need some specialized equipment to do this.  Here are links to the items used via

Ball heads studs here 

Rivits

Leather punch

Leather scraps, jump rings, belts, all found or thrifted.

Vintage Coach Bags now in my Etsy Shop

 I'm not exactly sure what it is about Vintage Coach that has drawn me in. 

 It might be the feel of the Leather. Have you ever felt the need to caress your handbag??? 

Well you will, if you have a vintage Leather Coach.

It might be the history of these old leather bags. The story of how Bonnie Cashin brought the company into the Ladies Leathergoods market, with her iconic designs and built in kisslock coin purses.

Maybe it's the quality of the hardware. The way the zippers still glide without hesitation or the buckles are still securely attached even after years of use.

Maybe it's the story of the Coach Creed, that tells you so much about the bag.

 When and where it was made etc.

Maybe it's the common sense designs made for real women who did not feel the need to carry their entire world with them every time they leave the house. 

Whatever the reason, I've been sucked in to the world of Vintage Coach Bags.  And of course I'm offering many to you via my Etsy and Ebay Shops.

 I even find some newer ones and those are on Ebay.

check it out and fall in love!