How to Add Leather Handles to Baskets

Basic wicker basket? Broken handles on an old basket? Learn how to add leather handles to baskets, a modern update that can be completed in no time!

While wicker baskets are one of the best organization solutions, they can feel a bit basic. Before you go buy new totes or bins, try this quick update. A set of stylish leather handles make old baskets feel new again!

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How to Update Old Baskets

I’m a girl that loves a good basket… and I’m a girl that loves a good deal. When the two meet? Sold! But, I’m no stranger to giving them a little extra love. After all, a typical thrift store basket can feel a bit dated or boring! Here are a few ways to liven up a basic basket:

• stain a wicker basket
• paint part of the basket
• add tassels to a basket
• turn a basket into a wreath
• add pom poms to a basket
• turn a shallow basket into a wall mirror

How to Make Leather Handles for Baskets

It’s not expensive or difficult to start making leather crafts! You only need a few tools to get started and you can find scrap leather at second-hand stores. I’ve recycled old leather coats, pants, and belts into scrap leather.

If you’d like download and print these instructions (with links to the supplies, included), click here to jump to the instruction card.

Disclosure: This page includes affiliate links.

Supplies

• Scrap Leather
• Rotary Cutting Set (Cutter, Ruler, and Healing Mat)
• Leather Hole Punch Tool
• Pen / Permanent Marker
• Leather Snaps and Fastener Kit (make sure it includes a Snap Setting Tool)
• Small Hammer

Instructions

1. Cut 1″ Leather Strips

Place the scrap leather on the healing mat so that it is aligned straight. Then, place the ruler over the fabric and use the rotary cutter to cut a leather strip approximately 1″ wide.

2. Cut Leather Handles to Length

Next, hold the leather strip up to the basket to determine the correct length. Once measured, cut the leather handle to length.

3. Punch a Hole in the Leather Strip

Once cut, use the leather hole punch tool to add a hole at one end of the leather handle. The hole should be located approximately 1/2″ from the edge of the leather strip.

4. Mark the Location of the Second Hole

After the first hole is punched, wrap it through the basketweave to determine the location of the second hole. Once properly aligned, mark the spot with a pen or permanent marker.

5. Punch a Second Hole in the Leather Handle

Once marked, remove the leather strip from the basketweave and use the leather hole punch tool to add a hole at the marked location.

6. Repeat Steps 3-5

Now, repeat steps 3-5 on the opposite end of the leather handle.

7. Attach the Leather Snaps

Now that the holes are punched, it is time to attach the snaps. This is the trickiest part, so make sure to double-check the orientation and reference the package instructions.

8. Insert the Cap through the First Hole

First, attach a cap and socket at the end of the leather handle. Begin by inserting the cap through the leather hole.

The cap is located on the front side of the leather. So, in the image below, the backside of the leather is visible with the cap’s stem poked through the hole.

9. Place the Setter under the Cap

One the cap is inserted through the hole, place the setter under the cap.

10. Set the Socket in Place

Next, place the socket over the cap’s stem, as shown below. Now, you should have the following stack (from bottom to top): setter, cap, leather, socket.

11. Set the Cap and Socket with the Setting Tool

Once stacked, use the snap setting tool and a small hammer to set the cap and socket.

12. Repeat Steps 8-11

Next, repeat steps 8-11 for the opposite end of the leather handle.

Once this step is complete, you should still have two empty holes towards the center of the leather strip.

Similarly, both of the holes at the end of the leather handle should be set with snaps.

13. Insert the Post through the Hole

Now, insert the post through the leather hole.

The base of the post is located on the front side of the leather. So, in the image below, the backside of the leather is visible with the post’s stem poked through the hole.

14. Set the Stud in Place

Next, place the stud over the post’s stem. Now, you should have the following stack (from bottom to top): post, leather, stud.

15. Set the Post and Stud with the Setting Tool

Once stacked, use the snap setting tool and a small hammer to set the post and stud.

16. Repeat Steps 13-15

Once the post and stud are in place, repeat steps 13-15 for the remaining hole. Each end of the leather handle should have two hardware sets, as shown below.

17. Attach the Leather Handles to the Basket

In order to attach the leather handles, wrap each end around the basketweave and snap into place.

Baskets with Leather Handles

Leather handles are a stylish detail to add to a wicker basket, but that’s not all!

For example, we store library books in two shallow baskets. The wicker handles aren’t sturdy enough to lift baskets filled with books. So, a set of leather handles is much stronger than wicker.

Kids can be tough on wicker and I’ve found that leather straps and handles on baskets are durable and kid-friendly.

Did you like this leather craft idea? Pin it!

More Leather Craft Ideas

• DIY Napkin Rings made with Leather
• How to Make Leather Gift Tags
• DIY Cord Keeper made with Leather
• How to Make Leather Coasters
• DIY Leather Drawer Pulls