How to Sew Faux Leather by Hand: An Easy Beginner Guide

by Ria Crawford

If you love the look of faux leather crafts but don’t own a sewing machine, the good news is that you absolutely can sew faux leather by hand.

In fact, hand stitching is one of my favourite ways to make small faux leather projects. It’s relaxing, easy to learn and gives your finished project a lovely handmade look.

And you don’t need to be experienced at sewing to get started.

Flower Blossom Bag Charm SVG, Faux Leather Flower attached to a stylish blue bag, showcasing vibrant colors and designs.

Can You Really Sew Faux Leather by Hand?

Yes!

The biggest difference between sewing fabric and sewing faux leather is that pushing a needle repeatedly through faux leather can be difficult.

That’s why I love using pre-cut stitching holes.

The holes are cut into the faux leather before you begin sewing, so instead of forcing a needle through the material, you simply stitch through the holes.

If you use a cutting machine such as a Cricut, the holes can be cut at the same time as the rest of your project.

This is the method I use for my EasyStitch faux leather patterns.

Wristlet Key Fob SVG, Hand Sew Holes Keychain Wrist Fob Template, Faux Leather Fob, Wristlet Cricut SVG Cut File


What Do You Need to Hand Sew Faux Leather?

You really don't need much.

For most small faux leather projects I use:

  • Faux leather, good quality.

  • A blunt end embroidery style sewing needle

  • Waxed cord or embroidery floss

  • Scissors

  • A cutting machine such as a Cricut, Silhouette or ScanNCut if you are using a digital template

  • Your faux leather project template

You can also cut many faux leather patterns by hand if you prefer.

What Thread Should You Use for Faux Leather?

Two of my favourite options are waxed cord and embroidery floss.

Waxed cord gives a slightly chunkier, more defined stitch and is especially nice on keychains, pouches and small accessories.

Embroidery floss gives you lots of colour choices and works beautifully if you want your stitching to become part of the design.

There is no rule saying your thread needs to match your faux leather either.

Sometimes contrasting stitching is what makes a simple project really stand out.

How to Hand Stitch Faux Leather

Once your faux leather pieces have been cut, line up the stitching holes on the layers of your project.

Thread your needle and knot your thread on the end and begin sewing through the pre-cut holes.

One of the easiest stitches to use is a simple running stitch, working in and out through each hole.

Depending on the project, I often stitch around the design and then work back through the holes so that the gaps are filled.

This creates a lovely continuous stitched edge.

When you reach the end, secure your thread between the layers wherever possible so that the knot is hidden inside your project.

Do You Need to Punch the Holes Yourself?

You can, but you don't have to.

All of my EasyStitch designs include stitching holes as part of the template, so the holes cut on your Cricut machine along with the main faux leather pieces.

This makes them particularly good for beginners because you don't have to measure or work out your own stitch spacing.

Cut, line up your pieces and start stitching.

Positive Pants Pocket Hug SVG, Put On Your Positive Pants Gift, faux leather crafts, encouragement gifts

Is Faux Leather Good for Beginners?

It really is.

Faux leather doesn't fray like fabric, so there are no raw fabric edges to finish.

It is also perfect for smaller projects that can often be completed with just a few scraps.

Some great beginner faux leather projects include:

  • Bookmarks

  • Keychains

  • Lip balm holders

  • Pocket hugs

  • Coin purses

  • Small pouches

  • Bag charms

  • Card holders

They are also lovely little projects to make as gifts or to sell at craft markets.

Strawberry purse design featuring faux leather coin pouches with cute flower accents ideal for Cricut crafting.

Can You Sew Faux Leather Without a Sewing Machine?

Absolutely.

That is actually one of the reasons I created my EasyStitch range.

I wanted to make faux leather projects that were accessible to people who loved crafting but didn't necessarily own—or want to use—a sewing machine.

If you have a Cricut or similar cutting machine and can thread a needle, you can make some really lovely faux leather projects.

And even if your first few stitches aren't perfectly even?

That's part of the charm of something handmade.

Ready to Try Your First Faux Leather Project?

Start with something small.

A bookmark, keychain or pocket hug is a great first project because you can practise the stitching technique without committing to something complicated.

Once you've made one, you'll probably realise that hand sewing faux leather is much easier than you expected.

And be warned — using up all those little faux leather scraps can become slightly addictive!

Have Fun x


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