Looking for a new way to spruce up your home? If you’ve ever wished you could give your drawers, cabinets, and dressers a modern upgrade with an artisanal flair, we’ve got just the DIY for you.
Today, we’re going to show you how to make leather drawer pulls with step-by-step instructions. It sounds complicated but leather drawer pulls are actually quite simple and straightforward to make—all it takes is some basic materials and a few hours of time and patience.
Best of all, this project can be done on the cheap compared with buying new drawer pulls from the store. Once completed, you’ll have beautiful custom-made hardware that adds a special touch to your home interior. So let's get started!
What You'll Need to Make Leather Drawer Pulls
Making leather drawer pulls is a quick and easy way to give furniture a custom look! All you need to get started is some leather, a few basic tools, and this simple guide.
To make your own leather drawer pulls, you'll need the following items:
- Leather – Choose the right thickness for your particular project.
- Hammer – Used to punch holes in the leather.
- Awl – For making small holes prior to punching.
- Line Cutter or Leather Slick – To cut the strips of leather for the drawer pulls.
- Glue - For attaching the hardware if necessary.
Once you have all your supplies gathered up, you're ready to get started! With just a few simple steps, you can create custom leather drawer pulls that will take any piece of furniture from drab to fab.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Leather Drawer Pulls
Making your own leather drawer pulls is a great DIY project. It's simple, cost-effective, and you can customize it to your own style. So what are you waiting for? Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own leather drawer pulls:
Gather your materials: You'll need leather scraps, scissors, and strong glue.
Cut the leather: Cut two strips of leather that are approximately the same length and width as the existing drawer pull holes in your furniture piece. Be sure to leave about an inch of extra space on each end for additional length once the pulls are attached.
Glue the ends together: Take one piece of leather and apply glue along its length. Place it onto the other piece of leather so that the two pieces overlap by about half an inch. Press them together until the glue is thoroughly adhered.
Attach the pulls to furniture: Take each pull by its ends and place it over the existing drawer pull holes on your furniture piece, making sure they match up properly with each hole. Secure them in place with a few nails or screws.
Admire your work! Stand back and admire your handiwork—you've just created something special with your own two hands!
Using this easy guide, you can make custom leather drawer pulls that will add a touch of rustic elegance to any furniture piece in no time!
Tips to Create the Perfect Leather Pulls
Making leather handles for your drawers is not only easy but also adds a touch of personality to your furniture. Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect pulls:
Cut the Leather
Use a rotary cutter, an X-acto knife, and a ruler to measure and cut two pieces of leather that are the same length as the distance between the mounting holes on your drawer. Be sure to use a self-healing cutting mat, or any other protective surface, when cutting your leather.
Preparing the Leather
Paint the edges of each piece of leather with a thin layer of contact cement using a foam brush. Let it dry for 5-10 minutes before applying a corresponding coat to both sides of the mounting screws and other metal parts. Allow them all to dry for another 10 minutes.
Assembly
Once everything is dry, align both pieces of leather on top of one another and position them around the screws. Use pliers or tweezers to hold everything in place, and then carefully twist each screw into its respective hole. Finally, press firmly against all sides to ensure that everything is secure, and voila—you have created beautiful homemade leather drawer handles!
How to Attach the Leather Pulls to Your Furniture
Ready to attach the leather pulls to your furniture? It's really quite simple. First, you'll need to measure and mark the spots for the holes for the screws you're going to use. Make sure you double-check these measurements so that your holes are in the correct spots.
Once you have your measurements ready, get a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the width of your screws. Use the drill bit to create a pilot hole into your piece of furniture.
It's important that you don't drill too deep or the screws won't be secure enough to hold the leather pull properly. Take your time and make sure that your pilot holes are just right—you don't want them too shallow or too deep.
Once you have created your pilot holes, it's time to secure the leather pulls using screws. All you need is a screwdriver, and then it's just a matter of screwing each leather pull onto its respective hole in the furniture. Once they are all securely in place, give them a tug to make sure that they won't easily come off and there you have it—beautiful handmade leather drawer pulls!
Finishing Touches: Tips on Protecting and Cleaning Your Pulls
As you tackle the project of making your own leather drawer pulls, a few finishing touches will make all the difference.
Protecting Your Pulls
After you finish creating your leather drawer pulls with an adhesive, it’s important to protect them from wear and tear. Applying a clear coat of enamel to the top of your pulls will prevent discoloration, scratches, and other damage. This protective layer should be applied after you have allowed your adhesive to set overnight.
Cleaning Your Pulls
To keep your leather drawer pulls looking like new, occasionally wipe them down with a damp cloth with a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. Do not use any abrasive cleaners or scrubbing brushes, as this may damage the finish on the leather.
By taking the time for these extra steps, your leather drawer pulls will last for years to come!
DIY: Alternatives to Leather Drawer Pulls
Not sure if leather drawer pulls are the right choice for your project? No problem! The great thing about leather drawer pulls is that they are just one of many versatile options. Here are some alternative materials to consider:
Wood
If you’re looking for a rustic touch or want to match a natural wood cabinet or dresser, then wood drawer pulls might be the perfect option for you. Softer woods like pine, maple, and oak all make great choices as they’re easy to work with and can easily be drilled into place.
Metal
Metals like brass, bronze, or steel all make for great materials for drawer pulls. You can find metal hardware in a variety of shapes and finishes, so you have plenty of options to choose from to get the exact style you’re looking for.
Ceramic
If you’re feeling creative, ceramic drawer pulls offer an attractive alternative to traditional leather ones. Ceramics come in a variety of shapes and sizes—from knobs to handles—so take some time to explore the possibilities before making your final decision!
Conclusion
The process of making leather drawer pulls is deceptively simple and requires minimal effort, yet it yields beautiful results. All it requires is some basic supplies, a few simple tools and steps, and a bit of creativity.
With this DIY project, you can turn an ordinary dresser into something luxurious. Whether you choose a classic finish or a more modern look, you’re sure to have a beautiful piece of furniture with durable leather drawer pulls that will last for years to come. So go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be surprised with the outcome!