Looking to create stylish, durable, and affordable bags without using traditional leather? Vinyls and synthetic leathers are the perfect solution for DIY makers and hobby craftspeople. Whether you’re sewing your first tote or producing custom designs for markets and small retail, these fabrics give you the premium look of leather with practical benefits for everyday use.
Why Choose Vinyls and Synthetic Leathers for Bag Making?
Real leather is beautiful but expensive, heavy, and not always easy to work with. For bag makers, vinyls and imitation leathers offer:
- Affordability – achieve the look without the high cost
- Consistency – even thickness, no imperfections, predictable to sew
- Variety – a huge range of colours, textures, and finishes
- Practicality – often water resistant, easy to wipe clean, lightweight
- Ethical appeal – many customers prefer vegan or cruelty-free alternatives
Types of Synthetic Leathers You’ll Find
If you view our full range of imitation leathers & vinyls, you’ll find a wide selection of professional-grade options, each with its own strengths for bag making:
- Vinyl Upholstery Fabrics (PVC-based) – durable, wipe-clean, available in smooth, grained, or textured finishes.
- PU (Polyurethane) Synthetic Leathers – soft hand feel, flexible, often lighter weight and easy to stitch.
- Silicone Leather – a premium option, UV-resistant, bleach cleanable, and exceptionally durable.
- Designer Effects – vintage looks, metallic finishes, quilted embossing, and patterned textures to give your bags unique style.
What to Look for When Choosing Materials
When selecting vinyl or faux leather for your bag project, keep these factors in mind:
- Thickness & weight – heavier grades add structure for totes and backpacks, while softer PU leathers are great for clutches or pouches.
- Durability – abrasion resistance, tear strength, and backing quality are important for everyday bags.
- Flexibility – make sure the material can fold without cracking at seams or corners.
- UV and water resistance – ideal for outdoor or travel bags.
- Colour & texture – choose finishes that complement your design, from sleek matte to bold metallics.
Tips for Sewing Vinyls & Faux Leathers
Working with these materials is slightly different from fabric:
- Cutting – use a rotary cutter and sharp blades for clean edges.
- Marking – avoid pins (they leave holes); use clips instead.
- Sewing – a non-stick or walking foot helps feed evenly. Use heavy polyester or nylon thread.
- Needles – a sharp leather or denim needle will prevent skipped stitches.
- Reinforcement – double-stitch or bar-tack stress points like strap attachments.
Creative Ideas for DIY Bags
Vinyls and imitation leathers open up endless design possibilities:
- Totes & Shopper Bags – structured vinyls hold their shape and are easy to clean.
- Clutches & Pouches – experiment with metallic finishes or embossed textures.
- Backpacks & Travel Bags – use UV-resistant or silicone leathers for extra durability.
- Crossbody & Everyday Bags – PU leather offers softness and a realistic leather look.
- Accent Panels – combine vinyls with fabrics or canvas for stylish contrast.
Why Buy from Home Upholsterer?
As an Australian family-owned upholstery supplier, Home Upholsterer provides quality vinyls and synthetic leathers by the metre, perfect for bag makers big or small.
- Huge range of textures and colours in stock
- Commercial-grade quality trusted by professionals
- Fast Australia-wide delivery or Sydney showroom pickup
- Bulk discounts available for hobby businesses or trade customers
- Free sample cuttings available to check colour and texture before you buy
Get Inspired!
Vinyls and synthetic leathers are more than just leather substitutes – they’re versatile materials that make bag making more accessible, affordable, and creative. With the right choice of finish and a few sewing tricks, you can produce bags that are stylish, durable, and proudly handmade.
Explore the full range of vinyls and imitation leathers at Home Upholsterer and get inspired for your next DIY bag project.