How to Make DIY Leather Drawer Pulls for Any Cabinet or Dresser
I made these DIY leather drawer pulls for my French Provincial dresser makeover, where I needed hardware that could cover the existing holes and add a masculine touch to such a feminine piece. These leather drawer pulls, or leather pulls, are durable and so easy to make. They can be customized to the size of your specific needs. I added them to my feminine curvy piece of furniture to add a masculine contrast. I love contrasts like that.
You’ll be surprised how easy these simple leather drawer pulls are to make. Trust me, they are perfect for cabinets and other furniture.
Instead of using a roll of leather strap, you could also use a sheet of leather. I, however, prefer the roll of leather. It is definitely the easiest way because I didn’t have to cut the strips, and it’s pretty much the same price. If you want an even cheaper option, then check out a thrift store for old leather belts, which would work as well.
Materials used
- natural raw leather strap (1 1/4″ x 55″)
- brass screws #8 (mine are brass machine screws from Home Depot and had to be 1 1/4″ long, make sure you measure the thickness of your dresser drawers or cabinets) and matching washers and nuts
- 1/8″ drill bit
- power drill (you could also use a leather punch used for adding holes to a belt but I find a drill and drill bit much easier and I tried both)
- screwdriver
- cutting mat
- exacto knife
- metal ruler or metal straight edge
- optional: leather dye and leather sealer for a different color (I left the leather as is)
Leather drawer pull Instructions
The greatest thing about these leather drawer pulls is that they can hide imperfectly drilled hardware holes. And that you can adjust them to the width that you need. It is incredibly hard to find any hardware for existing holes, let alone affordable hardware.
Before you start, make sure you use a cutting mat for this project and the right-sized drill bit and screw length for your specific drawer or cabinet.
Step 1: Measure and mark the leather drawer handles and holes
If you have existing holes, as I did, hold the leather piece on a drawer front so you can mark your holes. Make sure to slightly loop the leather up so you can fit a couple of fingers into the loop before marking the location of the holes onto the leather. This way, you get the right length and a perfect fit.
Step 2: Cut the leather pieces
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Use your cutting mat, sharp exacto/utility knife, and metal ruler to cut the piece of leather to the length of the drawer pull. You will need to take a couple of repeated cuts to get all the way through the thick leather.
Step 3: Drill holes into the leather
Drill small holes for the screws with the drill and drill bit where you marked the holes. It’s a good idea to use a scrap piece of wood or the cutting mat under the leather while drilling so you don’t damage any other surface.
It is important to make sure you drill small holes with appropriately sized drill bits so the head of the screw can’t slip through the holes when attached to your piece of furniture
Step 4: Add screws to the leather straps
Insert your screws into the leather. The image below is just to show you how the screws will be kept secure in the back. The washer and nut go onto the screw as pictured.
Step 5: Install the leather drawer pulls
Then insert the screws into the holes and securely screw them in place with the washer and nuts.
Note: If you have a single hole in your drawer or cabinet, simply fold the leather strips in half and only use one brass screw each for looped leather cabinet pulls or drawer pulls.
Finished leather drawer pulls on my dresser
Also, check out my bleached dresser and bleached cherry wood desk.
If you have pieces of scrap leather after this DIY project, then you should consider using them for my DIY towel holder (I used an old leather belt for that) and for my tassel keychain tutorial.
Where to buy leather drawer pulls
Not everyone likes to DIY the way I do, and you might love the look of these leather drawer pulls, but would rather buy them somewhere. Below you can find some of my favorites.
Making your own DIY leather drawer pulls is recommended, though if you need to cover existing holes and need custom sizes. Plus, pre-made leather pulls are much more expensive than making them yourself!
More DIY hardware tutorials
- DIY boho drawer pulls using macrame yarn on my bleached cherry wood desk makeover
- DIY wooden drawer pulls made with wooden dowel rods
These DIY leather drawer pulls are one of my favorite hardware upgrades because they look expensive but cost very little to make.
Tschüß,
DIY Leather Drawer Pulls
Make DIY leather drawer pulls from a leather strap and brass screws. Customizable to any size and perfect for covering existing holes.
Materials
- natural raw leather strap (1 1/4" x 55")
- brass machine screws #8 (mine are 1 1/4" long, make sure you measure the thickness of your dresser drawers or cabinets)
- matching washers and nuts
Tools
- metal ruler
- screwdriver
- cutting mat
- exacto knife
- power drill
- 1/8" drill bit
Instructions
- Measure and mark the leather drawer handles and holes
If you have existing holes as I did, hold the leather piece on a drawer front so you can mark your holes. Make sure to slightly loop the leather up so you can fit a couple of fingers into the loop before marking the location of the holes onto the leather. This way you get the right length and a perfect fit.
- Cut the leather pieces
Use your cutting mat, sharp exacto/utility knife, and metal ruler to cut the piece of leather to the length of the drawer pull. You will need to take a couple of repeated cuts to get all the way through the thick leather. - Drill holes into the leather
Drill small holes for the screws with the drill and drill bit where you marked the holes. It's a good idea to use a scrap piece of wood or the cutting mat under the leather while drilling so you don't damage any other surface. - Add screws to the leather straps
Insert your screws into the leather. (Image 5 is just to show you how the screws will be kept secure in the back. The washer and nut go onto the screw as pictured.)
- Install leather the drawer pulls
Then insert the screws into the holes and securely screw them in place with the washer and nuts.
It is important to make sure you drill small holes with appropriately sized drill bits so the head of the screw can't slip through the holes when attached to your piece of furniture
Notes
- Instead of using a roll of leather strap, you could also use a sheet of leather. I however prefer the roll since it's definitely the easiest way because I didn't have to cut the strips and it's pretty much the same price. If you want an even cheaper option then check out a thrift store for old leather belts which would work as well.
- You can use leather dye and leather sealer for a different leather color.
- If you have a single hole in your drawer or cabinet, simply fold the leather strips in half and only use one brass screw each for looped leather cabinet pulls or drawer pulls.
WOW! I’m over the moon impressed with your sheer talent and perseverance. Thank you for sharing this and inspiring me. ?
Oh thank Tammy! I’m glad you like them.
I followed your tutorial and the pulls came out PERFECTLY! Better than I imagined. Thank you for the inspiration. Cheers!
Oh I’m so glad. Thanks for sharing with me. That made my day!