DIY Embroidered Leather Skirt
I DIY’d this vintage 1980s thrifted leather skirt a while ago with some iron on patches I bought when visiting Hong Kong.
DIY Embroidered Leather Skirt Tips
- You cannot iron on leather. Heat will crack leather. Iron on patches need to be glued or sewn on.
- Fabric glue doesn’t work on leather. There are special glues available for leather.
- Sewing is the most secure way to add embroidered patches to leather.
- Figure out your design prior to sewing anything on and pin patches in place to ensure proper placement.
Initially I was tacking all the edges on the patches by hand but I finally bought some leather needles for my sewing machine and although it was still a pain in the butt I managed to sew around most of the jagged edges.
I’m really delighted with how it turned out.
If you liked this DIY you might enjoy these projects I also created with embroidered patches.
DIY on a pleather dress.
Embroidered patches on a bomber jacket
DIY embroidered patches and ribbons on a jean jacket.
I’ve also had fun playing with iron on embroidered patches on this one-of-a-kind jean jacket below.
Ann says
Once again, I am in awe of your boundless creativity Suzanne. That skirt now looks like a work of art. I love how you combined it with the shiny golden pussy bow blouse. Looking absolutely fabulous! xxx
suzanne carillo says
This was a drawn out project but I am happy with how it turned out.
Veronica Cooke says
What a beautiful job you have made of that skirt and of course it is absolutely unique. No one else in the world will have one the same…it looks wonderful with the satin blouse btw.
suzanne carillo says
You’ve hit on the exact reason I like to do these DIYs Veronica : )
No Fear of Fashion says
This is absolutely gorgeous. You are soooo good at this. And no I am not even going to try it. Not skilled enough. If I ever want something embroidered, I will send it to you by post, beg and plead and pay you haha.
By the way, I have tagged you on Facebook as I found a great pug songhaha.
Greetje
suzanne carillo says
Ha ha! Yes, I’d seen that hilarious jumping pug video and song before.
Jodie says
What an incredible way to make this skirt so interesting Suzanne!! I’m going thrifting today so I’ll have to look for one to do like this! And I may cheat and give it to my mom to do the sewing—haha! One advantage of her living close by!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
suzanne carillo says
I wish I had someone I could hand off my sewing projects to! You lucky duck!
Elle says
That skirt is absolutely fantastic! What a perfect re-imagining of this. So very Gucci- Kenzo- and all of the other myriad of designers who used embroidery this season so artfully.
I love your other projects too, but this is my favorite! love the mustard bow blouse and blue velvet booties! You look stunnning too!
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
suzanne carillo says
Thanks Elle : )
Shelley@ForestCityFashionista says
Beautiful job on the skirt (and your other DIY patched projects). Of course you have the perfect colour blouse and boots to wear with it! I would not be brave enough to try sewing something onto leather for fear it would rip.
suzanne carillo says
I don’t worry one bit about the leather ripping. When I worked on the pleather however that was a bit of a worry for me. That stuff tears easily. Leather is tough.
beate says
looove it!!
the chic leather skirt with that cool patches looks totally stunning! the whole outfit is fabulous opulent!
and all the other pimped up garments look cool and chic too.
xxx
Anja says
Well done and beautiful results!
You have so much more patience and perseverance than I do.
I have tons of pretty and cool patches, but if they don’t stay on right away, I immediately give up. Your perseverance inspires me; I will give it another go!
Señora Allnut says
woaaaa, such an awesome DIY, a real work of art!. Your leather skirt looks pretty amazing by itself, but now it looks Fabulous (with a Capital F) and so much better!!
And I also love all that embroidery, you’ve created some amazing pieces. I feel encouraged to visit my local haberdashery’s and look for some patches!
besos
Marilee Gramith says
WOW!!!! This is all very inspiring work Suzanne! The skirt is beautiful and the styling of the whole outfit is perfection!
You know that I’ve done some of this too but I’m very intrigued by the large embroidery patches you’ve found. I just don’t see those kinds of designs where I’ve shopped. You are so creative with imagining and placing the designs and I like the asymetry of them so much! IMPRESSIVE!!!
Anna says
Oh man, that leather skirt looks so good! Love the floral denim jacket, too! Great work! <3
– Anna
http://www.melodicthriftychic.com