How to Make DIY Leather Drawer Pulls

If you’ve been following along for the last couple months, I took a break from my closet remodel to fix up my workshop storage. Until recently, I’d been just kind of winging it, and well…I really needed some organization. I did a post showing how I made my cabinets, wood-stained countertop, and backsplash storage (which is really handy), but I thought it was time I shared how I made my unique drawer pulls.

I knew I wanted about 20″ long drawer pulls for my workshop, but I didn’t want to pay much for them. Ha! Have you priced 20″ long drawer pulls? Here’s a spoiler: it’s very expensive! And then I figured out I wanted them to be leather drawer pulls, which is even more expensive. I’ve seen some cool leather drawer pulls, but they’re about $30-$50 each (and not 20″ long either). So, I decided to make my own DIY Leather Drawer Pulls.

Step 1: Gather Supplies

I went on a search for cheap leather belts. I thought it would be harder to find enough duplicate inexpensive options, but I only went to three stores before I hit the jackpot! TJMaxx came through with enough identical belts on clearance for $7 each! Jackpot!

After I found the belts, I did a happy dance, and then scurried on over to the hardware store for some bolts, washers and nuts. I just picked a size that I thought would look cool in a length that would reach all the way through my drawer front and drawer. In my case, 3 1/2″.

Step 2: Prepare the Pulls

At home, I primed and painted the bolts. I didn’t want the silver look, but depending on what style you’re going for you might skip this step. For me, I wanted just a change of texture, but the same color.

Then, cut the belts up using tin snips. I didn’t want the ends! Also, since this is my workshop, I don’t mind using the end with the holes. I probably wouldn’t use that part if I were doing this for a piece of furniture or cabinets in the house though. I’m willing to spend a little more for IN-house projects.

In this case, I’m fine with a little more rustic look. The emphasis is on the DIY in DIY Leather Drawer Pulls.

Step 3: Make Your Leather Holey

I used a scrap of wood to mark where I wanted to drill holes in each end of the pulls, and then I used a drill bit that matched the diameter of the bolt.

I also made a template for drilling the holes in the cabinet so they would all line up.

Then, I made another template to make it fast and easy to make sure the first template was level and evenly spaced from the top of the drawer.  This may seem like a lot of fiddle factor, but it saves time in the long run when you’re installing a dozen or so pulls. Also, I really wanted to make sure I got it right the first time. Even though I was okay with the holes in my belts, I didn’t want to make more unnecessary holes.

Step 4: Nuts and Bolts Your Belts

Thread the bolt through the belt pull and drawer. Then, put the washers and nuts on.

Despite my careful planning, I forgot that a couple of my small drawers were made out of 1/2″ ply instead of 3/4″ ply, so my bolts ended up a tad too long. I might cut them off with the dremmel…or I might leave them alone. After all, it is just my workshop. This is just a little vacation from my closet so I can get some organization. I don’t mind if it’s not the most polished project.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Belts Pulls

There you have it! That is all there is to making DIY leather drawer pulls! Seriously, one of the easiest solutions to creating my own something-that-I-wanted-but-was-priced-ridiculously-too-high-for-me-to-buy. This is why we do it ourselves!

One last note: they are not rigid. There’s no metal insert (which I’m assuming leather pulls that one would purchase would have), so there is a little “give” when I pull the drawers open. Who knows how long they will hold up. They feel pretty sturdy, but if they don’t last that long, I can replace them.

Even if they’re not forever, they were only $3.75 (including nuts and bolts) each, and I have quite a few belts left over. If one or two break, I can replace one here and there if I need to. For now, I think they’re pretty cool, and they get the drawers open. What more could I ask for?