Buying guide
The Bag Making Setup
Updated How we research
Bigger projects, sturdier tools. The page is split into five sections (Soft leather for bags; Zippers built for daily use; Closures that snap shut; Sew through thick seams; Punch holes anywhere), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 20 picks. Our scores range from 6.5 to 8.6 out of 10.
- Best overall:YKK #5 Metal Brass Closed Bottom Handbag/Craft Zippers - Ring Pull, Pick Color/Length (5 Zippers per Pack). Highest overall score in this guide at 8.6/10.
- Also great value:Magnetic Button Clasps Snaps Fastener Clasps for Sewing, Craft, Purses, Bags, Clothes, Leather 40 Sets (18mm, 4 Colors). Value score of 9/10, overall 8.0/10.
- Solid build:#5 9 Inch Metal Brass Handbag YKK Zipper Assortment - Brass Auto Lock, Medium Weight Closed Bottom, Made in the USA. Build and materials score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:YKK #5 Brass with Notch Ring Pull (Mix of Hot Seasonal 6 Colors) 6 Pcs Metal Zipper Closed-End for Small Handbag or Pouch. Features score of 8/10, overall 8.2/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Soft leather for bags
- Antique Brown Nappa Premium Sheepskin Genuine Leather Hide - NO Holes - 0.8mm - Full Grain Whole Lambskin for Crafting (7-9 sq.ft)Our score8.0/10
- Premium Genuine Leather Natural Grain Cowhide Hides - Leather Skins for Upholstery, Crafting, Tooling, Sewing, and DIY Leather Projects (Black, 10 Square Feet (Half Side))Our score7.6/10
- REED Leather HIDES - Whole Sheep Skin 7 to 10 SF for Arts and Crafts (Antique Brown)Our score7.0/10
- Chrome Oil Tanned Top Grain Leather Side, RussetOur score6.5/10
Zippers built for daily use
- YKK #5 Metal Brass Closed Bottom Handbag/Craft Zippers - Ring Pull, Pick Color/Length (5 Zippers per Pack)Our score8.6/10
- #5 9 Inch Metal Brass Handbag YKK Zipper Assortment - Brass Auto Lock, Medium Weight Closed Bottom, Made in the USAOur score8.6/10
- YKK #5 Brass with Notch Ring Pull (Mix of Hot Seasonal 6 Colors) 6 Pcs Metal Zipper Closed-End for Small Handbag or PouchOur score8.2/10
- Weaver Leather #5 YKK Zipper - Complete, Black, Solid Brass, 6 InchOur score8.0/10
Closures that snap shut
- Magnetic Button Clasps Snaps Fastener Clasps for Sewing, Craft, Purses, Bags, Clothes, Leather 40 Sets (18mm, 4 Colors)Our score8.0/10
- 50 Sets Silver Tone Magnetic Purse Snap Clasps Button for Closure Purse Handbag Clothes Sewing Craft 14mmOur score7.8/10
- 20 Set Magnetic Snaps, Purse Magnetic Bag Fastener Clasp Magnetic Button Replacement Kit (Bronze 14MM)Our score7.6/10
- 1st Choice Magnetic Button Clasp Snaps - Purses, Bags, Clothes - No Tools Required - 18mmOur score6.8/10
Sew through thick seams
- Tandy Leather Sewing Awl Kit - Strong Lock Stitch for Leather, Canvas and Vinyl RepairsOur score8.1/10
- Speedy Stitcher® Deluxe Sewing Awl KitOur score7.6/10
- GTAAOY Sewing Awl Kit, Portable Awl Tool StitchingOur score7.6/10
- QMNNMA 40pcs Sewing Awl Kit with Bag, Portable Awl Stitching Tool for DIY Leather Sewing RepairOur score7.3/10
Punch holes anywhere
- Weaver Leather Supply German Made Revolving Leather Hole Punch Tool, Adjustable Rust-Resistant Punch Pliers, Hole Maker for Belts, Gaskets, and MoreOur score8.3/10
- Leathercraft Hole Punch Plier, 6-Size Rotary Leather Punching Tool, Heavy DutyOur score7.2/10
- Revolving Punch Plier Kit, XOOL Leather Hole Punch Set for Belts, Watch Bands, Straps, Dog Collars, Saddles, Shoes, Fabric, DIY Home or Craft Projects, Heavy Duty Rotary Puncher, Multi Hole Sizes MakeOur score7.2/10
- Deli 9" Leather Hole Punch Tool - Heavy Duty Rotary Belt Hole Puncher & Leather Punch Tool for Belts, Watch Bands, Dog Collars, Saddles, Shoes, Fabric, DIY CraftsOur score6.8/10
All 20 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1YKK #5 metal brass closed bottom zippers with ring pulls, 5 zippers per pack, in a choice of color and length.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + YKK #5 zippers are trusted for strength and smooth pulls
- + Brass teeth suit leather bags and pouches
- + 5 zippers per pack cover multiple projects
- - Color and length must be selected carefully when ordering
- - Closed bottom zips do not work for jackets
#2A #5 9 Inch YKK brass handbag zipper assortment with auto lock sliders, medium weight, closed bottom and made in the USA.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Auto lock slider keeps the zipper from creeping open
- + 9 Inch length fits clutches and medium pouches
- + Made in the USA YKK zippers with solid brass teeth
- - Assortment colors may not all match your projects
- - 9 Inch is short for full-size tote openings
#3Weaver Leather Supply's German made revolving punch has six heat-treated steel tubes on a nickel plated steel frame with a handle lock, a sturdy rotary plier for belts, straps and tack.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Nickel plated steel frame resists rust and wear, with heat-treated steel tubes
- + Rotary head switches between six tube diameters without separate tools
- + Locking mechanism holds the handles closed for storage
- - Tubes are non-replaceable when worn, as the listing states, so the tool cannot be re-tubed
- - Listing does not give the six hole diameters in inches or millimeters
#4A 6 Pcs pack of YKK #5 brass closed-end zippers with notch ring pulls in a mix of 6 seasonal colors for pouches.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + 6 colors let you match tapes to different leathers
- + Notch ring pull is easy to grip and looks refined
- + YKK #5 brass teeth run smoothly on small handbags
- - Assorted colors mean you may not get repeats of one shade
- - Check the zipper length fits your pouch before ordering
#5Tandy Leather's sewing awl kit for strong lock stitches on leather, canvas and vinyl, a portable repair stitcher.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Lock stitch holds seams on leather, canvas and vinyl repairs
- + Tandy kit is easy to resupply with needles and thread
- + Portable enough for tack, bag and gear fixes in the field
- - Lock stitch looks different from a hand saddle stitch
- - Takes a few tries to learn the loop and pull rhythm
#6Mulch Leather Co's antique brown Nappa sheepskin, a whole full grain lambskin hide of 7 to 9 sq ft at about 0.8 mm. Soft garment weight leather for bags, linings, wallets and jacket panels.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Whole hide in the 7 to 9 sq ft range, enough for a larger handbag or several small goods from one continuous piece
- + About 0.8 mm thick, which the listing says is thin enough for most home sewing machines yet strong enough for daily use
- + Sold as AA grade with no holes or cuts in the main area, and each hide is measured at the tannery
- - 0.8 mm sheepskin is soft and thin, so structured items need a lining or reinforcement
- - Antique brown is the only color in this listing, and natural hides vary in exact shape and shade
#7Weaver Leather's complete #5 YKK zipper in black with solid brass, 6 Inch long, sized for pouches and small bags.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10
- + Complete zipper arrives with slider fitted, ready to sew in
- + Solid brass teeth are durable and look good on leather
- + 6 Inch length fits pouches and small cases
- - Single zipper per purchase is costly for batches
- - 6 Inch is too short for larger bags and totes
#8A 40 Sets pack of 18mm magnetic button clasps in 4 colors for sewing, purses, bags, clothes and leather.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 4 colors match silver, gold, bronze and dark hardware
- + 18mm magnets offer a firm hold on bag flaps
- + 40 Sets is plenty for makers selling bags
- - Multiple colors mean fewer clasps of any single finish
- - Needs washers and reinforcement in thin leather
#9A 50 Sets pack of silver tone 14mm magnetic purse snap clasps for handbags, clothes and sewing crafts.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Silver tone matches nickel hardware on bags
- + 50 Sets offers great value for small makers
- + 14mm size fits wallets and small pouches neatly
- - Small clasp strength may not hold heavy bags closed
- - Plating can wear with frequent opening and closing
#10The Tannery NYC's natural grain cowhide is a black 10 square foot half side with a soft drape and a protective finish, a larger and pricier cut than a small lambskin, aimed at handbags, garments and upholstery.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + 10 square foot half side gives room to cut full bag panels and straps from one piece
- + Full grain cowhide with a smooth, consistent finish and soft drape, described as handbag and garment leather
- + Protective finish resists everyday wear while keeping the leather soft and workable
- - Listing gives no thickness or tannage, so confirm the weight suits your project before cutting patterns
- - Brand marks and occasional small holes may occur, and a half side costs more than small craft hides
#11A 20 set pack of bronze 14MM magnetic snaps, purse and bag fastener clasps in a replacement kit.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 20 set supply covers many purses and pouches
- + Bronze finish matches warm brown leather
- + 14MM size is discreet on small bags and wallets
- - Small magnets have a lighter hold than larger clasps
- - Prong mounting needs a backing layer to prevent tearing
#12Speedy Stitcher Deluxe Sewing Awl Kit, a hand-held lockstitch awl that comes with a straight needle, a curved needle and a threaded bobbin. Suits quick repairs to straps and bags.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Works like a hand-held sewing machine, so one tool pierces and stitches for strap and bag repairs without a separate needle and thread.
- + Ships with one straight needle, one curved needle and one threaded bobbin, so it can start work out of the package.
- + Made in the USA by the Speedy Stitcher brand, the same maker as the original Dritz-branded kit it replaces.
- - A lockstitch awl is aimed at repairs and canvas or gear work, not the fine, even hand saddle stitch used on finished leather goods.
- - The listing does not state thread weight or needle sizes, so check that they match your project before buying.
#13GTAAOY's lock stitch sewing awl kit with 7 straight and 2 bent needles, 7 rolls of waxed thread in 6 colors, a screwdriver, scissors, needle threaders and a tape measure.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + 7 straight and 2 bent needles let you sew flat seams and reach awkward spots on bags, shoes and tents
- + 7 rolls of waxed thread in 6 colors (black, gray, brown, dark brown, khaki, white) to match most leather
- + Wood handle stores needles inside the body, with stainless steel tapered needles described as rustproof
- - A lock stitch repair awl, not a diamond awl for saddle stitching, so it suits repairs more than fine hand-sewn goods
- - Thread roll lengths and needle sizes are not given in the listing, and the brand is little known
#14QMNNMA's 40pcs sewing awl kit with a bag, a portable awl stitching set for DIY leather sewing and repairs.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + 40pcs kit includes plenty of needles and parts
- + Storage bag keeps everything together for travel
- + Portable set suits camping gear and on-the-go repairs
- - Many small parts may exceed what a beginner needs
- - Budget awl handle can feel light for heavy leather
#15A heavy duty 6-Size rotary leathercraft punch plier, a revolving punching tool for belts, straps and bag repairs.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 6-Size rotary head covers everyday leather hole needs
- + Heavy duty build handles firmer belt leather
- + Quick to use for adding holes without setting up a bench
- - Break in the rotary head on scrap leather before a big project
- - Punch plates wear and may need replacement over time
#16XOOL revolving punch plier kit for leather, belts, watch bands, straps and fabric, with a double lever, a lock buckle and a plated steel body.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Rotating head gives several hole sizes in one tool, and the listing says it punches leather, plastic, rubber, canvas and cardboard.
- + Double lever mechanism cuts the effort needed to punch, and the listing states the tool can be used with one hand.
- + A safety lock buckle at the bottom closes the pliers for compact storage.
- - The plated steel punch plier is a general-purpose tool, and the listing does not name the steel grade.
- - Rotary pliers have limited reach from the edge, so they cannot punch holes deep into a large panel.
#17REED's whole sheep skin comes as 7 to 10 square feet of soft antique brown leather, sold as full hides rather than scraps, for garments, linings, pouches and other soft goods.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 7 to 10 square feet of whole sheep skin, not scraps, enough for linings, pouches or small garment panels
- + Soft, flexible leather that the listing describes as suited to soft garments and accessories
- + Antique finish with natural shade variation gives a broken-in look without extra dyeing
- - You may receive two smaller hides instead of one large hide, which limits the size of single panels
- - Listing does not state tannage or thickness, and warns larger hides can be thicker with age marks and holes
#181st Choice's 18mm magnetic button clasp snaps for purses, bags and clothes, installed with no tools required.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + No tools required for installation on most bags
- + 18mm clasp gives a solid closure on handbags
- + Simple option for quick purse closure repairs
- - Check the pack count against how many bags need closures
- - Tool-free prongs still need careful slits in leather
#19Deli's 9 inch rotary punch has 6 punch options and non-slip handles in a lightweight body, a budget revolving plier for belts, watch bands, collars and fabric.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Six punch sizes on a rotary head cover common belt, strap and watch band holes
- + Lightweight body with a comfortable anti-slip grip to reduce hand strain
- + 3.15 inch maximum opening is stated, which helps when reaching into wider pieces
- - Listing does not give the six hole diameters, so you cannot confirm sizes before buying
- - Marketed as a general-purpose tool for fabric and paper as well, not a dedicated leather punch
#20A russet chrome oil tanned top grain leather side, a large, supple hide for bags, jackets and soft workwear goods.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Oil tanned leather resists water and stays flexible in use
- + Whole side gives plenty of area for bags and larger sewn projects
- + Russet color hides scuffs and ages with a worn-in look
- - Chrome tanned leather will not tool, carve or mold like veg tan
- - Title gives no weight or size, so plan projects after delivery
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Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.
Leatherwork Nest curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.