Hello, bag-making friends! In a recent podcast episode on The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety YouTube channel, I had an inspiring chat with Matt from MJH Leathercraft—a talented leather artisan creating stunning, hand-stitched handbags that are nothing short of works of art. Matt’s journey into leathercraft is fascinating, from making a simple wallet for himself to crafting intricate handbags that showcase the beauty of hand-stitching. If you love bag-making, craftsmanship, or just a good creative story, you’ll enjoy this one. Here’s a peek at what we talked about!
A Chance Discovery Turned Leather Obsession.
Matt’s journey into leathercraft started accidentally in late 2022 when he made a wallet for himself. It was meant to be a one-off project, but when his stepmum challenged him to make a phone pouch, something clicked. That small project led to another… and another… until he realized that bag-making had become his creative passion.
From Wallets to Bespoke Handbags.
Initially, Matt focused on making better wallets. But when a friend commissioned a handbag, he decided to push his skills further. He quickly discovered that bags allow for more creativity—with intricate details, structured shapes, and the ability to experiment with stitching and textures.
The Magic of Hand-Stitching.
One of the things that makes MJH Leathercraft’s bags so special is that they are entirely hand-stitched. While many leather artisans use sewing machines, Matt swears by saddle stitching, a technique that not only looks beautiful but also adds incredible durability. He uses thick thread to create textured, bold stitching that makes each bag feel unique.
How Technology Helps His Craft.
While Matt loves the traditional elements of leathercraft, a laser cutter has completely changed his creative process. It allows him to create intricate cut-out designs and patterns while keeping the hand-stitched, handmade feel intact. It’s a brilliant example of how old and new techniques can work together in bag-making.
Letting the Leather Speak.
Unlike traditional bag makers who follow strict patterns, Matt’s approach is completely intuitive. He lets the natural shape and texture of the leather guide his designs, meaning no two bags are ever exactly alike. This organic approach makes his work feel more like an art form than a step-by-step craft.
The Struggles of Custom Commissions.
While Matt enjoys making custom bags, he admits that commissions can sometimes be challenging—especially when customers have very specific requests that limit his creativity. He now prefers to have full creative control when working on a piece, ensuring that he stays true to his artistic vision while still meeting the customer’s needs.
Where He Gets His Leather.
Leather choice is everything in Matt’s work, and he’s passionate about sourcing high-quality materials. He buys most of his leather from A.A. Crack in Northampton, a well-known supplier of premium hides. He’s also a big fan of Badalassi leather from Italy, which has a luxurious texture and a beautiful pull-up effect that ages beautifully.
The Challenge of Selling Handmade Work.
Selling handmade bags isn’t always easy, and Matt admits that putting himself out there was daunting at first. He started by attending craft fairs, where he slowly built confidence in marketing his work. While he still struggles with self-promotion, he loves the experience of meeting customers and seeing their reactions to his bags in person.
ADHD, Imposter Syndrome & Creativity.
One of the most personal topics we touched on was Matt’s experience with ADHD and imposter syndrome. Like many creatives, he sometimes struggles with focus, motivation, and confidence—especially when working on commissioned pieces. But his love for leathercraft keeps him going, and he’s learned to embrace his unique way of working.
Final Thoughts.
Talking with Matt from MJH Leathercraft was so inspiring—his passion for leatherwork, his unique creative process, and his honesty about the challenges of handmade work really resonated. If you love the idea of hand-stitched bags and letting creativity lead the way, you’ll definitely want to check out his work.
Want to hear our full conversation? Watch the podcast replay on The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety YouTube channel, and let me know—have you ever tried working with leather? I’d love to hear about your experiences! 😊
Until next time happy sewing and may your bobbin always be full
Deb x
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