Custom Leather Bag Design Service

Bespoke Leather Goods Design Service

All CARV leather bags, backpacks and leather goods are handmade by a British artisan and can be customised to suit your personal style and needs. You can either adapt an existing style - for example by adjusting the size, shape, colour, strap length, closure, pockets, or adding personalised embossed initials to the leather - or design a completely new piece. 

The Custom Process

The steps in the custom leather bag design and making service are set out below:

  1. Send Becky an email with an outline of your customisation or bespoke design requirements, including any precedent images or sketches.
  2. Becky will then confirm if she can help and, if so, will provide a proposal, including a sketch (if it's a new design), cost quote and indication of the production time. You can review this and request any adjustments to make sure you're 100% happy before the commission starts. Please refer to the guide below for an indication of charges.
  3. Once you're happy with the quote and design proposal, Becky will create a custom listing for the order to be placed online. 
  4. As soon as the order is received production will begin creating the pattern and working on the custom product.
  5. You will receive regular progress updates during the production process.
  6. Your order will be shipped as soon as possible and you'll receive notification and a tracking reference once it has been dispatched.
Basket Midi Leather Tote Bag in black leather displayed on a stand.

Price Guide

Customising existing leather goods in the CARV range will incur some extra charges to cover the time and any extra materials. The cost will depend on the extent of changes. Researching and creating new bespoke designs takes a good amount of time and thought.  

For a rough cost guide, please refer to the standard product prices (for the base cost on adjusted designs) with the following examples of additional charges:

  • Emboss leather with initials (per set) £10
  • Additional zip pocket £50
  • Additional zip closure £70
  • New or widened strap £55
  • Create a new pattern £70 (for all adjusted and new designs)
  • Increase width or depth of a bag/backpack by up 1-3 inches £80
  • Increase width or depth of a bag/backpack by 4-6 inches £100
  • Source new leather £60-150 (depending on the leather style, quantity and cost)

If you would like a quote, please contact Becky at CARV and she will be happy to help.

Please note custom designs are non-refundable due to the nature of the product and the time involved with design and production.  Please refer to the refund terms and conditions for more information.

Important Information

Please kindly take a moment to review the following FAQs before getting in touch:

  • The custom service may be paused during busy periods - please get in touch to check availability and for production times (which can range from 3 - 8 weeks).
  • The CARV custom service is available for private clients and commercial gifts only - Becky does not produce samples or manufacture products for other brands.
  • Design ethics are paramount to Becky so please avoid asking to copy or reproduce designs by other brands.
  • Please ensure your design idea aligns with the broad style and minimalism of the CARV aesthetic. To work out if Becky’s style is a good match for you please firstly take a look at the CARV handmade leather goods collection.
  • Please note custom designs are non-refundable due to the nature of the product and the time involved with design and production.  Please refer to the refund terms and conditions for more information.
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What Happy Customers Say

‘I love my custom pioneer backpack and have received multiple compliments. The quality of the bag is excellent and Becky’s attention to detail impeccable.’ - Arianna (Custom Pioneer Backpack)

MORE REVIEWS OF CARV

Ready to start your custom bag journey? Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to start the process.

Why Custom Leather Bags Are Special

When it comes to accessories, few items evoke the same timeless elegance and lasting appeal as custom leather bags. They are more than just practical; they are statements of individuality, craftsmanship, and luxury. In an era where mass production dominates, custom leather bags stand out as unique, sustainable, and personal treasures. But why are they so special? Here, we’ll explore the qualities that make them exceptional and worth investing in.

Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, a sustainable shopper looking for quality over quantity, or simply someone who appreciates luxury, custom leather bags offer something distinctive for everyone.

What Makes Custom Leather Bags Unique?

Timeless Craftsmanship

Custom leather bags embody a level of craftsmanship that’s rare in today’s fast-paced world. Each piece is carefully crafted by skilled artisans who carry on age-old techniques passed through generations. From selecting the finest leather to hand-stitching every seam, every step reflects precision, attention to detail, and pride in the work.

Unlike factory-made bags, custom leather bags are often produced in smaller batches or even one at a time. This gives artisans the opportunity to ensure each bag meets the highest standards of quality. The result? Bags that not only look exquisite but are built to last for decades.

Take for example the bespoke leather handbags offered by traditional ateliers. Each bag may feature details like hand-braided trims, monogrammed initials, or custom hardware—features that tell a unique story and elevate the accessory from "just a bag" to a personal masterpiece.

Premium Materials That Age Beautifully

The hallmark of a custom leather bag is its premium material. Artisans typically use full-grain leather—the highest quality leather available. This type of leather retains the natural grain and texture of the hide, giving each bag character and individuality.

One of the most alluring features of high-quality leather is how it ages. Over time, a well-made leather bag develops a patina, a soft sheen that results from years of use and exposure. Rather than deteriorating, the leather becomes even more beautiful, telling a story of its travels and adventures.

Custom leather bags often use sustainable, vegetable-tanned leather, a technique that avoids harmful chemicals in favor of natural tannins from tree bark. This process not only results in rich, earthy tones but also ensures environmental responsibility—a meaningful choice for today’s conscious consumers.

Tailored Design for Individuality

Unlike off-the-rack options, custom leather bags allow for personalisation that reflects your unique style and needs. Whether you prefer a minimalist tote, a spacious travel bag, or an intricately designed evening clutch, customisation allows you to create a bag that’s uniquely yours.

Many artisans offer endless options for personalisation:

  • Monograms or Engravings: Add a touch of individuality with your initials or a special symbol.
  • Custom Colors: From classic black and tan to bold reds and deep greens, your bag can reflect your preferred palette.
  • Unique Features: Choose custom compartments, adjustable straps, or specific sizes that suit your lifestyle.

For instance, a bespoke work bag could include a padded section for your laptop, pockets for stationery, and compartments that keep you organised throughout the day—without compromising style.

A Testament to Sustainability

Fast fashion and mass production have contributed to environmental degradation in immeasurable ways. Custom leather bags, however, stand at the opposite end of the spectrum. Slow, intentional production methods ensure a lower carbon footprint and less waste.

Because these bags are designed to last a lifetime, they reduce the need for frequent replacements, further preventing waste. Additionally, many small leather workshops are committed to sourcing their materials ethically, ensuring fair wages for workers and humane treatment of animals behind the leather.

For sustainable shoppers, custom leather bags represent a thoughtful alternative to disposable accessories. Purchasing a single custom bag not only minimises your environmental impact but also supports artisans who are preserving traditional craftsmanship.

Why Choose a Custom Leather Bag for Your Collection?

A Balance of Functionality and Elegance

Custom leather bags beautifully balance style and practicality. Whether you’re navigating a bustling city, taking a weekend getaway, or attending a black-tie event, a leather bag transitions seamlessly between occasions. Its durability ensures that it will withstand heavy use, while its design exudes sophistication.

With space for all your essentials—be it work documents, travel necessities, or date-night must-haves—a custom bag ensures that function is never compromised for fashion.

A Story Behind Every Stitch

A custom leather bag is more than just a product; it’s a piece of art with its own narrative. Whether it’s made by a solo artisan in a quaint workshop or by a renowned leather atelier, the time and effort imbued in its creation connect you to its origin.

This narrative often resonates with fashion enthusiasts seeking meaning behind what they wear. For luxury lovers, knowing your bag was handmade by artisans using techniques honed over decades adds an irreplaceable layer of exclusivity.

Perfect for Gifting

Custom leather bags also make unforgettable gifts. Be it for a milestone birthday, an anniversary, or a holiday, gifting a personalized leather bag is a way to show thoughtfulness and care. Adding a monogram or engraving makes the gift even more cherished.

How to Select the Perfect Custom Leather Bag

Choosing a custom leather bag can feel daunting, especially with so many options. Here are a few tips to guide you:

  1. Understand Your Needs: Think about how often you’ll use the bag and what you’ll carry in it. This helps narrow down the type (tote, crossbody, backpack, etc.) and size.
  2. Choose the Right Leather: Full-grain leather is durable and luxurious, while vegetable-tanned leather offers eco-friendly charm.
  3. Pick a Timeless Design: Go for classic silhouettes that can match different outfits and occasions.
  4. Research Artisans or Brands: Look for workshops or brands with a reputation for quality and attention to detail. Customer reviews and brand heritage are great indicators.