Welcome to this creative and hands-on tutorial where we’ll embark on a journey to craft unique and personalized bag charms inspired by the 12 zodiac signs! Whether you’re a seasoned leatherworker or a beginner looking to explore a new craft, this project is perfect for anyone who loves astrology, fashion, or DIY accessories.
I’ll walk you through the process of designing, cutting, and assembling leather charms that represent each zodiac sign. From the bold Aries ram to the mystical Pisces fish, you’ll learn how to bring these celestial symbols to life using simple leatherworking techniques. By the end, you’ll have a stunning set of charms that can adorn your bags, keychains, or even be gifted to friends and family.
So, grab your leather tools, unleash your creativity, and let’s dive into the world of zodiac-inspired leather crafting! Whether you’re crafting for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, these charms are sure to add a touch of cosmic charm to your everyday style. Let’s get started!
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Walk-through
Since a lot of the steps required to make each bag charm are identical, only one bag charm is used to illustrate those. However when the assembly sequence is unique to each bag charm the stitching process will be detailed individually.
Print out the pattern corresponding to zodiac sign that you will be working on.
Make sure that the pattern is not resized by checking your print settings. You can check if it was printed properly by measuring the reference found at the bottom of each page.
Two options are available to hang the bag charm: either a loop or a tab connected to a carabiner O-ring. The default option offered is the tab but you can print-out the loop should you prefer that solution. In which case you’ll have to tape both halves of the loop template to make it whole.
Securing the pieces of the pattern to the leather
Roughly cut around the shapes of the pattern and use masking tape to secure it to your pieces of leather.
Punching the stitching holes
Use a 1mm stitching prong or hole punch to punch the stitching holes for all the pieces, as well as the hole that will accommodate the rivet on the tab if you are using that option.
Cutting-out the pieces of the bag charm
Using a pair of scissors or an X-Acto knife, cut-out all the pieces of the bag charm.
Bevelling the edges
Bevel the edges of the frame and the back of the bag charm using an edge beveler.
Burnish the inner edge of the frame.
Painting the leather
Paint or dye all the pieces of the bag charm. Time to let your creativity express itself!
In my case I used Angelus metallic paints for the frame and background (combinations of copper and rose gold, silver and bronze, gold and bronze depending on the sign). Regular Angelus paints were used for the decorative elements.
Stitching the decorative elements
Aries
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
I used a chain-stitch on the back to make the symbol stand-out but you could use a simple back-stitch or saddle stitch. I usually use a back-stitch for decorative stitches because it gives straighter lines than a saddle stitch. This is how I stitched the symbol on the centrepiece because a chain-stitch would have been too thick.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the head, then the horns.
Taurus
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the horns. Then stitch the muzzle on top of the back of the head.
Gemini
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the faces and the collars, then two sets of hairs on above each face.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background. The vertical line goes above the necks so as to create a visual separation between the two faces.
Finally stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Cancer
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the clamps and the legs. Then stitch the shell on top.
Leo
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the mane. Then the face and the crown.
Virgo
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation: the face, the neck and the three strands of hair.
Libra
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the beam and the chains. Then the scales and the central pivot.
Scorpio
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the legs and claws. Then the exoskeleton on top of the lower body and the stinger.
Sagittarius
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the strings of the bow, the fletching and the shaft of the arrow. Then the bow and the tip of the arrowhead on top.
Capricorn
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the horns and the chest. Then stitch the main part of the body on top.
Aquarius
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the handle of the jug and the water, then the jug itself on top.
Pisces
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the fishes’ bodies, then the fins and the tails.
Putting it all together
Use contact cement to secure the frame around the background. Use needles to make sure that the holes of both pieces properly line up when you glue them to each other.
If you painted the background without leaving a margin, the contact cement will not adhere well to the paint. In which case you should scratch it before applying the contact cement.
Sand and burnish the top of the background and the back (where the hanging tab will be positioned).
Use contact cement to secure the background to the back of the bag charm, setting-up the hanging tab in between.
Both hanging tabs options are shown here: the loop and the riveted one.
Sand and burnish the outer edges of the bag charm.
Finally stitch the three layers of the bag charm together using a saddle-stitch.
Setting the rivet
If you chose this option for the hanging tab, set the rivet to create a small loop at the top of the tab and install the carabiner O-ring.
Bonus: A key sleeve!
I designed a key sleeve that is tailor made for the cut-out of the frame that isn’t used in the bag charm.
The pattern includes each of the 12 zodiac signs symbols for the back, along with two strap options. These straps allow you to secure the keys using a Chicago screw, a wire keychain, or a lobster clasp, depending on your preference.
Final result
I hope you enjoyed following along this tutorial. Please consider posting a photo of your creation in the comments below. It would mean a lot to me to see my little projects out into the world as you make it your own.
Any feedback/question about this tutorial or project idea that you’d like to see posted here is and always will be more than welcome.
Happy crafting!
The following online content provided some assistance and/or inspiration during the making of this project:
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Tutorial
12 Zodiac Signs Bag Charms
4 hours/bag charm
Easy
Common for leathercraft
Welcome to this creative and hands-on tutorial where we’ll embark on a journey to craft unique and personalized bag charms inspired by the 12 zodiac signs! Whether you’re a seasoned leatherworker or a beginner looking to explore a new craft, this project is perfect for anyone who loves astrology, fashion, or DIY accessories.
I’ll walk you through the process of designing, cutting, and assembling leather charms that represent each zodiac sign. From the bold Aries ram to the mystical Pisces fish, you’ll learn how to bring these celestial symbols to life using simple leatherworking techniques. By the end, you’ll have a stunning set of charms that can adorn your bags, keychains, or even be gifted to friends and family.
So, grab your leather tools, unleash your creativity, and let’s dive into the world of zodiac-inspired leather crafting! Whether you’re crafting for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, these charms are sure to add a touch of cosmic charm to your everyday style. Let’s get started!
Requirements
Skills
Tools
Bill of Materials
Pattern
Zodiac Signs Bag Charms Patterns Pack
2,50 € – 12,00 €Walk-through
Since a lot of the steps required to make each bag charm are identical, only one bag charm is used to illustrate those. However when the assembly sequence is unique to each bag charm the stitching process will be detailed individually.
Printing-out the pattern
You can get the patterns here if you haven’t already.
Print out the pattern corresponding to zodiac sign that you will be working on.
Make sure that the pattern is not resized by checking your print settings. You can check if it was printed properly by measuring the reference found at the bottom of each page.
Two options are available to hang the bag charm: either a loop or a tab connected to a carabiner O-ring. The default option offered is the tab but you can print-out the loop should you prefer that solution. In which case you’ll have to tape both halves of the loop template to make it whole.
Securing the pieces of the pattern to the leather
Roughly cut around the shapes of the pattern and use masking tape to secure it to your pieces of leather.
Punching the stitching holes
Use a 1mm stitching prong or hole punch to punch the stitching holes for all the pieces, as well as the hole that will accommodate the rivet on the tab if you are using that option.
Cutting-out the pieces of the bag charm
Using a pair of scissors or an X-Acto knife, cut-out all the pieces of the bag charm.
Bevelling the edges
Bevel the edges of the frame and the back of the bag charm using an edge beveler.
Burnish the inner edge of the frame.
Painting the leather
Paint or dye all the pieces of the bag charm. Time to let your creativity express itself!
In my case I used Angelus metallic paints for the frame and background (combinations of copper and rose gold, silver and bronze, gold and bronze depending on the sign). Regular Angelus paints were used for the decorative elements.
Stitching the decorative elements
Aries
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
I used a chain-stitch on the back to make the symbol stand-out but you could use a simple back-stitch or saddle stitch. I usually use a back-stitch for decorative stitches because it gives straighter lines than a saddle stitch. This is how I stitched the symbol on the centrepiece because a chain-stitch would have been too thick.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the head, then the horns.
Taurus
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the horns. Then stitch the muzzle on top of the back of the head.
Gemini
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the faces and the collars, then two sets of hairs on above each face.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background. The vertical line goes above the necks so as to create a visual separation between the two faces.
Finally stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Cancer
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the clamps and the legs. Then stitch the shell on top.
Leo
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the mane. Then the face and the crown.
Virgo
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation: the face, the neck and the three strands of hair.
Libra
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the beam and the chains. Then the scales and the central pivot.
Scorpio
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the legs and claws. Then the exoskeleton on top of the lower body and the stinger.
Sagittarius
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the strings of the bow, the fletching and the shaft of the arrow. Then the bow and the tip of the arrowhead on top.
Capricorn
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the horns and the chest. Then stitch the main part of the body on top.
Aquarius
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the handle of the jug and the water, then the jug itself on top.
Pisces
Start by stitching the zodiac sign’s symbol to the back of bag charm and to the centrepiece.
Stitch the lines radiating from the centrepiece on the background.
Then stitch the centrepiece itself to the background.
Finally stitch the zodiac sign’s representation. First the fishes’ bodies, then the fins and the tails.
Putting it all together
Use contact cement to secure the frame around the background. Use needles to make sure that the holes of both pieces properly line up when you glue them to each other.
If you painted the background without leaving a margin, the contact cement will not adhere well to the paint. In which case you should scratch it before applying the contact cement.
Sand and burnish the top of the background and the back (where the hanging tab will be positioned).
Use contact cement to secure the background to the back of the bag charm, setting-up the hanging tab in between.
Both hanging tabs options are shown here: the loop and the riveted one.
Sand and burnish the outer edges of the bag charm.
Finally stitch the three layers of the bag charm together using a saddle-stitch.
Setting the rivet
If you chose this option for the hanging tab, set the rivet to create a small loop at the top of the tab and install the carabiner O-ring.
Bonus: A key sleeve!
I designed a key sleeve that is tailor made for the cut-out of the frame that isn’t used in the bag charm.
The pattern includes each of the 12 zodiac signs symbols for the back, along with two strap options. These straps allow you to secure the keys using a Chicago screw, a wire keychain, or a lobster clasp, depending on your preference.
Final result
I hope you enjoyed following along this tutorial. Please consider posting a photo of your creation in the comments below. It would mean a lot to me to see my little projects out into the world as you make it your own.
Any feedback/question about this tutorial or project idea that you’d like to see posted here is and always will be more than welcome.
Happy crafting!
The following online content provided some assistance and/or inspiration during the making of this project: