So, I’ve been obsessed with this PRADA Dynamique Hobo Bag I saw online. It’s so chic, but the price tag? Don’t even get me started. I was browsing all these online stores, like The RealReal and Rebag, seeing these bags at a discount, but still way out of my budget. One site had it for 40% off, another for 25%, and eBay had some used ones listed from like $255 to $1600, but I was like, nope, not happening. I’m not spending that much on a bag.
Then it hit me – why don’t I try to make one myself? I mean, I’m pretty handy, and there are tons of tutorials online for DIY bags. Plus, I had some old leather lying around from a previous project. This might be fun.
Get Started
First things first, I started gathering my materials. I grabbed that old piece of grey leather, which was actually pretty similar to the Vitello leather I saw on the authentic PRADA bags. Then I started looking for the hardware. The real bag has these silver-tone buckles and a snap closure, so I went on a hunt for something similar. I found some decent-looking hardware online, not the exact same, but close enough. A bag has a dual exterior pockets, I need to prepare two pieces of leather for the front and cut them into the shape I want. I got my sewing machine, needles, thread, all that jazz, and I was ready to go.
The Main Part
I started with the body of the bag. I measured and cut the leather into the right shape, keeping in mind the dimensions of the real PRADA Hobo. I found some measurements online from various listings, so I had a general idea. Sewing the main panels together was a bit tricky, especially with the leather, but I managed. Then I added the exterior pockets. This was a bit more complicated than I anticipated, but I watched some videos, took my time, and they turned out pretty okay.
The Hardest Part
Next up were the shoulder straps. The PRADA bag has these dual straps, and I wanted to replicate that. I cut the leather into long strips and started sewing them. This was probably the hardest part. Getting the straps to look even and sturdy took some trial and error. I even ripped the seams a couple of times and had to start over. But eventually, I got them done. Attaching them to the bag was another challenge, but I reinforced the stitches to make sure they could hold some weight.
Almost Done!
The final touch was the lining. I didn’t have any fancy leather lining like the real bag, but I found some durable fabric that would do the job. I sewed the lining and attached it to the inside of the bag. Last but not least, I added the snap closure at the top.
And there you have it! My very own, handmade version of the PRADA Dynamique Hobo Bag. Okay, so it’s not a perfect replica. It doesn’t have the PRADA logo, and the materials aren’t exactly the same, but I’m super proud of it! I saved a ton of money, and I have a unique bag that I made with my own two hands. It has its quirks, but I think it turned out pretty darn good for a first attempt. I might even try making another one, maybe in a different color. Who knows? The possibilities are endless when you DIY!
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