Dress Up Your Handmade Bags with Conchos, Rivets & Decorative Hardware

Western-inspired fashion is having its moment, and we're bringing that same energy to our handmade bags!

Conchos are decorative metal accents that instantly add personality to your projects. Traditionally seen on western accessories, belts, and leather goods, these eye-catching embellishments are a fun way to bring a little western flair to modern bag designs.

Try adding conchos to:

• The center of a bag flap for a statement detail.

• The ends of straps or handles for a polished finish.

• The front of a crossbody bag for a western-inspired look.

• A simple clutch that could use a little extra sparkle.

Our Style Tip: Pair silver conchos with black faux leather for a bold, modern look, or try antique brass with warm brown cork fabric for a more vintage-inspired finish.

And don't feel like you have to go full cowgirl! A single concho can add just the right amount of western charm while keeping your bag looking modern and sophisticated.

How to Install Conchos

If you've never worked with conchos before, they're easier to add than you might think!

Many screw-back conchos attach through a small hole in your material and are secured from the back with a screw.

Start by deciding where you'd like your concho to sit. Carefully mark the placement, create an appropriately sized hole using a fabric punch, and secure the concho according to its hardware instructions.

Our Mini Fabric Punch, Rotary Punch, and Sewist Screwdriver Set are helpful tools to have nearby when working with screw-back decorative hardware.

Sewing Tip: Add conchos before assembling your bag whenever possible. This gives you easier access to the back of your material and helps keep the hardware attachment neat and secure.

We love a sewing detail that looks beautiful AND serves a purpose. Bag feet are traditionally used on the bottom of handbags to help reduce direct contact between the bag and the surfaces it rests on. But these little metal accents can also double as decorative hardware!

Their smooth, polished finish makes them a fun option for adding subtle shine without overwhelming your design.

Get creative with bag feet by trying them:

• Along the front of a flap for a studded appearance.

• In a symmetrical pattern on a bag's exterior.

• At the corners of a structured handbag.

• As a decorative accent on a minimalist clutch.

Our Style Tip: Try adding gold bag feet to a cream or neutral-colored bag for a luxe, designer-inspired look. For something more playful, experiment with repeating patterns that make your hardware part of the overall design.

If you're using bag feet decoratively, remember to check how the prongs or attachment pieces will sit inside your project. You may want to add them before installing your lining so the hardware stays hidden and comfortable to use.

If your personal style leans more edgy than elegant, this one's for you!

Rivets and Chicago screws are some of our favorite ways to add an industrial-inspired touch to handmade bags. They're functional hardware pieces that can also become a major part of your bag's overall style.

Think studded handbags, structured silhouettes, moto-inspired accessories, and statement details that look straight out of your favorite fashion boutique.

Get the Look with Rivets

Rivets are commonly used to reinforce areas like strap attachments, but they can also be arranged into decorative designs.

Try creating a row of rivets along the edge of a bag flap, adding a few to a handle tab, or spacing them evenly across a pocket for a bold, textured finish.

Our Style Tip: Pair gunmetal rivets with black faux leather for an edgy, moto-inspired look. Or use gold rivets on a rich burgundy bag for something a little more sophisticated.

Chicago screws offer another way to bring decorative hardware into your designs. Unlike traditional rivets, Chicago screws typically feature two threaded pieces that fasten together.

They're especially useful for certain strap attachments and projects where a screw-fastened connection is desired.

You can also experiment with their placement to create a modern, industrial-inspired design.

Sewing Tip: Always choose hardware that is appropriate for the thickness and function of your material. Decorative placement and structural reinforcement aren't always interchangeable, so make sure your hardware is suited to the job!

Before you start adding embellishments everywhere (trust us, it's tempting!), take a moment to think about your overall design.

A few things to consider before installing your hardware:

• Find your focal point. Choose one area of your bag where you want the details to stand out.

• Play with placement. Lay your hardware on the project before making any permanent holes.

• Think about balance. Symmetrical designs feel polished, while unexpected placements can create a more playful look.

• Consider your materials. Thicker materials, interfacing, and stabilizers may affect which hardware works best.

• Check the inside. Make sure screws, prongs, and backing pieces won't interfere with pockets, linings, or everyday use.

And our favorite tip? Test your hardware on a scrap piece of your project material first! It's a simple way to check your tools, hole size, and attachment before committing to your finished bag.