My wife and I are planning to buy a house in the near future. When she asks about my ideal neighborhood, my answer is always the same: “One within walking distance of a coffee shop.” That’s my only requirement, because that’s how much I cherish coffee. Currently, we live in an apartment in a busy part of the city, so I usually grab my coffee to-go while walking. This is where this DIY leather coffee sleeve idea came to life…
While I don’t yet live in a house close to a coffee shop, I do live in an apartment near about 20 coffee shops. It’s truly a caffeine enthusiast’s dream! I’m not sure if “grabbing coffee” can be considered a hobby, but if it were, I’d be a master at it. Despite my frequent coffee runs, I don’t always remember to bring a reusable cup. However, a coffee sleeve is small enough to fit in my coat pocket. It helps minimize waste, adds a touch of style, and makes it clear that I’m definitely not drinking tea.
Living in an apartment limits my ability to engage in heavy-duty crafting. Tools can be noisy, and the walls in our building are thin. I had never considered mechanical etching or sanding until I got my hands on the tool used for etching this leather coffee sleeve. It’s incredibly quiet and small, making it approachable. The Dremel® Stylo+? I highly recommend it! Keep reading to learn how to make a reusable coffee cup sleeve that keeps your hands cool and your drink hot.
Materials You’ll Need
- Dremel® Stylo+ tool, plus engraving accessories
- Scrap leather
- Leather coffee sleeve template (print out here)
- Sharp utility knife
- Pencil or pen
- Hammer, a small nail, and a scrap piece of wood
- Embroidery floss and needle
- Safety glasses
Step 1: Trace the Template
Print the Leather Coffee Sleeve template. Cut out the template and trace the shape of the cup sleeve onto the back of your scrap leather piece. Ensure the template is placed strategically on the leather to minimize waste.
Step 2: Cut Out the Leather
Using a sharp utility knife or scissors, carefully cut out the traced shape from the leather. Take your time to ensure clean, precise cuts. A rotary cutter can also be used for smoother edges.
Step 3: Etch Your Design
Align the template with the cut piece of leather, ensuring both face right-side up. Lightly trace over any lettering or design elements with a pencil to create indentations on the leather. Secure the leather to your work surface using clamps or tape to prevent movement during the etching process. Don your safety goggles for eye protection. Using the Dremel® Stylo+ tool, carefully etch over the indented design.
Even though the Dremel® Stylo+ tool is compact, it’s essential to take the same safety precautions as you would with larger power tools. Always unplug the tool before changing accessories and wear protective eyewear at all times. Safety first! Experiment with different etching tips to achieve various effects and textures on your leather sleeve.
Step 4: Prepare the Stitching Holes
Place the leather on a scrap piece of wood. Using a small nail, create equally spaced holes along one edge of the strap. After marking the holes, use the hammer to puncture the leather at each mark, creating a hole for stitching. Align the other edge of the strap with the punctured side and press the same number of holes onto the other side. Puncture these holes with the hammer and nail as well. Consistent spacing is crucial for a professional-looking stitch.
Step 5: Stitch the Sleeve Together
Thread your needle with embroidery floss and stitch into one of the bottom holes. Leave a few inches of floss at the beginning for tying off later. Stitch across, joining the strap together as you move up the edge of the cuff. Once you reach the top, turn around and stitch back down, going through each pair of holes again. When you get to the bottom, tie the ends of the thread together in a knot. Trim any excess floss for a clean finish.
Oh, coffee, my true love! Few things can always win me over, regardless of the time or place, but coffee is definitely one of them. And the type doesn’t even matter. Espresso shots, mochas, drip coffee, even those questionable gas station cappuccinos… just give me caffeine! I’m currently enjoying an almond milk latte as I write this. What a happy coincidence! This personalized leather coffee sleeve makes my daily coffee run even more enjoyable. It’s a small step towards sustainability and a stylish way to showcase my love for coffee.
This post is sponsored by The Home Depot, but all opinions are my own. Collaborating with fantastic brands like The Home Depot allows us to continue providing the content you enjoy on Curbly. Thank you for supporting us and them!