Selection: Leather - A Striking, Bold Trend

Whether it is faux, pleather, or the real thing, the leather look is among the top ten textiles we love to wear this season. Leather can take on many forms and be used with several pieces we never would have imagined before! That's why we have come up with this selection for you, with tons of cuts for a variety of styles. Quite a few of the models in this selection may not be originally made in leather, but they would nevertheless look—and feel—great!

Is your leather textured, fine, soft, or in a fun shade? To sew it, the most important thing is to have the tools needed. This includes a sewing machine, a special leather or pleather needle, an adapted foot (like a double needle walking foot or leather presser foot), and wooden pegs rather than pins.

The secret to a successful piece is blending cool cuts with amazing textile! Discover the selection we have hand-picked for you.

Skirt 101, Burda Style 08/2022

This skirt is made up of several pieces sewn together and exquisitely topstitched with matching thread. The slight flare at the bottom creates an awesome trapeze look. When you put your skirt together, make sure you cut all your pieces the same way. A tip: we suggest going with widthwise, as it stretches better.

Skirt with Elastic Waist, Sewing Lesson #4, Burda Style Beginner 2022

Mini or midi? You choose! With the elastic waist and sewn in faux or real leather, the final effect will be incredible! You can play with contrasts by making your waistband a different color. Not only will this be trendy and timeless, but it is also super easy to do! This model is from the special edition of Burda Beginner.

Skirt 107, Burda Style 09/2022

This school-girl skirt would look marvelous in black leather, or even a shaded material for a little pop. If you use a thicker faux or real leather, the pleats are more distinct. You can leave the waistband with the chain detail open as much as you want by cutting the leather level with the seam.

Skirt 127, Burda Style 06/2022

We love how this skirt in sizes 44 to 52 flares towards the bottom. The knee length of the model is particularly feminine and very flattering. And the buttons along the front add an extra special touch. You can even topstitch the inseam pockets like you see here. This model would be stunning in imitation suede or pleather.

Dress 101, Burda Style 02/2021

Sashes of this dress cross and tie to create a formidable wrap effect. This model would be such a joy to wear in winter over a delicate sweater. There are no shoulder seams, and the skirt is a straight cut making it a loose wear that requires zero stretch. We’d opt for a quality faux suede or supple leather, using a normal 80 needle to sew it together.

Dress 114, Burda Style 06/2022

Unlike model 101, the cut of this dress is highly structured. By sewing it from a soft leather or pleather, the result will be immensely sophisticated. Darts create an hour-glass figure, and the skirt cut on the bias flares thanks to tiny pleats at the waist. Try to avoid using pins when putting your model together: they will create little holes in your fabric. That’s why we recommend using pegs instead.

Trousers 128, Burda Style 09/2022

An alternative to classic trousers? This cut in faux or real leather for sizes 44 to 52 add a fun touch to any look! Pair your piece with soft, classic shapes to create a style that is elegant and sophisticated for the office. These pants would also look incredible two-toned! You can play around with different shades and fabrics for the top and bottom parts of the trousers. This Burda Curvy model is an absolute delight to wear and sew.

Trousers 104, Burda Style 08/2019

Si vous appréciez les coupes jean pour l'aspect confort et mode mais êtes lassés du denim, alors ce modèle vous fera de l'œil. La base de la coupe d'un jean slim est présentée ici dans un simili cuir stretch en vert sapin et la preuve en est : l'un mixé à l'autre fonctionne à merveille.

Shorts & Trousers #4, Burda Easy January-February 01/2022

Pish posh to the idea that leather shorts cannot be chic. This model, with its elegant cut and sophisticated fit, would look very distinguished. Plus, the open pleats give it lovely volume. Imagine these shorts from the Burda Easy line in autumn or winter with tights or boots. With real or faux leather, the shorts could come with a hem, which is a simple yet pretty finish that makes any model even more refined.

Trousers 107, Burda Style 03/2021

The wide cut of this model is currently all the rage. The belt at the waist and the buttons at the bottom are purely decorative elements. And these trousers are cropped to lengthen the legs and show off a bit of ankle. In a black faux leather, this piece would be at once modest and elegant.

Jacket 108, Burda Style 08/2020

The straight cut of this jacket reminds us of the 60s. This retro style sewn in real leather would give off a bold, swanky look. And what’s more trendy now than the cropped cut? The model can be worn as an over shirt or all by itself. Don't forget to use leather interfacing to help make sewing the seams under the presser foot easier. Now, what if you paired this jacket with a leather skirt? That would be a true fashion statement!

Jacket 103, Burda Style 11/2021

The varsity jacket is among one of the classics that place leather at the forefront. Its duo textile signature is absolutely timeless, and you can come up with an infinite number of ways to associate materials and colors! We are huge fans of the burgundy faux leather at the sleeves and checked wool pattern at the bodice. This favorite from the 90s is back today and here to stay: sew your piece to be all the trend now.

Jacket 104, Burda Style 08/2022

This blazer would look divine sewn from a material with character like real leather or quality pleather. You may want to line the edges of your pockets with the ultra-easy edgefix, a lightweight fusible tape to keep everything polished and neat.

Jacket #4, Burda Easy 05/2021

Here is one way to create a Wow effect! The cut of this coat, which is straight yet slightly oversized, allows you to use a relatively thick yet supple fabric for its creation. Real leather would therefore be perfect for the piece (and it’s up to you whether you want to add a belt or not). This model comes in three different lengths, and it is super simple to make, since it comes from the Burda Easy line.

All these models are available as PDF patterns in just one click on our website burdastyle.com!