Leather Car Retro Pattern – Jewelry Box Template

A retro car made of leather

Leather car retro pattern lets me build a vintage-style leather car with a hidden compartment — a leather car jewelry box for rings, earrings, and small keepsakes. From the curved fenders to the rounded headlights, I shape every line with care so the model feels collectible and purposeful right from the first stitch.

Materials you’ll need

For this project, vegetable-tanned leather 1.4–2 mm (3.5–5 oz) thick will be perfect. For the headlights, lighter or undyed vegetable-tanned leather of 1.4–1.6 mm (3.5–4 oz) works well.

This model requires less hardware than some steampunk projects. Here’s the full list:

• Rivets – 8 pcs.

• Knob screw rivets – 3 pcs.

• Wheels: steel threaded rod, diameter 3.5–4 mm (approx. 0.14 in), length 10.5 cm (4.13 in) – 2 pcs.

• Hex nuts or cap nuts as end caps.

The threaded rods are commonly sold in 1-meter lengths at hardware stores, and you can cut them down to the needed size.

Finished size

The completed leather car jewelry box measures about 25 cm (9.8 inches) in length and 9.5 cm (3.7 inches) in width. It is roomy enough to store rings, earrings, or small keepsakes, while still looking like a collectible retro car on display.

What’s included in the digital download

When you purchase this DIY retro car template, you’ll receive:

• PDF file (A4 + US Letter) for hand cutting and printing

• SVG and DXF files for laser cutting

• Step-by-step video tutorial

This is a digital product only, not a physical item. Only the leather car retro pattern is for sale. All other objects shown in photos are for demonstration purposes only.

Join our creative space

You can always share your work or get inspired by others in the Pattern Leather TS Group on Facebook. And if you prefer video guidance, visit the LeatherPatternTS YouTube channel where I post tutorials and ideas for leather crafting.

Why this project is worth trying

The main charm of this leather car retro pattern is in its simplicity and functionality. It’s easier to assemble than more complex steampunk versions, but it still gives you a detailed and satisfying project. On the outside it looks like a vintage car, while inside it works as a leather car jewelry box. This balance of design and usefulness makes it a great choice for both beginners and experienced leather crafters.

It also gives you flexibility: you can keep it in natural leather tones for a classic retro vibe, or dye it in brighter colors to give it a more playful look. Small hardware changes — like different rivets or wheels — can also completely transform the personality of your leather box pattern.

Ideas for using your leather car

• As a jewelry box for small accessories and keepsakes

• A unique handmade gift for someone who loves retro style

• A decorative piece to display on a shelf or desk

• A DIY retro car template to practice cutting and assembling leather

• An addition to a themed collection of handmade leather models

Each maker can add their own twist, turning the basic design into something highly personal.

Discover more patterns

If you love retro style, don’t miss the Steampunk & Retro Leather Patterns collection. And for creative tips, behind-the-scenes looks, and tutorials, check out the Blog.

Your next project starts here

With this printable leather car PDF, you’re not just crafting a jewelry box, you’re building a small piece of retro charm. Download the files, prepare your tools, and enjoy making a leather car retro pattern that’s as functional as it is beautiful.