Zanzibar Kilim Leather Tote Bag

A Kilim is a flat-woven textile, traditionally handmade from wool or cotton on wooden looms by artisans across North Africa, the Middle East, and Anatolia.

Each kilim carries stories — symbols of protection, prosperity, or love — woven into its patterns using natural dyes. Many of the kilims we work with are 40–90 years old, once used as rugs or wall hangings in family homes.

At Loom & Hide, we repurpose these heirloom textiles, preserving their history and beauty by pairing them with premium full-grain leather. This gives each piece new life, transforming it from a heritage object into a functional, modern accessory.

Every bag begins with a hand-selected vintage kilim, carefully cleaned and restored to highlight its best features.

Our artisans study each pattern before cutting, ensuring that no two bags share the same layout or colors. The kilim is then combined with full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather — the most durable and natural form of leather — and finished entirely by hand.

We don’t use assembly lines. Each piece is crafted in small workshops, one at a time, so that every bag feels intentional, refined, and one-of-one.

Kilim textiles were originally woven to withstand decades of daily use — they covered floors, walls, and even served as storage sacks. When combined with high-quality full-grain leather, they become even more durable.

The leather reinforces high-contact areas like straps, corners, and bases, while the woven kilim remains lightweight and flexible. The result is a bag that feels soft but sturdy, able to handle daily use for years — even decades — without losing its shape or charm.

Surprisingly, no.

Even though they look substantial, our kilim and leather bags are lighter than most all-leather designs. The woven textile reduces weight while still offering incredible strength.

You’ll notice the difference the moment you pick one up — it feels substantial yet comfortable, like something made to last but easy to carry. Whether you’re using it for everyday errands, travel, or work, it won’t weigh you down.

These materials are naturally resilient, but a little care goes a long way:

• For the kilim: Spot clean gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth and mild soap if needed. Never soak or machine wash.
  
• For the leather: Condition every few months with a neutral leather balm to keep it soft and hydrated.
  
• If it gets wet: Let it air dry naturally — avoid direct sunlight or heat.
  
• For storage: Keep it inside the cotton dust bag we include, in a cool, dry place.
  
• With simple care, your bag can last generations, aging beautifully just as the kilim did in its first life.

Because kilims use natural vegetable dyes, the colors mellow gradually, gaining warmth and character rather than fading sharply. Similarly, our full-grain leather develops a rich patina — a deep, lived-in sheen that reflects your personal use.

Over time, both the kilim and leather evolve together, becoming even more beautiful — just like heirlooms meant to be passed down.

Yes, every kilim we use is authentic and vintage. We source them through small collectors and family-run workshops across regions known for their weaving heritage from the souks of Morocco to the villages of Anatolia.

Each textile is carefully restored before use washed, reinforced where needed, and inspected for quality. We don’t reproduce old designs; we honor existing ones, preserving cultural craftsmanship instead of imitating it.

Each kilim is woven by hand and never repeated even if two use similar colors, their symbols and motifs will differ.

When we cut a section to make a bag, it’s like framing a piece of living art. That means once a design sells, it can never be made again.

This individuality is what makes Loom & Hide special you’re not buying just another bag; you’re owning a one-of-one piece of history.