The process of making leather bags: A step by step guide

“Every creative process begins with a blank sheet of paper and some imagination”

Creating a bag from the scratch is supposed to be equivalent to building a house: you'll need a foundation, windows, doors, walls, dormers, and a roof frame to finish the job. However, before you begin mixing approaches to achieve the desired end, you must first think through the crafting process step by step.

For instance, sewing a pocket into the lining right after the bag is finished is a no-go. The craft follows a set of rules, similar to how Lego models follow a set of rules.

The latter option permits an end pouch to be stitched on before the rest of the model is put together, whereas the former option can only be done after assembly. The more difficult the stitching process, the more probable anything will go wrong with the bag - therefore double-check your methods before starting.

Step 1: The right materials

Manuals, internet courses, and good old-fashioned apprenticeship are all fantastic places to start learning crafting techniques. Regardless of method you choose to improve your talents, the first step should be to select a good quality leather. Make properly measured templates out of card or paper and use them to cut your hide with precision.

 Step2: Craving with tools

It’s time to carve an image into your leather pieces after they are finished. As, previously stated, it is always a good idea to write down all your visual thoughts before doing anything to the hide. Use a mist spray bottle or a moist sponge to dampen the leather you want to tool your pattern onto. You can trace the outlines of your drawings using instruments like a Stylus or Biro, which are then cut out with a swivel knife to reveal your custom manual design. Remember, tooling is easy to learn but hard to master, so keep on practicing until your hands have that surgical precision.

Step 3: Coloring

First, test your dye on some scrap pieces you have on hand. There are a variety of application methods to select from, so a little trial and error can help you figure out what actions to take next without having to rethink your plan. Heavy applications will not only saturate and darken the leather, but they may also leave streak markings, which you do not want unless your design specifically calls for it. Cotton rags for lighter application, on the other hand, will give you far more color control, especially if you want to two-tone your leather. Brush-coloring some portions of your designs using acrylic paint can also add a stylish touch to your leather items. When the color is completely dried, apply a finish to make the leather colorfast and water resistant.

Step 4: Lining

There are variety of materials to pick from, depends on your preferences and budget, but we believe the wax line material is ideal for lining the inside of your bag. It has an exquisite suede feel and is available in a number of colors, but it is also incredibly durable. To keep the bag tied and secure, use contact adhesive to line the pieces together and lace or stitch them together.

Step 5: The straps

Finally, no bag, whether it is a leather tote or a messenger bag, would be complete without straps. They can be riveted to the sides of a buckle or gusset after being sewed on. The belt, on the other hand, is not a required component of the leather bag, but it does add allure and beauty to the piece.

Conclusion:

With some dedicated reading and practice, you will be able to create intricate leather designs in no time. Remember that everything begins with your imagination, but it takes skilled hands to turn those ideas into reality. Visit online tutorials, pick up some tips from the pros, and get to work on your sewing machine. Check out our extensive leather work collection for ideas, and contact us if you need any assistance or tips on how to improve your craft