Bags?

xaman

xaman

Joined
Nov 27, 2005
Messages
9,574
This is a little off topic, but I thought some sheath makers might have some insight into making saddle bags or messenger bags...

I kept looking unsuccessfully for a specific size "computer" bag, and finally got up the courage to potentially "waste" a huge hunk of my precious W&C leather on a bag experiment:


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This one is the first I've ever done, so there will definitely be changes in the next one. Although I must say that it was a LOT OF WORK!

I'd love to see pics and hear your thoughts on this style bag ---- has anyone ever done these before???
 
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Yup, total waste. Send it to me so my wife can have for her Vaio :D Honestly, it looks fantastic. I would say reinforce the side corners with a welt to block them more and maybe put a pleat (sewn on the inside) in the middle of each side to give it an accordion expansion. Oh and integrate the Busse sheath into it for those times in board room when you really need to get your point across :D
 
Wow! That's nice. :cool:

I don't have any tips for you, but I'm with TekSec on the blade. The first thing I did was start looking for the attachment point for the Mistress! :D
 
Nicely done.

A messenger/computer bag is high on my list of project to tackle.
 
Fantastic. I've been thinking about making something like that but havent quite gotten around to it.
 
I've been wanting to try something similiar for a few years. Maybe one day I'll have enough time.

Your case looks great. Did you use an existing pattern or was it "from scratch"?
 
M. McCord said:
I've been wanting to try something similiar for a few years. Maybe one day I'll have enough time.

Your case looks great. Did you use an existing pattern or was it "from scratch"?
Click to expand...


This one was from scratch --- i was trying to match the size of my small laptop...
 
xaman said:
This one was from scratch --- i was trying to match the size of my small laptop...
Click to expand...

Very cool. Like I said, I've always wanted to take on a briefcase but never really had the time to devote to it. I figure if I rush it, it'll look like crap. Again, very nice work.
 
M. McCord said:
Very cool. Like I said, I've always wanted to take on a briefcase but never really had the time to devote to it. I figure if I rush it, it'll look like crap. Again, very nice work.
Click to expand...

Thanks.

I used posterboard for the pattern, before i stated cutting big hunks of leather. It gave me an idea of the size and look firsat, so i didn't waste the good stuff. :thumbup:
 
Fantastic.

I wish I had the materials to make a bag like that.

Not to mention time, patience, tools, and skill...
 
xaman, just heavy 9-10oz leather. The bag has a top piece under the flap that is actually all one piece, flap, back, bottom and front all cut from one piece, I brought the front all the way around the top of the sides then cut an opening, effectively adding an inch and a half to the top of the side pieces so when the flap is buckled down there is more of a gasket effect to keep the weather out.

I made this bag to carry my collapsible fishing pole on the Bike :o)

1068756075033885154S500x500Q85.jpg
 
Xaman, a few questions about the briefcase..

Is it hand or machine stitched?
Did you use an awl or another means to make the holes?
Did you glue it up and then punch the holes, or punch one piece first and use that as a guide for after it was glued up?
How many pieces of leather make up the gusset (sides)?

In other words, how bout a little narrative about your steps. If you dont want to type it all out, I can PM you my phone number.
 
I'd like to hear the answers to some of those too, Eddie, so hopefully he will enlighten us a little in the thread
 
fasteddie said:
Xaman, a few questions about the briefcase..

Is it hand or machine stitched?
Did you use an awl or another means to make the holes?
Did you glue it up and then punch the holes, or punch one piece first and use that as a guide for after it was glued up?
How many pieces of leather make up the gusset (sides)?

In other words, how bout a little narrative about your steps. If you dont want to type it all out, I can PM you my phone number.
Click to expand...


Hey bro,

I used a drill press to make the holes, then stitched it with an awl (a long process!)

The gusset is one piece. I got it wet, then folded the ends over to create the lip that would be glued and stitched to the back and front pieces.

then I glued the gusset to the back piece first with contact cement.

Then i drilled and stiched it (knowing it would be easier without the ront piece on.

Before gluing on the front piece I had already done two things -- 1 attached the receiver buckle, and 2 cut and glued the interior pocket to the front piece.)

Next I glued the front piece on.

Then drilled the holes (this was a little tricky, took a lot of manuevering around the drill press, especially in the corners.)

That's essentially it, outside of the strap and such.

Using a posterboard pattern really helped me get the sizing right, before cutting leather.


There are a few things i will change with future bags --- i think i want a handle on top, and i will make an exterior pocket for papers/airline tickets/etc. I also need something to keep the strap from sliding off the shoulder (works fine cross body, but slips when only slung over one shoulder.)

I'd be happy to answer any questions. It's not that hard, and I guess I have about 30-35dollars in it after leather and hardware. That number could be much lower depending on the supplies used. I'd encourage you guys to give it a shot.
 
hushnel said:
xaman, just heavy 9-10oz leather. The bag has a top piece under the flap that is actually all one piece, flap, back, bottom and front all cut from one piece, I brought the front all the way around the top of the sides then cut an opening, effectively adding an inch and a half to the top of the side pieces so when the flap is buckled down there is more of a gasket effect to keep the weather out.

I made this bag to carry my collapsible fishing pole on the Bike :o)

http://inlinethumb39.webshots.com/
43814/1068756075033885154S500x500Q85.jpg
Click to expand...



Thanks!

I'm going to look into that more when I get a little time, it really is a cool looking bag :thumbup:
 
xaman, thanks for the answers. The only thing that comes to mind.. that I read or picked up from someone who knows, is that you could drill the front and back pieces for stitching holes before gluing in the gusset with rubber cement. Then, once its glued up, use the existing holes as a template, and use an awl to poke the rest of the holes. I'm gonna have to clean off my bench if I'm going to make anything bigger than a knife sheath. That might be the hardest part. :)

Oh, what weight leather did you use?
 
fasteddie said:
xaman, thanks for the answers. The only thing that comes to mind.. that I read or picked up from someone who knows, is that you could drill the front and back pieces for stitching holes before gluing in the gusset with rubber cement. Then, once its glued up, use the existing holes as a template, and use an awl to poke the rest of the holes. I'm gonna have to clean off my bench if I'm going to make anything bigger than a knife sheath. That might be the hardest part. :)

Oh, what weight leather did you use?
Click to expand...


That might help, but i've never had luck keeping things straight with the awl, even with guide holes, YMMV

This was 8-10 oz leather. I think 6-8 would be ideal, especially with a small welt to keep it sturdy enough to stand up on it's own, but i just used what i had on hand...

Can't wait to see what you come up with :thumbup:
 
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