Sew a leatherette bag with your own hands. Leather bag from what is at hand (tips for beginners and a master class). Sportswear bag

29.06.2020

It is quite difficult to sew a bag made of genuine leather with your own hands. Therefore, I recommend that beginners first sew a bag made of artificial leather. The technology of its sewing is not much different from sewing a bag made of fabric or jeans, with the exception of finishing the front seams.

A leather bag always looks elegant and fashionable, and the price of a genuine leather bag is always high. Maybe that's why many try to sew a bag or handbag, but, as a rule, unsuccessfully. The fact is that sewing bags and leather haberdashery is a separate direction in the sewing business, just like sewing shoes, therefore it is not surprising that many people cannot sew a bag with their own hands.

In this article, I will not explain how to sew a bag in stages. There are thousands of bag models and it is impossible to make a universal video or a master class in the form of a photo. But you can give universal advice on how to make a pattern of a bag model you like, to do this or that technological operation, how to install accessories with your own hands, etc.

How to sew a women's bag from genuine leather. Bag with lining and zip fastening. You will learn many useful tips on how to work with genuine leather.

It is difficult to sew any products made of genuine leather, especially bags that have a rigid frame. And this is primarily due to the special technology of sewing genuine leather, the presence of a special tool and a sewing machine, the use of special applied materials, and, of course, the presence of experience.

First of all, you will need a sewing machine capable of sewing leather. Modern models of sewing machines cannot be used for sewing such rough materials as leather, read the instructions carefully. The only option is to find an old typewriter like Podolsk from friends or relatives, you can even with a manual drive. By the way, you can even buy it on the ad, but not more than 1000 rubles.

A construction knife with a replaceable blade can also be used for cutting leather. Do not forget that the blade of such a knife is not only interchangeable, but segmental. Using pliers, gently break off the blunt section of the blade, and it will become sharp.
Paired with such a knife, you will also need a piece of plywood or a board on which you will cut out the leather parts of the bag.

If your bag model will have a lot of metal fittings, buy such a punch right away in the store. With it, it will be easy to make a neat hole for buttons, rivets and other accessories.

Instead of skin glue, you can use this sticky tape.

This is not the whole list of tools necessary for working with genuine leather, but the most important ones. Without them, you will not be able to sew a high-quality leather bag. In addition, look at the general photo, you will need a special hammer, awl, thread, sewing needles, etc.

In addition to the main details for the bag, you will also need a lot of small elements, which are quite difficult to take into account at once. As I assemble the bag, I will explain everything in detail. For now, just keep in mind that all skin scraps, even small ones, need to be saved, they can still be useful to us.

Make patterns for any parts of the bag immediately with allowances. Leather is a rather expensive material to forget about allowances and make other mistakes when cutting.
Seam allowances 0.7-1.0 cm.

The remaining parts are rectangular in shape and it is not necessary to make a pattern, in any case, use graph paper for them. However, it is possible that you will decide to sew just such a model from fabric in the future, then ready-made patterns will make your work easier.

Two options for a soft-shaped bag pattern

It is not necessary to build a paper bag pattern, but it does not hurt to make a pattern of the main parts. The fact is that it is almost impossible to determine the size and shape of a bag using a paper pattern. In the stitched state, the bag acquires volume and, therefore, changes its calculated dimensions and shape. Therefore, make paper patterns of the main parts of the bag, chop or glue them and make sure that the shape and size of the bag suits you. If not, then feel free to adjust the pattern and try it on again.

The consumption of genuine leather for sewing bags must be calculated accurately. Moreover, you should always buy more leather, because sometimes you have to "get around" various skin defects (wrinkled areas, holes, scuffs, etc.)
But on average, for sewing a bag made of genuine leather, a skin of 100-120 square decimeters or approximately 1.0-1.2 square meters is required.
Depending on the model, the presence of finishing elements, pockets and other details, and most importantly the size of the bag, you can keep within 180-100 dm / sq. But in any case, you need to lay out the details of the cut, since leather is often sold with defects (spots, holes, folds, dents, etc.)

Do not forget about the finishing details of the bag. Because if you do not have enough of a small piece of skin, then you will not be able to buy a small piece. Genuine leather is sold only in whole skins. By the way, sometimes it is the size of the skin that determines the model and size of the bag.

If you do not have enough experience, do not immediately undertake to sew a bag from new leather. Find an old raincoat or jacket in your wardrobe. Take it apart and try to pick up the remaining parts of the skin for the details of your bag. In extreme cases, such leather can be combined with pieces of artificial leather or fabric, such as velvet.

The connecting seams are ground with allowances of 0.7-1.0 cm. Remember to check the amount of presser foot pressure on the fabric and the height of the feed dog. Leather is a fairly dense and rough material, and in order to avoid damage to a household sewing machine, it is better to sew it on an industrial machine or an old manual sewing machine such as Podolsk, Singer.

To facilitate the piercing of several layers of leather, special sewing needles for leather can be purchased at the sewing accessories store. They have a special blade shape and such a needle does not pierce the skin, but cuts it.

Not always, but often, the allowances of the stitched parts of a leather bag need to be glued. For this operation, you can use ordinary rubber glue and a brush. But it is better and more accurate to glue the allowances with adhesive double-sided tape.

Tear off the paper protective strip and press the allowance.

To make the seams look even and smooth from the front of the bag, you will need a hammer. Tap lightly along the seam with a hammer or the handles of heavy metal tailor's scissors.

It is very difficult to make finishing stitches on the skin, since the usual foot will "slow down" the upper layer of the skin, the stitch will "shrink" and even a rush of skin may form from frequent piercing with a needle. This is a responsible operation, treat it as responsibly as possible, since the skin cannot be scribbled twice. You must do the finishing line the first time without error and rework.

Therefore, be sure to change the regular foot to the Teflon coated foot. There are a number of other accessories for sewing leather, but this Teflon foot is the easiest and most inexpensive way.

And if you also play it safe and rub the seams with a moistened remnant, then the seam will be flawless.
See Decorative stitching in difficult area.

After the base of the leather bag is assembled along with pockets and other finishing elements, proceed to the manufacture of the belt. Decide what type of clasp you will use, what accessories and how to attach the belt to the bag.

Do not use accessories that are too expensive and difficult to install. Metal zippers, metal rings, rivets, holnitens, buttons are easy to install with your own hands. And they must be used when making a leather bag. Metal gives natural leather more solidity and attractiveness, emphasizing the noble properties of natural material.

And to install the fittings, you will need such a punch No. 3 or No. 4. You can even buy a set of these punches if you are a regular sewer of leather, especially bags.
When punching a hole in the skin, put a thick wooden gasket on the back side. It is impossible to punch holes on a metal surface, the blade of the punch will quickly become dull. And make sure that other parts of the bag do not accidentally fall under the punch.

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A bag is a fashionable accessory in a women's and men's wardrobe. Leather models are considered the best, they look attractive and are practical to use. An exclusive do-it-yourself leather bag will become an original product that will complement the stylish image of a modern person. It is easy to do it yourself, having the necessary tools, pattern and material.

Model selection

Designers have developed many models for sewing a women's leather bag with their own hands. Made in various styles, it is suitable for any event. The following options will be of interest:

The model over the shoulder has been a fashion hit for many years. It is comfortable and practical. The accessory can be made of leather, suede, denim fabrics. If you decorate the product with flowers, fasteners, it will become exclusive.
Unusual shapes - crescent, fruits, boxes, baguettes, the choice is determined by the author's imagination. Such products are suitable for women who prefer originality in their wardrobe.
A bag made of pieces of genuine leather can be either very large or small (pouch).
A trendy accessory is a tote, an alternative to a bag or briefcase. It can be worn on the shoulder or held by the handles.
Classic models never go out of fashion, they are a great addition to the image of a business and purposeful woman.
A great option for a modern girl who feels relaxed and free is a casual style bag made of fringed suede.
For an evening outfit, fashionistas choose small handbags - a clutch, a minaudière, a case and an envelope, which bring a touch of elegance to the evening style.

If earlier bags were an accessory of women's wardrobe, today the image of a practical man is also impossible to imagine without a good leather product in his hands. A bag made of leather pieces, sewn by hand, can be worn every day, it will always look practical and versatile. With the appropriate tools and pieces of leather at hand, you can make such a bag yourself, but keep in mind that men's accessories also change under the influence of fashion.

You can pay attention to the following types of men's leather bags:

The messenger bag was preferred by students a few years ago, now it can be seen in older men. Such a product is convenient, because the large top cover covers all departments.
Designers have reduced the messenger bag, turned it into a "tablet" - a small flat model with 3 internal compartments and one external pocket. It can be carried by hand or over the shoulder with a long strap.
Borsetka is considered a classic men's accessory. Its dimensions are small, the shape is square, it is sewn from leather. It fits a standard men's set - a smartphone, keys, documents, a purse.
The popularity of the briefcase, an oversized men's accessory, is explained by its versatility. It fits electronic gadgets, documents and personal items. It is worn in the hand, but modern fashion has added a touch of creativity by attaching a long strap to the square-shaped product.
A bag attached to a belt is in demand at all times. Has a small size.

How to sew a leather bag is explained in detail in numerous master classes. It is enough to find instructions for sewing the model of interest, purchase materials and get to work.

Patterns of fashionable leather bags can also be found in the magazines Burda, Moden, Sewing and cutting, Patrones. Electronic versions of these publications are posted on many Internet portals.

Preparation of material and accessories

The work of creating leather products has its own nuances that cannot be ignored. A simple handmade leather bag can turn out to be ugly if you choose the wrong material. Therefore, a novice master should remember that the skin is divided into several types, depending on the dressing:

Crust is a thick leather with a smooth surface that retains its natural texture. It is better to use it for sewing small bags, cases.
Yuft is an ideal material for any product. It is soft and thin, it is easy and pleasant to work with it.
Cheprak is a dense leather that is made from the skin of cattle. Sewing bags from saddlecloth (thick leather) at home can be done entirely by hand. The product will keep its shape well, so from the scraps left after the manufacture of the main accessory, it will be possible to make a belt, a case.
Suede is soft leather with a pile. Natural material is produced from the skins of elk, goat. From it you can make any version of the product.
Faux leather is a relatively inexpensive material, reminiscent of natural. The best quality leatherette option is eco-leather. A DIY bag made of faux leather is suitable for those who do not like to wear the same accessories for too long.

When purchasing materials, you need to think about fittings:

Tin fasteners quickly lose their appearance. Molded screw buckles from an Italian manufacturer would be ideal. These parts are easy to replace.
Carabiners may be required for a product with detachable handles.
It is also necessary to find some zippers for the central and internal pockets.

In order for the appearance of the finished product to be harmonious, it is necessary to select metal parts and zippers of the same color, it is best to take nickel-plated ones.

accessories

Required Tools

To quickly sew a leather bag with your own hands, you will need the following tools:

a special needle with a triangular tip, a regular round one does not cope well with the skin;
sharpened scissors, with such a tool you can cut parts with smooth edges;
centimeter tape, you can’t sew a bag with your own hands from leather without measurements;
hammer, it is necessary to periodically tap on the edges of the parts;
threads, strong and elastic are selected, nylon threads are taken when sewing by hand;
glue for skin, any suitable for this material;
sewing machine, soft leather parts can be sewn using a 80 or 90 needle.

In addition to the listed tools, it may come in handy: a punch for holes, compasses, a vice, rolling and various specialized finishing devices.

Products should not be swept away: holes in the skin do not disappear, since the size of the puncture is too wide.

Creating a pattern

You can find many ready-made patterns for a bag model. Having picked up the right one, you can view a master class on how to sew a leather bag with your own hands. In the selection process, it is advisable to be guided by personal skills and the availability of the necessary materials and tools.

The pattern of a leather bag can be the simplest. It all depends on the purpose of the accessory. Usually a rectangular piece of material is used, on which appropriate markings are made. When constructing a drawing, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the future finished product and the number of parts. This is necessary in order to correctly place the elements on the surface of the material and prevent overspending.

A pattern for sewing a leather bag with your own hands can have an original look and be distinguished by a complex shape. It is better for beginners to use ready-made options, since it will be very difficult to build it on their own, this requires special skills and professional experience.

A do-it-yourself men's bag pattern will have a more complex structure. To build it, it is better to use special millimeter paper. Since such products are subject to increased operational requirements, the processing allowances will be greater than in women's models.

Experienced craftsmen advise using a leather bag template. You can find it on thematic sites. To cut out rounded parts, it is easier to use the patterns of leather bags.

Tailoring

Using a pattern for a leather bag, you need to cut out the base - small squares, the size of which depends on the model of the product. Further operations are as follows:

Take the glue base, lay out the details on it. With a hot iron (through the fabric), iron the pattern. We do the same with all horizontal parts.
The resulting side wall must be ironed on the reverse side. In the same way, you need to arrange the second side, the sides and the bottom.
Then the product is stitched, processed and the lining is sewn on.
It remains to mark the handles, sew them and stitch them.

Last but not least, we proceed to the installation of accessories and decoration of the product.

Ready

From an old coat

Many housewives are wondering how to sew a bag from an old leather jacket or coat. To use an unnecessary wardrobe item for manufacturing, you must first rip it open and determine the size. For example, to sew a shopping bag, you need to cut out two parts 40x33 cm in size, two side parts 40x10 cm, and a bottom 33x10 cm. The parts must be cut with a margin for a seam (1.5-2 cm).

sew the main parts with the side ones, tap the seams with a hammer, after which they should be glued and ironed;
sew the bottom and process the seams;
if desired, you can duplicate all the details from the lining fabric and sew them, connect the finished lining with the main part;
draw handles of the desired length from leather segments, and a do-it-yourself bag from an old leather jacket is ready.

The coat product is made according to the same principle. The advantage is that the area of useful material is much larger.

From patches of skin

A handbag made of pieces of leather looks interesting. The patches can be different in shape. For example, in the form of triangles, squares or arbitrary shapes.

Sewing a bag will take more time, as you need to sew the pieces together, tap with a hammer and glue the seams. The size and shape of the product are chosen at the discretion of the master. Bag details:

front and back;
side parts;
lining;
pens
fastener (zipper or magnetic button).

The algorithm of work is as follows:

Cut out pieces of the required size from the lining fabric. The margin for the seam should be 1.5-2 cm. We prepare the bottom and side inserts.
We lay out the shreds according to a pre-thought-out pattern. Their edges should overlap each other by about 1.5 cm. We chop off the parts with pins so that they do not move.
We glue the corners of the patches and sew them along the length, then along the width. Each seam must be tapped with a hammer.
After that, we cut the workpiece in half and connect it to the bottom, prepared in advance.
We attach the sides and handles. Then we sew the corners and turn the product inside out.
We sew the lining and process the upper edges of the finished bag.
We sew a zipper or attach a magnetic button.

The arrangement of leather flaps can be different: clearly defined rows, arbitrary, zigzag, spiral. The suede model looks good, decorated with patches of patent leather. From small pieces, you can create not only an ornamental pattern, but also a real picture. The product will look stylish and original. However, leather handbags made of pieces are not suitable for every style of clothing.

lining, pockets are cut out;

details are connected;

edges are processed and handles are sewn.

The question of how to sew a leather bag on your own turned out to be resolved. Showing imagination and making a little effort, you can create an elegant accessory that is distinguished by its uniqueness. Sewing leather bags with your own hands is an exciting creative activity that helps you relax and unwind from the daily hustle and bustle.

Video

In this master class we will tell you all the technology for tailoring do-it-yourself men's bag made of genuine leather.

Making such a men's bag (size 22x17x10) is not as difficult as it might seem. The item is made of crust and has two convenient compartments inside and a pocket for small items, rejuvenated on the lid. If you are working with soft skin, glue it in two layers on the walls, the lid and the jumper between the compartments. So you can keep the shape of the product.

First, we will make a pattern for the front and back of the bag and pocket. Mark the places for the buckle, pocket, and also calculate how far the flap will go to the front edge of the bag.

Pocket on the inside of the lid.

The pocket is made from any suitable leather. If the material is soft, glue it in two layers, sew along the edge with a nylon thread so that the pocket does not lose its shape. Install a magnetic clasp or button.

The front of the bag.

Attach the pattern to the skin and circle with an awl to leave a mark. Make two parts if you are going to glue thin skin. Sew along the top edge of the wall.

On the front wall, fasten the strap with a buckle with a pair of holnitens.

Back wall and lid of the bag.

The same pattern will work for the front and back of the bag and for the inner lintel. To apply it on the reverse layer of the skin, use a marker. When making the back wall, extend the outline of the pattern by 10 cm (the width of the bag). Cover length 14.5 cm.

For the bag, you will need two parts of each type.

To prevent the pocket from slipping during work, glue it along the contour, then stitch it to the product and fasten one holniten at the upper corners for strength.

On the outside we attach a strap-fastener for a future bag. It will be 60cm long and the same width as the strap that we previously installed the buckle on. A lining must be glued on its reverse side, and 20 cm of the product from the side of the rounded end must be stitched along the edge.

We glue the outer and inner parts so that the pocket is on the lid under the protruding part of the strap. Measure 22 cm from the bottom of the bag and sew the rest of the edge.

We cut out two parts of the jumpers and glue them together so that one is 0.5 cm smaller than the other. This will allow you to sew fewer layers of leather when assembling the bag.

Side walls.

Having marked 2 parts for the side wall (length 64 cm, width 6 cm, indents 0.5 cm for seams). Cut out a couple of rectangles measuring 4x13 cm with rounded corners and glue them in the center of the finished parts for rigidity. Glue the lining strips 5 cm wide onto the finished parts.

Trimming the rectangles around the edge.

We bend the edges at the side walls with pliers.

We glue both parts along the edge on both sides to the jumper, starting from the middle. And cut off the extra edges that will protrude beyond the top of the jumper.

We will do the side seams by hand, as it is quite difficult to make them on a typewriter. To do this, we first pierce the skin with an awl, and then we sew the product according to the finished basting. Take blunt needles - with them it is easier to get into the finished hole and not damage the skin of the bag with new punctures.

We rub the finished seam along the end of the skin with transparent shoe wax.

Lateral half rings.

Each half ring will require a fastener. We cut it out, thread it into a half ring and glue it, folding it in half. You can install holniten.

On each part, outline the place of the future seam with an awl and glue the part with an edge on the side wall of the bag, over the seam. Attach.

Sew on the front wall.

Starting from the middle of the front wall, glue it to the side, sew by hand, do not forget to make a few stitches at the end of the seam.

Sew on the back wall.

At the end of sewing, we rub all open ends of the skin with wax.

Shoulder strap.

The optimal belt length is 160 cm, choose the width according to your fittings. Glue the lining fabric on the inside and sew. If you don't have a piece of leather for a one-piece belt, make one out of several pieces stitched together.

To make the belt adjustable in length, fasten one end of it to the middle jumper of the fastex, and pass the other through the ring and through the fastex.

At the other end of the belt, fasten the second half ring with a carabiner.

Close the bag and mark the first hole for the future buckle. Make 6-7 holes with a punch in 1 cm increments - this will allow you to conveniently close the bag.

The finished bag can be tinted with wax - in these places the crust will become darker.

Fasten the strap to the half rings on the bag with carabiners.

The bag is ready!

Where to start?
So, you got the idea to sew a leather bag. Where to get material? At the very beginning of my creative path, I had two options: a sadly hanging leather coat, which I definitely will never wear again, but it’s a pity to throw it away. And the second is to buy leather or trim. No need to flatter yourself that super-duper colored skin will come in large pieces. Everything can be much more prosaic. 5 gk black-brown pieces from the palm of your hand. Do not get upset and do not despair! Just change the direction of the vector to your dream. Cut out a template from cardboard. We cut a huge slide (at the same time we use a silver handle, which is easily erased). We buy fabric that will serve as the basis for the bag, dense and not stretch, or use thin leather for the same purpose.

Material and auxiliaries
To work on a leather bag you will need:

scissors (knife, if any);
glue;
silver handle;
hammer;
threads are better than kapron and a brush.

Glue is a must! Rubber or Moment. I will explain in detail why glue. Most of the house has a conventional sewing machine with one advancing device-teeth and a fixed foot. If the part is not glued, it will simply move out during the stitching. The skin does not like extra punctures.
Where to buy threads, scissors and fabric, this is understandable. Rubber glue can be bought in stores "All for shoe repair". You can ask any shoemaker where he buys glue, they glue locks to them when replacing. I am writing all this in such detail, since 90% claim that they don’t have such stores in their city :) There are, you just don’t know about them :) This is what this glue looks like. It has only one minus - it is not stored for a long time, it dries out, but it is inexpensive.

How to make a pattern

Since this publication is mainly for beginners, I will tell you where I got the patterns from when I was new to this business.
I ripped open the old, beloved, but already obsolete my bag. A little tip: if the bag consists of more than 5 parts, cut it in half, rip one half and glue it on paper. We align the details and make them symmetrical.
When the pattern is dense, it is easier to cut. The second half is left for clarity of assembly. I started with simple patterns.

Despite its simplicity, even three details are an unplowed field for fantasy.

And one more simple pattern in the photo of the bag-pocket pattern, it's just a square measuring 26 by 26 cm, with rounded edges and grooves for volume. A small nuance, a sewn bag visually looks smaller. And even if it does not have details of the sides and bottom, then you will create them with tucks.
The formula for this pattern is simple: the desired size of the bag (for example, to include A4 format) + 3 cm (for a padded lock) + 0.8 cm under the bend, if any. Sides: to the desired size +1.5 -2 cm (this will be the sidewall to create volume) + 0.8 under the seam.

When there is a foundation, it is much easier to experiment. You can’t try on patterns from the Internet, you can’t figure it out, but here you can even figure it out for yourself :) I made a medium bag out of a large bag, decorating it with an eyelet for a pen. If you're making a new pattern, don't forget about seam allowances and folds!

If you figured out the material, made a pattern, we begin to collect.

Assembling the bag
1) Before cutting all the details, you need to iron, if necessary. Preferably on a hard surface with a not very hot iron. There is a lot of information about this.
2) Duplicate. What is it for? And how to duplicate? I will not talk about special materials, we use what is in the availability zone. It is not always necessary to duplicate the skin, but if you have sheepskin or pigskin, that is, thin and does not hold its shape, we definitely duplicate it.
1) Interlining. Layer by layer we achieve the desired thickness. Then I use all sorts of applications that I sew on the duplicated part of the bag, thereby sewing on non-woven fabric and it will never peel off. Cons - you can’t carry weights in such a bag, well, after all, we are not going to carry potatoes in it. A 7-layer non-woven bag with a sewn appliqué. The basis is thin pigskin with a thickness of 0.4 mm, it is clear that without interlining the bag will not keep its shape.

2) Dublirin for curtains. Such a bag will be like on a frame. Minus - if the dublirin breaks, you can’t fix the crease on the bag, in general, you don’t need to fold the bag in half :) Nuance - the dublirin pattern should not fall under the stitched seams, otherwise the seam will not smooth out.

3) Thermal insulation material for construction. Bags are simply weightless, very light. Here you will need the same rubber glue to duplicate. The bag can be wrinkled and folded, nothing will happen to it.
Minus one - does not like weights, does not keep its shape. More suitable for small bags such as clutches.

Handles and straps
The optimal width is 3 cm, inside we must duplicate either with a sling, sewing leather on it, or with an ordinary tape, inserting it inside the handle between two layers of leather. It is imperative to glue everything, otherwise the handles will be taken by bubbles.
Seam processing
On a leather bag, the seams are processed with a hammer, this is a kind of iron. By the way, when connecting the parts, I glue them with rubber glue on the front side (you can’t glue velor and suede, you won’t wipe off the glue) so that nothing moves out during the stitching process. Then from the inside I coat the seam with glue and smooth it with a hammer, the seam no longer puffs up.
A few words about this tool: it’s good if it’s a shoe hammer with a round head, but you can also use the usual one. But carefully! One careless blow and you will make a hole in the skin.

I deliberately do not focus on how to sew this or that bag, because when I embarked on this path of creativity, that the available leather did not fit the patterns I found on the Internet, the patterns were far from the bags of my dreams. In general, the puzzles did not add up :)

So, adapts what we have to what we want.
If small pieces are available, we collect the canvas, at the very beginning of my publication I wrote about this. To do this, glue the cut-out details on the skin or fabric and attach them. Then everything is according to your idea according to the pattern. And, of course, we decorate. There is no bad material. There is a new idea!

And one more thing - do not be afraid of holes, non-paintings and other imperfections, this is just the place where you need to make a belt, line or other decorative element. Any skin imperfection is a chance to create a masterpiece. This is what will make your bag unique! And remember - even the simplest leather bag is a hundred times cooler than any dermantine.
Be patient, the bag will not be sewn quickly. From one pattern, you can sew many bags, different in style.

I hope that I shared useful information and maybe someone found a solution to their problem in this article.
Do not be afraid and do not be afraid of your unprofessionalism, try, experiment. A hobby that generates income is very nice :) Everything ingenious is simple.

It's hard to be original these days. The range of goods is so wide that it is sometimes very difficult to choose something unusual. That is why in this article we will talk about how to sew a leather bag, and what should be taken into account.

Rules for working with leather

Initially, you need to know the rules for working with a particular material. That is why, before you figure out how to sew a leather bag, you need to learn all the nuances and precautions in work.

To work on a sewing machine, you will need special needles. In some cases, you can also put a special foot (with a roller) for sewing leather products.
For each product, you must be able to choose the skin. So, for bags, it should be extremely thick, rough workmanship. Only in this case, the product will be able to serve its owner for a longer time.
When cutting the details, it must be remembered that the skin is stretched in different ways.
Throwing or chipping the skin with pins is prohibited. After all, marks remain on it, which then do not disappear anywhere.
The length of the machine stitch when working with leather should be as wide as possible. After all, if you sew a bag with a small line, the skin can simply tear (push through) at the stitching points, which will lead to a rupture of the product.
It is better to cut the skin not with tailor's scissors, but with a special shoe or clerical knife.
The edges of the leather are not overlocked. After all, they do not have the ability to roll.
Standard machine fasteners are not placed on the skin. To prevent the product from coming apart at the seams, the thread on the wrong side must be tied into a knot.
It should be remembered that high-quality tailoring of leather products is simply impossible without the use of glue.

Ironing the product

Sewing leather bags without fail includes the process of ironing the material. There are certain nuances here:

The skin is ironed from the wrong side.
When ironing, use low temperatures, do not use steam. From overheating, the skin shrinks, it can become hard. It will not be possible to soften it after that.
It is best to iron the skin even from the wrong side through gauze or a special ironing iron. This way you can protect the fabric from damage.

If the material is ready for work, you can proceed to the process of sewing itself.

Clutch envelope

Today it is a fashion accessory that simply must be in the wardrobe of every self-respecting girl. In addition, making it yourself is quite simple.

To make a do-it-yourself leather bag perfect, patterns are what you must have. After all, it is much easier to create a product according to a template than to sew it, as they say, by touch. In this case, the template is extremely simple: the pattern is based on a rectangle (its size is the size of the clutch). Next, in four directions from the sides, you need to draw triangles. However, so that their edges do not coincide a little, they are wider (this is important, because when folding the clutch, things should not fall out of the bag).

Next, the product is cut. At the next stage, holes are punched at the edges with a special device (a hole punch for fabrics). Three edges are folded over to form an envelope. They are fixed with a rivet (it is threaded into holes and fixed on top with a round piece). It's basically like a bolt and nut. The remaining piece of fabric is the “lid” of the bag, that is, the part that will open to put or take something into the clutch.

shopping bag

This handmade leather bag is also extremely easy to sew. Patterns are not even needed here. For sewing, you need two rectangular pieces of leather for the bag itself, two long narrow pieces for handles. If you wish, you can make a lining.

At the very beginning, you need to sew two equal pieces of leather from the bottom and sides. This will be the bag itself. Next, you need to prepare the handles. Making them is easy too. You need to fold a piece of leather in half, bend the edges of the handle into the middle, so that everything looks beautiful outwardly. Handles can be initially glued with dublerin, which will significantly strengthen them. Next, along the edge, they must be stitched to fix.

Then the handles should be sewn to the bag itself. To do this, the top of the product needs to be slightly bent in the middle. Handles are sewn a little along the length (to the top of the bag) and always in width. At the same time, threads for sewing can be chosen both in the tone of the product and in a contrasting color. That's all. Your leather shopping bag is ready!

Men's bag

The pattern of a men's leather bag can also be extremely simple. What does a guy need? To fit a laptop or papers in the bag. That is why the technology of cutting and sewing such a product is also extremely easy.

The size of the bag may be slightly larger than A4. So, for this you need to cut out two corresponding pieces of skin. This bag will also have a slightly expanded bottom and a sewn-in zipper. To do this, cut out two narrow, but long pieces of leather:

to the bottom - a little less than the sum of the three sides of the rectangle (the bag itself);
on top - a little more than the wide side of the bag (the lock will be located there).

You also need to prepare two narrow and long pieces of leather for the handles (guys rarely wear such bags on their shoulders, so the handle straps may not be long).

At this stage, you can sew all the details. So, first the bottom of the bag is sewn with one sidewall, then with the other. It turns out an almost finished cavity.

Now I have to work on the top. Initially, a zipper must be sewn into the strip. So, for this it must first be cut in the center. When this is done, you need the cavity of the bag itself, two handles (how to sew them, described in the previous version) and fold the top the way everything should turn out in the end. Since you can’t throw, you can first fasten everything from the inside with binders or not tight clothespins (however, they also sometimes push through the skin and leave marks, it’s worth remembering). We sew a leather bag for the guy next. Now you need to fasten all the details to each other. To do this, the product is turned inside out. It must be remembered that in this case there will be impassable places (where the handles are sewn). So do not sew at high speeds. That's all. If desired, the bag can be decorated with pockets.

Barrel bag

You can also sew a "barrel" (leather bag) with your own hands. Patterns in this case will need the following:

The first part is the upper part of the bag (two pieces - on either side of the zipper).
The second detail is the bottom.
The third detail is two stripes on the handles.
Fourth - two side parts.
Other elements: two fasteners, two connecting strips.

In this case, it is worth noting that the bag will not be sewn on a typewriter, but by hand.

First step: straps for handles

We figure out how to make a bag out of leather. So, initially you need to work with the straps for the handles. They can be pre-glued with glue, and only stitched on top with a decorative stitch. If the work is done manually, the skin will first have to be pierced with an awl. The needle simply will not take such a fabric. The straps are initially sewn to the first part on both sides. First, you must not forget to insert a ring into them, to which the handle itself will be connected.

Second step: sew the bag

We consider further the manufacture of leather bags. At this stage, it is necessary to connect the first parts to each other. So, for this, you should slightly bend the ends where the zipper will no longer be sewn. Now we need to attach the snake. So, it can also be pre-glued to the skin with glue. Next, you should walk with an awl and flash with a thread.

Let's move on to the next step in the process of how to sew a leather bag. Now you need to connect the finished top of the bag to the bottom. Make it simple. You have to sew from the inside. If lines of a contrasting color were laid on top, the same will have to be done along the bottom.

Step Three: Handles

When the bag is almost ready, it remains to work with the handles. So, they must be extremely strong in order to withstand the weight of everything that can be in it. It is for this that they can be strengthened by the skin itself. To make the handle voluminous, strips of used leather twisted into a braid or tube can be inserted into it in the middle. Further, everything is stitched from the outside, first with a fastening line (you can also glue the handles with glue), then with a decorative one.

Optionally, a lining can be inserted into the bag. It is sewn to the size of the bag, and after sewing it is glued in the middle so that the skin is placed on top of the lining fabric.

Stylish clutch

There is another option for sewing a clutch. In this case, a do-it-yourself leather bag will also be made. Patterns in this case, we need extremely simple. So, we need to cut out only one rectangular piece of leather.

Initially, you will need to sew a zipper. It's easy to do. So, it is worth noting that it can generally be glued. However, it is still better to “walk” along the top with a decorative seam, which will also secure it.

Already at this stage, the bag is almost ready! Now we need to make an unusual bottom. To do this, at the corners of the bag, wrap the skin in the middle. It will turn out as if the clutch is a little cut off. From the inside, these bends are stitched. The rest of the bag is stitched on the outside with decorative stitching. For beauty, you can also bend the corners of the product along the top, securing them with buttons. That's all. Stylish and unusual clutch is ready!

decoration

Almost any leather bag can be very unusual and original. A master class on decorating - that's what we'll talk about now. So how can you decorate a leather product? There are several options here:

Rivets, buttons. These are metal parts. They can be gold or silver. Now such elements are in fashion, so you can safely decorate your product with them. They are quite easy to pierce the skin, as they have sharp ends that bend and fix the part in place.
You can decorate leather bags with zippers. It looks very nice. So, you can take one half of the zipper with whole teeth and sew it along the contour of the bag. Alternatively, you can twist the zipper in a circle (spirals) and make a very unusual decor element. It can be both sewn on and glued on.
Applications. You can also decorate the bag with leather or suede appliqué. Almost anything can be depicted. The picture can be sewn or glued.
Embroidery also looks beautiful on leather bags.

That, in principle, is all that you can decorate a leather bag with. This is what will look stylish and original. The main thing to remember is that it is important not to overdo it with decorations. After all, overkill is ugly. Everything should be in moderation.

Caring for leather bags

Having examined various patterns of leather bags, photos of finished products, in the end, it must be said that any thing made of this material requires special care.

You can reanimate a slightly tarnished or faded leather bag with soapy water. However, before use, you need to add a little ammonia to it. The field of treatment with this tool is thoroughly wiped off and rubbed to a shine with a soft cloth dipped in castor oil or glycerin. Next, a thin layer of colorless cream should be applied to the bag. After it is absorbed, the product is wiped with a flannel.

Well also can refresh the bag bulb. To do this, take a half of this vegetable and rub the product with a cut. This tool also perfectly hides scuffs on a leather bag, minor scratches and cracks.

If the leather bag is greasy, this place should be wiped with a mixture of milk and baking soda. Preparing the solution is easy. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of milk.

If the bag is made of suede, i.e. reversible leather, it also needs to be properly looked after. Such a product should be periodically wiped with a rubberized cloth or an eraser. It is not worth washing the material, from this it coarsens. However, if necessary, wash the suede in soapy water, wiping it well after the procedure.

And, of course, it is worth remembering that today there are many different creams and sprays for skin care. They can be used if you want to extend the life of your favorite leather bag.