1. CUT THE PATTERN
Cut the pattern out of a cardboard sheet according to the desired bag size. For a medium size tote like Créàmaya's, the pattern measurements are below.
2. DUPLICATE THE PATTERN
Reproduce the pattern twice on your leather skin. If you can't cut out two complete pieces, you can patchwork with another piece of leather or use scrap strap to make a seam (as in the photo below).
3. CLEANLY CUT THE LEATHER
Cleanly cut the leather and pass the contours quickly under a flame to make the edges sharper.
4. REPRODUCE THE TEMPLATE
Also reproduce your template on the lining fabric, adding a margin of 0.5 cm to the sides and bottom.
5. POCKET PICKLING
If you want pockets, now is the time to position them on the leather or in the lining.
6. SEW THE BAG
Make a flat seam (machine seam), and therefore position the pieces of leather on top of each other by 0.5 to 1 cm.
HOW TO SEW LEATHER BY MACHINE?
Do the same on the other side, being careful that it is the same piece that overlaps the other. The bottom is also done in the same way.
Either you start at the bottom or at the sides, but in either case the last seam is not obvious.
Advice :
- Start with the sides, and if the leather is not supple enough, you can sew the bottom in two stages (one side then the other and the seams meet in the center).
- Turn the bag inside out and bring the sides together to form the bottom of the bag once the three seams have been made. Pay attention that the visible seams are well aligned.
7. SEW THE LINING
Put the two pieces on top of each other, right sides together, and sew the edges, leaving an opening to turn over at the end. Then, shape the lining and sew the sides of the bottom as before.
8. ASSEMBLE BAG PARTS
Put the leather part in the lining, right sides together. Make sure that both have the same perimeter. Adjust the seams on the side of the lining if necessary.
Sew the two parts together from the top. Return the lining inside the bag by opening left in the bottom.
Topstitch all around and close the bottom of the lining.
9. POSITION THE HANDLES OF THE BAG
Position the handles with rivets and half-round rings. Install the rivets as shown in the photo. Remember to use the blue manual pliers and the appropriate installation set to easily install your T4 double cap rivets.
CREAMAYA TIPS:
- Use glue to hold your leather pieces together before sewing them!
- Use pliers to hold the liner together with the leather for assembly.
- For the first try, soft leather like goatskin will be much easier.
- You can also add snap or magnet in the liner before closing the bottom.