1. CUT OUT THE PATTERN
Cut the pattern for this bag from a sheet of cardboard according to the desired bag size. For a medium-sized tote like the one from Créàmaya, the pattern measurements are below. 
2. REPRODUCE THE PATTERN
Repeat the pattern twice on your leather. If you can't cut two complete pieces, you can patchwork with another piece of leather or use a scrap piece of leather to make a seam (as shown in the photo below). 
3. CUT THE LEATHER CLEANLY
Cut the leather cleanly and quickly pass the outlines under a flame to make the edges sharper.
4. REPRODUCE THE TEMPLATE
Also reproduce your template on the lining fabric, adding a 0.5 cm margin on the sides and bottom.
5. PICK YOUR POCKETS
If you want pockets, now is the time to position them on the leather or in the lining.
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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 WITH A MACHINE?


Do the same thing on the other side, making sure that the same piece overlaps the other. The bottom is also done in the same way. 
Either you start from the bottom or from the sides, but in either case the last seam is not obvious.
Advice :
- Start with the sides, and if the leather is not flexible enough, you can sew the bottom seam twice (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 are sewn. Make sure that the visible seams are aligned.

7. SEW THE LINING
Place the two pieces on top of each other, right sides together, and sew the edges, leaving an opening to turn at the end. Then, shape the lining and sew the sides of the bottom as before. 
8. ASSEMBLE THE PARTS OF THE BAG
Place the leather part inside the lining, right sides together. Make sure that both have the same perimeter. Adjust the seams on the lining side if necessary.
Sew the two parts together from the top. Turn the lining inside the bag through the opening left in the bottom.
Topstitch all around and close the bottom of the lining. 
9. POSITION THE BAG HANDLES
Position the handles with rivets and half-round rings. Place the rivets as shown in the photo. Remember to use the blue hand pliers and the appropriate setting kit to easily place your T4 double cap rivets. 
CRÉAMAYA TIPS:
- Use glue to hold your leather pieces together before sewing them!
- Use clamps to hold the lining with the leather for assembly.
- For the first try, a soft leather like goatskin will be much easier.
- You can also add a snap or magnet to the lining before closing the bottom.






