Tuto - Dyed vegetable tanned leather bag

1. CUT THE PATTERN PIECES

• Print the PDF pattern on A4 paper. Be careful to respect the original size of the document - check the printing guide on the last page.
• Cut out the pattern and if possible stick it on stiff cardboard.

2. CUT THE PIECES FROM THE LEATHER

Trace the different pieces on the leather (using a silver pencil) then cut them out with a cutter or knife.

Pieces to be cut :

• in front
• back + flap
• both sides of the bag (10 x 28 cm)
• 2 tabs to attach the strap to the bag
• Strap and tie passing for closing the bag

For the strap you can either cut it out of vegetable tanned leather using a strap cutter or buy it already cut.

3. TRACE A SEWING LINE

Draw a stitch line 3/5mm from the edge all around the parts to be assembled (with a dry-point compass) then mark the points (marking wheel or claw).

4. PUSHING AND EMBOSSING LEATHER

• Wet your leather evenly then using stamps and a mallet decorate the leather pieces.
• On the flap of the bag, Ludovic chose to push the leather with initials.

5. WORK THE SIDES OF THE BAG

Each strip (2 in all) is 10 cm wide and 28 cm long.

• Pass the tree frog 1 cm from each length to facilitate folding for sewing the edges.
• Draw a stitch line 5 mm from the edge on one of the widths (to be able to assemble the 2 strips together) with a dry-point compass then mark the points (marking wheel or claw).

Since your seam line is at least 5 mm from the edge, you will then have to overlap the pieces of leather to sew the strips together. If you do not wish to have any extra thickness, we advise you to trim the leather (only the split side of the piece that you are going to overlap).

The finished bag will be approximately 8cm wide.

6. WORKING THE DIFFERENT PARTS

• Abat-carrer the edges of the 2 sides of the leather (except for the parts which will be assembled).
• Make the holes for the rivet and press stud (strap for closing the bag).

7. TINTING VEGETABLE-TANNED LEATHER

• Dye vegetable tanned leather with a soft cloth and in a circular manner - Dye Fiebing's medium brown
• Work the slices that will not be sewn with gum tragacanth
• Paint Initials - Eco Flo Gold
• Nourish and Shine Leather with Neats Foot Oil

8. ASSEMBLE THE LEATHER PIECES

• Come and assemble the different pieces with water-based glue then a saddle stitch seam (remember to include the strap for closing the bag in the seam).
• Work the slices with tragacanth gum
• Place the press stud on the strap to close the bag and rivet the loop fastener (don't forget to insert the loop).
• Work the shoulder strap of the bag
• Polish the leather with wax

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