REQUIRED MATERIALS
- 1 sheet of transparent PVC - 1mm thickness - 29 x 39 cm
- 1 piece of leather, 20 x 30 cm - Semi-soft/Semi-firm - 1.1 to 1.3 mm thickness
- 1 METAL zipper - 6 mm wide - 20 cm long
- 1 card of MeiSi waxed linen thread - M40 or M50
- 1 round hole punch - Ø 1 mm
- 1 double-sided adhesive tape - 3 mm wide
- 1 block of beeswax
- 1 utility knife
Video
1. Print the pattern
Download the pattern and print it at actual size. Cut out and tape the pattern onto the leather using masking tape so as not to damage the grain of the leather.
Also tape piece P4 onto the piece of PVC.
2. Punch the sewing holes
Punch the sewing holes in the leather and PVC using a Ø 1mm hole punch.
3. Cut with the utility knife
Cut the leather and PVC by following the pattern lines using a utility knife.
With an erasable pencil, copy the arrows from the pattern onto the leather to indicate the top of the pieces.
Sewing the leather with the running stitch
For this tutorial, we recommend sewing the leather using the running stitch: a simple and quick technique to perform (with a single needle). Since the sides are difficult to access, the saddle stitch would be too complex to implement. Furthermore, since this creation is not subject to high tension, the running stitch is perfectly suitable (just like for sewing the zipper)!
4. Sew pieces P2 and P5
Wax the thread with beeswax. Attach a needle to one end and tie a knot at the other.
Sew the top of pieces P2 and P5 together using the running stitch, right sides facing. Use the running stitch technique explained above.
5. Open the seams
On the back of the leather, open the seams with adhesive tape or contact cement. Then flatten with a steel roller or a cobbler's hammer.
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6. Sew the sides
Position pieces P1 and P2/P5 correctly, right sides facing, using the arrows on the pattern as a guide. Center the middle of piece P2/P5 on the middle of piece P1. Then sew using the running stitch. Repeat the operation a second time for the other P1 and P2/P5 pieces.
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7. Shape the sides
Apply neoprene glue 0.5 mm from the edge before flattening the seam.
Shape the leather after sewing to ensure it is positioned correctly: use a mallet and a bone folder if necessary.
Do the same for the other pieces P1, P2, and P5.
8. Cut the zipper
Adjust the length of the zipper teeth according to the size of pieces P3. If the zipper is too long, cut it and use a suitable tool to remove the teeth.
9. Apply the double-sided tape
Stick double-sided tape on the back of the leather strips P3, then attach them to the top (right side) of the zipper, 4 mm from the teeth.
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10. Sew the zipper
Sew the zipper and leather together using the running stitch.
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11. Sew the PVC
Sew the two widths of the PVC (right side) onto the strips P3 (back side).
12. Sew the sides
Open the zipper to make sewing easier. Then, sew the leather sides onto the PVC.
YOU ARE FINISHED!
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