Solo Bag For Harley 48 - Step By Step And Needing Advice.

[Aubrey Kloppers]

Hi Guys and Girls.

I am so glad I found this forum, I have looked all over the net for information on how to make a Solo Saddle Bag for my Harley-Davidson 48. I have started with the project and luckily found this forum, as I do think I am a bit stuck...

The following is a step-by-step reconstruction of how I created the pieces and what I would like to end up making.

The first steps was to get a proper template to work with. I could not find one on the net, so I decided to first of all box the entire build out and to create a template from that:

I then transferred this template onto paper (Note, the build will not be square, this is only a guideline...):

I then added the sides and marked it off onto my leather:

I then cut all of it out (No pictures, sorry) and created me a wooden template to get the sides in the right form once I start stitching:

And clamped the leather sides into the form to stretch:

Ok, this is as far as I got.

Question(s):

I would like to stitch this using a very thick, waxed nylon thread. I did try (as you can see from very first picture) to use an awl (I think that is what it is called) to make the holes, but it is VERY HARD!!! The leather is 4mm thick (So the stitching will have to go through 8mm leather!) I have seen postings from other sites that some leather-makers use a DREMMEL tool with a very thin drill-bit to make the holes. What, out of your personal experience, should I do to get this done as easy possible and effectively possible?

I know "NO PAIN, NO GAIN" is normally the best approach...

Kind regards

Aubrey Kloppers

Cape Town

South Africa

[Aubrey Kloppers]

After waiting 24hours I took the sides out of the template. Looking as I expected:

and started the stitching:

I decided to go with the 4 prong, 3mm diamond punch and although a bit of an effort to hammer out, quite fast and rewarding. (I was able to do this last night)

Faults made:

1. The CLOSING-FLAP of the bag is to small. I am going to make it a double-layer to keep it's shape and to hide my mistake

2. The stitching is not 100% straight. But, I suppose that comes with time and practice.

3. The flap above the side (Above) needs to be cut to fit better. (This is to seal the bag, I will either put a press-stud on both to close or a draw-string-kinda-thing, but later on this.)

Things I did that I think was cool:

1. I used 2 sets of needles and worked from both sides when I stitched. I felt it was much easier getting the curve right.

2. The template to stretch the sides was a stroke of genius! It makes stitching a dream. Well, on this side. You will see the other side goes with a curve, I will have to see what happens when I get there...

That's it for now. Updates will follow...

[Aubrey Kloppers]

After stitching I ended up with quite a nice bag. The next step is to attach the buckles:

As you can see, my stitching (for a fist try) is not straight. I will work on that

[Aubrey Kloppers]

Ok, the second-last step was to add the buckles. Done and dusted

Edited June 2, 2012 by Aubrey Kloppers

[Bluesman]

All in all nice bag. Your step by step adds to the post. i can see how you did what you did. A couple of quick notes. On the side flaps, you may want to use a bone folder next time on the fold. This would give you a nice crease and a more finished look. The other area which can really, IMHO, make or break a project is edge finishing. There are many ways to go about it and lots of opinions. In the How do I do This section, there is a pinned thread at the top by Bob Park. Read this, practice and develop your own style. If you finish the edges on this bag, it will raise the quality level up several notches. Hand stiching is an art all unto itself. keep practicing you'll get it. That is a nice bag and you should be very proud of it.

Jon

[ramrod]

as an aid to getting the stitches straight, did you use (or, do you have) a stitching groover? this will help to make the stitch line dead straight.

if you don't have one, you might be able to improvise by running your fingernail down the ede of the leather where your stitch line will be. at least you'll have a line to follow.

i like the bag you made i've been wanting to make something similar, but just haven't gotten around to it. you did a real nice job casing it and making the pattern. nd, as bluesman said above, check out the thread on edging. it makes the project look completely different when the edges are finished.

[Aubrey Kloppers]

Thank you everybody. I have finally put the bag onto the bike and it looks awesome! (Well, for me!) And I love the case that I did everything, from seeing the first design, to eventually mounting it onto my bike.

And here is the end result:

[mato]

very cool i will be hoping to do something similar soon i am just starting to get in to leather working

Bluseman i would like to know what do you mean by a bone fold ????

[David8386]

very cool i will be hoping to do something similar soon i am just starting to get in to leather working

Bluseman i would like to know what do you mean by a bone fold ????

it is a bone folder which is a tool for folding the leather. Go to Tandy leather or another craft shop and get a book on basic leather work. For the sewing the best book I have found is the art of hand sewing leather by Al Stohlman. The way I think is easiest to learn is get a couple of cheap kits ie phone holder or something else small these have the holes punched and the thread and needles in the kit. Read the book and then refer back to it as you do the kits if you screw it up major cut the thread out and do it again until you like it. There are a lot of good ideas on the forum as mentioned above but the basics I like to have printed out where I can refer to as I go. Good luck but it is addictive once started. David

[David8386]

I forgot to add that the bag came out really good especially for a first try. Remember you are going to be your worst critic. David

[mato]

i have just ordered my Tandy deluxe kit it was on special hopefully i will be doing this sort of work in no time

Thanks

Edited August 29, 2012 by mato