Nice Bag Pattern

[Django57]

Hi found this pattern on the web it's beyond my expertise can't even understand the assembly method, feels like it's in the wrong order ,

https://bagntell.wordpress.com/2010/02/27/saddle-stitched-handbag/

[DavidL]

The writing on the web page is hard to follow. The info is in-depth right until the author writes about the construction where it is labelled 1-6, no pictures either. Im in the same boat as you, I'm figuring out how to construct a 2D pattern into a 3D pattern.

If I'm wrong someone correct me. I believe it is easier to stitch the main panels together into sections (gusset, front, back bottom).

Before that is to attach dee shields, handles (sometimes this is done as the very last steps), buckles, pockets onto the main panels - that way its less cumbersome having to stitch these parts when it is partially assembled.

Next step would be attaching the main pieces together and secure the remaining hardware like rivets or handles if that isn't already attached.

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Im a beginner when it comes to making bags.. What I would do in this specific bag would be to find the hardest part of the bag and plan around how to make that easier to make. From low, medium to high difficulty most fall in the easy to medium difficulty (Not that any of it is easy some parts are more difficult than others) The side stitching is low difficulty, zipper pull is low difficulty. Stitching the side portion to the bottom part of the bag is medium difficulty and the tab is in that same area. Now, the hardest most difficult part is stitching the zipper to the bag because its makes it nearly impossible to stitch the zipper together once the bag is already assembled.

To make the bag having considered where the difficult portions of the bag to construct are the zipper stitching to the main panel and the tab that connects to both the zipper and gusset.

Since it is difficult to stitch the zipper after stitching the side panels (hard to get hands to grip needle in that small space), the best thing to do is to stitch the zipper first. Stitch the tab to the zipper and gusset, add the d ring. When the tab is secure, stitch the side panels together and assemble the strap and finish off the bottom stitching. Some parts may be changed around (it is only a educated guess), as the only way to tell if it will work is to try it, the only way to make it work better is to try multiple different ways multiple times until you settle on a method.

In conclusion.. construct in a way to make everything easy to assemble. Either plan it out before hand or jump into it and expect to get it down in the 2nd or third bag.

attach the most difficult parts first to get it out of the way if possible. Anything that can be stitched to the main panels should be done first. Connect the main panels together.

Edited April 20, 2015 by DavidL

[Django57]

Thanks DavidL, I'm better with pictures and videos but you seem to have a grasp of the steps better than me. Would love to eventually progress to making a bag.

[Django57]

This video is of a similar pattern , hand held camera so a bit jerky but you can follow his method , worth a look.

[doe]

Thanks for posting that video. My medium-term goal is to make a tote bag like that, but instead of turning the side edges out and stitching suede sides together, I would want to skive them down, overlap them, and do a double row of stitches.

The two halves of this box kit seem to follow a similar process to the bags linked here, except that instead of cutting the material away from the large rectangle of leather, that material pivots inward and is riveted to the base. It seems simpler and also reinforces the bottom of the bag. Useful for square shapes like this box kit but it would create an uneven base in a rectangle like these bags.

[Django57]

Let us know how you get on would like to see the result and maybe a few tips.

[doe]

It's a few months off but I would love to post the results (good, bad, or ugly) when I get there.