Danielvetpath

Still working on my messenger bag. Getting close to the handle. Is there an advantage to having the handle attached with two rings rather than making a handle from one one or more pieces of leather that extend across the entire width of the bag, riveted or sewn down to form the central part that would be gripped? Thanks for any insight. Daniel

I don't have any suggestions, but I am interested in learning from your project. I have considered trying to make similar moccasins, but haven't done anything like it yet. How is your progress?

Hi - still the same messenger bag project, but a separate question! Veg tanned, 6-7 oz front and back, 5-6 oz square edged gusset, stitches turned out, 277 bonded polyester thread. The length of the edge of my gusset is about 40 inches. How much thread should I allow to make a continuous saddle stitch along one edge? or is it okay to break it up into more than one segment? Thanks for any insight. All my other projects (e.g. knife sheaths) have been much smaller - I think I have always allowed for a 4:1 ratio in those cases. Thanks again for all of your insights and these forums; I am having fun and enjoying learning. Daniel

I am still working my was through my first messenger bag project. Veg tanned, 6-7 oz front and back, 5-6 oz square edged gusset, stitches turned out, square gusset, 277 bonded polyester thread. Last night I was practicing stitching the front/back corner to the gusset to get a feel for that part of the project. My scraps were not glued - I had premarked/premade holes (stitch marking wheel 7 spi, awl). It went really well allowing me to line up the pieces as I went. Prior to that experience, I had planned on gluing the edges together first, but had always dreaded the prospect of wrestling the edges together at that point. Now I am considering foregoing the contact cement and just stitching them together as I go. So....do I need to glue (contact cement) the gusset to the front and back or is stitching alone okay. I would love any opinions, especially from some folks that seem to make a lot of bags for motorcycles, etc that get pretty heavy use! Thanks, Daniel

Thanks for the input Eccho. I look forward to what others have to say. I didn't attach a picture Calait. I meant to say that this is the first bag like this that I am making. It sill looks like a side of veg tanned leather

I just beginning a messenger bag. I am going to use a single square edged gusset and stitch front and bag to it - edges facing out. Should I skive this seam at any point (e.g. corners) or keep it full thickness? I am using 5-6 oz veg tanned leather - Wickett and Craig. Thanks for any insight. This is bag #1.

Thank you, kwelna, for your input. It is good advice. As much as I wanted to avoid it, I think I am going to use plastic side release buckles for the flap. This bag is for my son at college. As much as I like the aesthetic of brass roller buckles, I wanted the opening/closure to be easy and rapid. If it doesn't function well for him, form will not matter if it sits unused in the corner of his room. Thanks again for taking time to reply. I appreciate it.

I have been trying to think of some different ways to close the main flap on a messenger bag. The usual strap and buckle is secure, but a little time consuming compared to the plastic clips on many fabric/cordura bags. Questions: 1 - how much length adjustment is needed in real life on a typical strap and buckle? 2 - Has anyone used a pair of swivel snaps on straps with a couple of d rings or leather loops (ala scissor snap belt) that allow length adjustment? Brainstorming here and would love any suggestions. At this point it seems like strap and buckle is most common because it works! Thanks, Daniel