Deanr

I use a utility knife and this gets me pretty good results. I sharpen mine with 1000 and 2000 grit and then strop. Draw your radius using an awl and something of the radius you want. Bottle top or coin work good. Do it in multiple cuts and concentrate on keeping the knife perpendicular I make the first cut light and focus on following the line. I like to slowly rotate the leather as I move along On straight cuts use a ruler You can touch it up with a little sandpaper if needed. This will help if it isn't perpendicular.

I had problems with my machine skipping stitches when sewing veg tan. I switched to a good quality poly thread and I haven't had problems since. Also make sure when you stop your needle to make sure it has started coming back up.

Something I used to adjust my trigger pulls looks like it can easily be adapted. Take a plastic cup, make two holes near the rim, opposite from each other and put a wire through the holes. Now you have what looks like a miniture paint can. Tie your bobbin thread to the wire. Lift the cup up while holding the bobbin. Slowly pour water into the cup until the bobbin releases the thread. Weigh your cup with water on a kitchen scale. Once you have a desired weight, put your empty cup on the scale and fill it to your target. Hang it from the thread and adjust your bobbin until the thread releases

Very nice work. Are you stitching the bag right side out with your hands inside the bag? If yes then very very nice work. If not please enlighten me. Also I would like to see a picture of the lining and one of how you attach the flap. Thanks.

After my first and only attempt, which I primarily used pyrography, I really appreciate your work. I struggled with the texture. It was all trial and error with the intention for a bit rustic. I made this for my friend who is native american.

RLTW

Thanks for the explanation, how about pictures of any current messanger bags.

I really like the sewing detail on your bag. Excellent work. What does the zipper on the flap access? Just the flap or is that how you open the bag? I assume it was done with a machine, what type? How do you do the seam on that center panel? I would also like to see more pictures.

I use a lsz ultrafeed and I make bags. I don't think it is the glue. I use seamstick tape as it is not as messy and allaround easier. My experience is it is usually the tension. I have mine pretty much cranked down all the way and back off about 1/2 turn. You didn't say what type of leather. I have much better luck with Chrome tan. Also try putting in a new needle and remove your bobbin and make sure there are no pieces of thread down there.

Very good work. On the flap, on the final stitching, do you punch from the outside? If yes, how do you keep the the binding so tight?

I usually buy chrome tan that is on sale. Lately I get it from tandy. Yes I try for 5 oz/2 mm

https://youtu.be/iSSkCZGyR64 There is the imbedded video which I don't know how to delete so there is also the link. The video shows sewing the long panels flat. One bottom and two side and the narrower zipper panel. Then turn it into a cylinder and sew the last seam. The last seam is a side panel to the zipper panel. Prior to sewing the last seam all four panels measure 35.5. The circle ends are 12 in diameter. The round ends will pucker if the cylinder isn't just right. I add 1/2 in for seam allowance. Springfield sells the pattern which I purchased but maybe not required. The zipper panel follows the curve of the end pieces just like the rest of the bag. I use a sailrite ls1 machine which I had before I started leatherwork. Maybe not the best but works good for this application. When I try to sew two pieces of veg tan I have trouble with skipped stitches so I just hand sew those. They make a leatherworker machine that would probably work better. Hope this isn't too confusing

I do similar bags which I use a combo of leather and canvas. I use a machine. I think alot of your problems will be rectified if you use a machine. The lumpy ends could be fixed by adjusting the width of the sides as the bag lays flat prior to sewing it in a cylinder. Sometimes a small adjustment can make a difference. My ends are 12 inch and prior sewing the cylinder I try for 35 1/2. I use 5 oz chrome tan and have never skived. I do not line mine. My machine is a flat bed and my biggest problem was sewing the seam when it goes from flat to cylinder. I sew that outside out and the turn it inside out to sew the ends on. Springfield leather has a good instructional video. I also run my straps all the way across the bottom.

I like that construction for the bottom. Is the rest of the purse veg tan? Where did you get it?

I like it alot from the handles to the liner to the zipper. Really good work. What is on the bottom inside? Is that piping on the bottom?