Leather tote bag

[Chux]

So I'm still trying to learn how to machine sew and not having any idea how to upload multiple pictures, I'm posting the "best" picture I have of one of the tote bags I finished. Nothing even close to what some of you are posting, but I'm pretty happy with it. Having dropped more than a months rent over a year ago I finally had enough of not knowing how to use a sewing machine and am finally starting to try and make purchasing one worthwhile. Comments, thoughts, I'll take whatever you might have to say. 

Thanks for looking!

[MtlBiker]

@Chux - It looks good!

But not seeing details makes it hard to comment more fully.  Is there a gusset?  What's the base look like?  Is it lined?  Is there a top closure?  Inside pocket(s)?  Is the strap edge raw (hard to see from the photo)?  It's probably chrome tan leather, right?  What weight?

Sorry for all the questions but I'm curious and also trying to learn more about bag making.

To upload multiple photos, just click on the "choose files" link at the bottom when you're writing a message.

Cheers!
 

[Chux]

2 hours ago, MtlBiker said:

@Chux - It looks good!

But not seeing details makes it hard to comment more fully.  Is there a gusset?  What's the base look like?  Is it lined?  Is there a top closure?  Inside pocket(s)?  Is the strap edge raw (hard to see from the photo)?  It's probably chrome tan leather, right?  What weight?

Sorry for all the questions but I'm curious and also trying to learn more about bag making.

To upload multiple photos, just click on the "choose files" link at the bottom when you're writing a message.

Cheers!
 

First, I will have to try and add more photos tomorrow hopefully that will help. Now for your questions...

The base is flat, pretty much the same as a gift bag, if that helps. Yes, I lined it. I made a cloth "bag" from the same pattern and sewed that in. No closures,inside pockets would be beyond me knowing how to do at this point. Raw strap edges, I think next time I'll cut them wider and try skiving them down and sandwiching the edges inside if that makes sense? Yep, chrome tanned and unfortunately I don't know the weight. I had bought that leather probably 6 or 7 years ago and pretty much just went by "feel".

I don't mind the questions at all, I'm still trying to figure out what I'm doing with every project that I attempt. 

[MtlBiker]

1 hour ago, Chux said:

First, I will have to try and add more photos tomorrow hopefully that will help. Now for your questions...

The base is flat, pretty much the same as a gift bag, if that helps. Yes, I lined it. I made a cloth "bag" from the same pattern and sewed that in. No closures,inside pockets would be beyond me knowing how to do at this point. Raw strap edges, I think next time I'll cut them wider and try skiving them down and sandwiching the edges inside if that makes sense? Yep, chrome tanned and unfortunately I don't know the weight. I had bought that leather probably 6 or 7 years ago and pretty much just went by "feel".

I don't mind the questions at all, I'm still trying to figure out what I'm doing with every project that I attempt. 

I think  you've done darn well!  What machine do you have by the way?  The way you've stitched the top of the bag (to put the inner and outer together) looks like you might have a cylinder arm machine.  The photo you posted is pretty small and it's hard to see but it looks like you've stitched that well.  I'm really just a beginner myself so my comments might not be all that helpful, but what I've done with my straps is to take a thinner chrome tan leather than the body leather (if it's 4-5oz for the body, I'd use about 2oz for the strap) and fold it in twice (like starting with 4" wide, folding it in to make it 2" and then folding that to result in 1") and then top stitching both edges to finish it.  That way all the raw edges are hidden.

You mention that next time you might try skiving your leather down for the straps... unless you have a bell skiver it's pretty tough to skive chrome tan leather.  Veg tan you can skive with a skiving knife.

I'm really just learning.

[chrisash]

Nice bag my only other comment is the rivet's do not look central to the straps width

[Chux]

Thank you. They aren't "perfect" but the picture does make it look worse. I have to work on my photography "skills" as well 

[Chux]

Thank you. They aren't "perfect" but the picture does make it look worse. I have to work on my photography "skills" as well 

Edited May 19, 2022 by Chux
Double comment/delete

[Chux]

Ok so here are a couple more pics. I stuffed it with some crumpled newspaper. Not exactly square but it helps it stand. 1st is a side view, then the bottom and lastly the top edge with some of the lining. I can pretty much guarantee things will change as I try and make more. I bought a bell skiver off Amazon and let me tell you, I can DESTROY a lot of leather REALLY FAST with that thing!! The edges look like a heart monitor...

Just gotta keep trying to get better I guess 

[MtlBiker]

@Chux - Glad you figured out the multiple photos thing.

Tell me about your strap... from the photos it looks like it's just one layer of leather, and you've stitched the edges.  Is that right?  Or does the photo not show another layer?  I don't think the strap looks finished as is.  And I'd also like to make a suggestion about how you've attached the inner bag to the outer...  it would look more finished if you folded both outer and inner towards the inside BEFORE stitching them together.  I don't like seeing the unfinished edge of your outer bag on the inside.  What I'm suggesting is what shows in my photo below.

I hope you don't mind my being critical.

The seams in the sides and bottom look very bulky... and not tight.  I think it would be very hard to get it perfect without skiving the edges of the leather first.  But with care it might be possible to get a tighter looking seam.

You bought a bell skiver off Amazon?  Really?  I didn't know you could.  Is it an unknown brand?  I have a bell skiver and did very well with it when using certain chrome tan leather but then I changed leather (same thickness) and I still haven't gotten it properly adjusted again.  It chews up leather like crazy.  There are a ton of good videos on YouTube about adjusting and using a bell skiver and they're helpful but it still is going to take a lot of care, skill and experience to get the adjustments right.

[Chux]

Well being critical is a double edge sword lol, but hey if I wasn't looking for the truth, I wouldn't post here. So yeah it kinda sucks, but it's good too. 

The strap is a double layer that I glued and then stitched together. 

I appreciate the suggestion on skiving the edges before sewing, it's something I'll have to try when I give it another go. Idk, would changing the tension on the machine help with that? The bell skiver is a cheap, manual Chinese pos but it was "cheap" enough that I was able to swing it thinking it would make life easier on me. Not so much but live and learn I guess.