Hermes Inspired Handbag

[dirk87]

Just found this post, really nice work.
Very nice colors, construction and stitching.
Inspires me to start making bags.

Can i ask about your stitching?
Which size irons and awl do you use? And which thread size, looks like linen?
 

[toxo]

On 1/8/2025 at 4:36 PM, CJJ said:

Hey everyone, happy new year!  I wanted to share a project I recently completed that I'm really proud of.  This is my first attempt at a high-end handbag.  It's inspired by the Hermes Garden Party bag.  I'd love to know what you think! 

Nice job! Did you make it from a pattern? Good job either way but I know how difficult complex bags can be without a pattern and how much forward planning goes into it. Also how difficult it can be to line things up with no straight lines. Lining up that bottom strap with the side straps to allow for the piping for example.

These big makers that have a different machine set up for each part of the process have it easy. It's a bit different when you have to set your one machine up differently for different parts of the processes. Well done.

[Samalan]

It looks like Hermes has got nothing on you.

[CJJ]

On 2/12/2025 at 4:02 AM, dirk87 said:

Can i ask about your stitching?
Which size irons and awl do you use? And which thread size, looks like linen?

thank you!

3.0 Irons.  I didn't use an awl much for stitching because most pieces I pre-punched, which ended up working out well.  thread is polyester.  Meisi Xiange Twist  #25 (0.45mm)

[CJJ]

On 2/12/2025 at 7:42 AM, toxo said:

Nice job! Did you make it from a pattern? Good job either way but I know how difficult complex bags can be without a pattern and how much forward planning goes into it. Also how difficult it can be to line things up with no straight lines. Lining up that bottom strap with the side straps to allow for the piping for example.

These big makers that have a different machine set up for each part of the process have it easy. It's a bit different when you have to set your one machine up differently for different parts of the processes. Well done.

Thanks so much!  I used a pattern from leathercraftpattern.com. I highly recommend their patterns by the way.  super detailed and come with hundreds of photos of the various stages of construction.

 

Yes, it was definitely a labor of love.  easily 50+ hours over a couple month period.  No machines were used in the making of this bag.  I guess the time I saved not setting machines up was quickly spent hand sewing, skiving, etc.

[toxo]

26 minutes ago, CJJ said:

Thanks so much!  I used a pattern from leathercraftpattern.com. I highly recommend their patterns by the way.  super detailed and come with hundreds of photos of the various stages of construction.

 

Yes, it was definitely a labor of love.  easily 50+ hours over a couple month period.  No machines were used in the making of this bag.  I guess the time I saved not setting machines up was quickly spent hand sewing, skiving, etc.

If you haven't already, you might check out Leather Patterns by Dieselpunk.ro or Tony See. All his patterns usually come with a detailed video. He also has a world wide group that's usually lively.

[dirk87]

13 hours ago, CJJ said:

thank you!

3.0 Irons.  I didn't use an awl much for stitching because most pieces I pre-punched, which ended up working out well.  thread is polyester.  Meisi Xiange Twist  #25 (0.45mm)

Thank you, it must have been allot of work stitching at 3.0mm but looks absolutely great. I must give that Xiange thread a try, really gives a linen vibe in your pictures.

[pengkegu]

Amazing! nice job!!

[Basically Bob]

Stunning work!  So clean  … beautiful stitching.  Congratulations and thanks for sharing

[NatesLeatherGds]

👍