Another new guy with Questions: Looking to make a bag or briefcase

[IndianaGeo]

Hi Everyone,

I don't know what's come over me in the last couple of years, but I've got this "bug" to make leather goods, particularly a briefcase or satchel type of bag with good hardware, and it won't go away. So I feel I have to do something about it. I don't own a sewing machine nor do I even know how to use one...yet. I have zero tools too, but all the enthusiasm and motivation to scratch this itch. So I'm hoping to get a bit of guidance on this forum on how to go about this. Do I even need a sewing machine? What types of tools do I need? Is there a pattern of some kind out there? Failure is not an option. I'm from Chicago but live in the UK these days. What leather supplier might I use out here? Can I do all of this by hand without the machine? Is there a good book on this? Should I take a class? I've always been intrigued by leather goods. Leather just has an "authenticity" to it that I love...Hard to explain. Nothing compares to it. Somebody calm me down. Thanks so much. (I posted this same basic post in another section of this site, but felt by copying it here, it might get more views).

Cheers,

IndianaGeo

[Luke Hatley]

IndianaGeo.........Tandy is in the U K. Make a visit to the store and get some of the

Al Stolhman Books. "Hand Sewing" and "Making Cases". this willl be a great start for your Endeavor......good luck

[IndianaGeo]

IndianaGeo.........Tandy is in the U K. Make a visit to the store and get some of the

Al Stolhman Books. "Hand Sewing" and "Making Cases". this willl be a great start for your Endeavor......good luck

Thanks Luke, Much appreciated!

Kind regards,

IndianaGeo

[Bigfoot]

Hi Everyone,

I don't know what's come over me in the last couple of years, but I've got this "bug" to make leather goods, particularly a briefcase or satchel type of bag with good hardware, and it won't go away. So I feel I have to do something about it. I don't own a sewing machine nor do I even know how to use one...yet. I have zero tools too, but all the enthusiasm and motivation to scratch this itch. So I'm hoping to get a bit of guidance on this forum on how to go about this. Do I even need a sewing machine? What types of tools do I need? Is there a pattern of some kind out there? Failure is not an option. I'm from Chicago but live in the UK these days. What leather supplier might I use out here? Can I do all of this by hand without the machine? Is there a good book on this? Should I take a class? I've always been intrigued by leather goods. Leather just has an "authenticity" to it that I love...Hard to explain. Nothing compares to it. Somebody calm me down. Thanks so much. (I posted this same basic post in another section of this site, but felt by copying it here, it might get more views).

Cheers,

IndianaGeo

So it has been a while....have you scratched your itch and built a bag? If yep, got any pics of the results??