How Do I Get Started Making Bags?

[particle]

I've always been fascinated with bags. I've mostly been focusing on holsters, but would like to explore other areas of leather as well, and bags are a natural fit for me. I've seen some beautiful bags posted on this forum, and would love to hear from some of you regarding how to get started. I'd love to eventually make something along the lines of Esantoro's incredibly stellar Maverick bags, though perhaps I should start with something a little more simplified - like a messenger bag. LOL

Anyway, are there plans available for this type stuff? Or a good book to start with? I know Tandy has the Art of Making Cases books, and it looks like Volume 2 might be most suitable just by looking at the picture of the book cover. Should I start with this? Any good tutorial videos out there? (I haven't found any...)

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Hilly]

You can ask Mr. Santoro his secrets about making those exquisite Maverick bags, but I know the reply you'll get

You are correct that you will learn a lot from the Stohlman "Cases" series. You will learn about making handles and strap keepers, and the proper way to attach them. Gussets, pockets, etc. Worth every dime, if you ask me. You will find yourself referring to them quite often.

A good way to get a pattern is by making a pattern out of brown paper. Buy a roll of brown paper, and build a "bag" out of paper and tape. You can even go as far as drawing a tooling pattern right on the paper, if you wish. When you are satisfied with your paper pattern, take the paper pieces apart, and remake them out of stiffer materials. Just keep in mind the weights of the leathers you want to use for each piece, and write it down on the pattern pieces.

My very best advice to you is this: Think things through thoroughly and very carefully beforehand, and during each step of the way. TAKE YOUR TIME, and enjoy the learning process. Measure 10 times and cut once! If you are unsure about something, try it on some scrap first, or ask questions here. Keep your pattern, because if something you make turns out well, chances are everyone you know will want one!

[Jimbob]

I've always been fascinated with bags. I've mostly been focusing on holsters, but would like to explore other areas of leather as well, and bags are a natural fit for me. I've seen some beautiful bags posted on this forum, and would love to hear from some of you regarding how to get started. I'd love to eventually make something along the lines of Esantoro's incredibly stellar Maverick bags, though perhaps I should start with something a little more simplified - like a messenger bag. LOL

Anyway, are there plans available for this type stuff? Or a good book to start with? I know Tandy has the Art of Making Cases books, and it looks like Volume 2 might be most suitable just by looking at the picture of the book cover. Should I start with this? Any good tutorial videos out there? (I haven't found any...)

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Just got caught in the "bag" thing too!!

The Al Stohlman books are a very good way to learn Bag tricks and my way of learning is peeking, anywhere I see a bag I peek....open it, turn it around and touch it....often get the looks of the lady's.....but that's how u see how's made!

I also use poster or brown paper to make the basic design then, as siad!!!> I think it throu, because when its sewn up or cut off it is done...haha...often u need to put it together in reverse....so make sure u know what goes where!

Also try to buy an old bag at a yardsale, take it apart und copy the design or change as u go!!!!!!

Remember most bags are a box with rounder corners...front, back and a skirt...a flap and there u go!!

As I said, me just getting there....I love doctor bags and back packs!!

Gud luck and get into it deep....

Greetings

James

[DaveJohnson]

I've always been fascinated with bags. I've mostly been focusing on holsters, but would like to explore other areas of leather as well, and bags are a natural fit for me. I've seen some beautiful bags posted on this forum, and would love to hear from some of you regarding how to get started. I'd love to eventually make something along the lines of Esantoro's incredibly stellar Maverick bags, though perhaps I should start with something a little more simplified - like a messenger bag. LOL

Anyway, are there plans available for this type stuff? Or a good book to start with? I know Tandy has the Art of Making Cases books, and it looks like Volume 2 might be most suitable just by looking at the picture of the book cover. Should I start with this? Any good tutorial videos out there? (I haven't found any...)

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Best Way ----- Buy one of Mr Santoro's bags and take it apart for the pattern and construction

Sorry but that's what just shot through my mind

[Hilly]

Best Way ----- Buy one of Mr Santoro's bags and take it apart for the pattern and construction

Sorry but that's what just shot through my mind

Blasphemy!

Forgive him Ed, for he knows not what he says!

[particle]

LOL - don't his bags sell for like $990 or something like that? I wish I had that kind of money to buy a beautiful bag like that. Can't imagine tearing it apart to swipe the pattern...

[Jimbob]

Blasphemy!

Forgive him Ed, for he knows not what he says!

OK....I need to know...what is it with this Santoro guy????

Is he special....me not know much, my girls at home get hyperventilated over Guccii or Coach...is he in this catergory?!?

Just wonder...me learning!

James

[MADMAX22]

Esantoro is his forum name. He has progressed into making some of the most outstanding maverick bags. Very good stuff.

He also does a meticulouse in depth research of leather finishes, leather in general when he does his projects. He has shared alot of good info with this site over the past couple of years that I have been here.

Edited April 30, 2010 by MADMAX22

[particle]

OK....I need to know...what is it with this Santoro guy????

Is he special....me not know much, my girls at home get hyperventilated over Guccii or Coach...is he in this catergory?!?

Just wonder...me learning!

James

http://www.etsy.com/shop/waldenbags

http://www.etsy.com/shop/waldenbags

I would love to know what his material costs and time is to produce one of these bags - or at least a ballpark idea. I doubt I could ever be a competitor with him, but I'd sure like to start making bags and would love to know if it's worth while...

[Ellen]

I would love to know what his material costs and time is to produce one of these bags - or at least a ballpark idea. I doubt I could ever be a competitor with him, but I'd sure like to start making bags and would love to know if it's worth while...

Hi, particle. Not a case maker, I came here with the same intentions as you, and here are the main drawbacks that I can see. Information comes from posts at this forum:

1. It takes almost the whole side for one big bag, $200 or so.

2. It will require way better leather stiching machine than Tippman Boss. Manual stitching like shown in Valerie Michaels book is possible, but it takes more time and one mistake can affect perfect look of the seam.

3. Hardware should be preferably better than plated one from Tandy. Finding source is a problem.

4. Time could be a couple of weeks. Just making a case can take less, but small mistake can ruin everything, and high price of the luxury goods includes all humanly possible attention to details with all extra time necessary.

5. It wasn't used, but probably worth it, motorized edge burnisher from Waiver ( http://leatherworker...showtopic=16609 ).

6. Now main drawback as I see it now: taking payment. If some troubled soul uses stolen credit card, or claims to Paypal that goods were not received, and you have to return payment, well... this means loss at least of the cost of the side, $200, plus time and effort spent. So high price requires ability to take credit cards payments, maybe even merchant account, maybe you already have it.

7. And a very time consuming problem at beginning: making your own design, marketing strategy, and perfecting them. Guys here say that one may end up with closet full of cases, because next is more perfect than previous. And each bag means one side... Plus time and work

Positive sides:

1. It's doable. You already have experience with vegtan, and can name and use techniques used in project you see. Stohlman and Valery Michaels books provide enough insiders view on construction details to start. Inspirational photos you already have seen at this forum, best of the best.

Cheers!