How Do I Make This Simple Tote?

[JanC]

http://www.whippingpost.com/products/the-vintage-tote-bag

Mainly, the bottom of the bag is what I'd need clarification on. How do I cut that?

Cheers

[WScott]

It is a lovely bag in shape and manufacture.

I watched the video and to me it looks like the bag consists of only two pieces of leather. The side gussets are simple folds and internally sewn and the base looks like triangular shapes folded from each side piece and stitched down the center. I would think a thicker insert is placed into the base from inside for shape and support

It is hard to say and see exactly from the site though. I would fool around with some paper and see if you can duplicate the look with folds and make your own version.

Let me know how you make out

[WScott]

I am playing with writing paper and scotch tape to try to duplicate it.

There is a triangular base with tapering sides, but I have to keep fooling with it so it folds and covers everything. Maybe upside down capital T

Hmmm you got me going now!

There is a picture of a tote I made in my gallery with one piece side gussets and base, but it is not as elegant as the one you show

Edited September 5, 2013 by WScott

[r lenna]

that looks a lot like a bag I saw on the grain side up. you might want to check it out. Rob

http://kingsxcustomleatherworks.blogspot.com/2013/03/sewing-gussets.html

[tanda4]

I would love to attempt this. I'm just trying to think how to work the bottom of the bag.

[JanC]

I haven't had time to do mock constructs but I believe my girlfriend may be buying the bag so I'll be able to get a first hand look.

[Andrew Chee]

A bag like this is really simple to construct. Basically start with the dimensions of the bag you want. Let's say you want something that's roughly 15" wide by 11" tall by 5" deep for example. Cut out two pieces of leather that's 20 1/2" by 13 3/4" (this is allowing for a 1/4" seam allowance). The bag pictured, although looking rectangular, actually has a taper because the bottom has three dimensions while the two is really two dimensional. If you cut the bag out so it was actually rectangular, the top would flare out when it's sitting normally. Depending on the amount of taper you want, you take your cut piece of leather and cut it into a trapezoid shape. For example, I would take off maybe 2" from the bag opening so it would sit more rectangular. So basically you take your 20 1/2" x 13 3/4" pieces of leather and mark in 1" from each side on one of the long sides. Then you draw a straight line from that point to the other end corner and cut off the excess. At the end you should have a trapezoid that's 18 1/2" on one end and 20 1/2" on the other end and 13 3/4" tall.

Then you sew the two pieces together grain side to grain side on three sides (all the sides except the 18 1/2" side). Then you fold the bag so the seems line up. Find the place in near the sewn corner where, when measured perpendicular to the seam, the length is five inches across. Sew that line. Do again on the other corner. Then cut out the excess leather left by that triangle. Turn the bag inside out, and you have the tote pictured. It looks like in the picture they glued an extra piece of leather on the bottom to stiffen it. You can do that too by cutting out a 15" x 5" piece of leather and gluing that to the bottom.

Hope this helps.

Andrew

[JanC]

Andrew--

Much appreciate your write-up! I'll give this a try when I've some free time.

Fortunately, I've some nice chestnut Horween Cavalier that'd be perfect for a big like this