Deciding How Much Leather I Should Buy

[GarrusV]

Hi again, with another newbie question...

If I'm building a 15"(W) by 11"(H) by 5"(D) bag, with a laptop compartment inside the bag, another large compartment outside the back of the bag, and including the strap, I'm estimating the bag will need about 7.15 sq ft.

Breakdown:

Laptop pocket: 14" by 11", about 0.93 sq ft

Front piece: 15" by 11", about 1.15 sq ft

Back piece with cover and large back compartment: 15" by 11" + 15" by 5" + 15" by 9", about 3.45 sq ft

Gusset: 11" by 5" + 11" by 5" + 15" by 5", about 1.29 sq ft

Strap: 1" by 48", about 0.32 sq ft

I'm looking at this side, looks very nice, but very pricey.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Old-World-LATIGO-COWHIDE-LEATHER-24-27-Sq-Ft-6-oz-1-Quality-British-Tan-AE1/290943363410?_trksid=p2045573.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D18474%26meid%3D3154465751735074165%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D8385%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D290943363410%26

If I were to purchase this, theoretically I can make 3 bags, counting in the waste...cuts that can't be used...damaged hide...

Is this estimation accurate?

Please advise!

[MojoGeorge]

There is a member here who has posted a couple of videos recently, he is also selling plans for the bag... it sounds like what you may be wanting to make...

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=51902

I have not purchased his plans, but I betcha the quantities are in there....

MojoGeo

[Matt T]

Doesn't matter how well you estimate, if this is your first bag you are going to screw pieces up, make bad cuts, and need more than you think.

[Geneva]

Don't buy the leather off ebay. I would suggest a piece of single shoulder. What ever thickness you require and color you did not say. You should try American Leather Direct Inc.

www.aleatherd.com they have some very good prices on their leather. I buy my 10-12oz. double shoulder veg. tan from them.