First Attempt At Making A Bag. (Gusset Questions)

[mrtreat32]

Im gonna give my first attempts at bag making this week after I receive a new shipment of leather. I have been reading a ton of stuff online and books trying to wrap my head around the subject and getting this right but Im still a bit confused on properly constructing gussets.

Is there any resource online that you think most clearly shows the construction of a tote type bag or any other style. I want to hopefully walk into this project with some level of confidence.

The art of making cases by al stohlman shows the use of a french edger when connecting seams but other tutorials I find don't seem to mention this. Im also a bit confused who the holes are lined up from each section since they are punched separately from one another.

Most of the gusset designs I have seen in books are 2 and 3 piece style but I see a lot of bags constructed like this online.

http://www.teranishibrand.com/products/day-tripper

It appears that besides the handles the main body is just 2 large pieces folded in on each other and sewn on the inside. Is this as easy as it looks and is there any other prep that needs to go into the construction of this style of bag besides maybe skiving the 2 ends that meet if using thick leather. Im thinking this might be the best style to try first or does anyone recommend a style of bag that they think is best for someone new to this area of leather work.

[Hi Im Joe]

I would pick up the Valerie Michael book and read the section on gussets. She describes two types of gussets. Square 3 piece gussets as well as "U" shaped gussets.

[mrtreat32]

I would pick up the Valerie Michael book and read the section on gussets. She describes two types of gussets. Square 3 piece gussets as well as "U" shaped gussets.

I have that book! Its probably my favorite leather working resource so far but that section is limited to one page.

I get the general idea of what she is saying but its hard to put into use. Any other resource you can think of that goes more in depth on the topic?

[Wild Bill46]

Hi MR

I think this might be worth looking into Richard Black, Purse, tote, Carry-all, briefcase, Etc whatever you wish to call it

Maybe its not a womans "purse' but it is helpful, and fun , not to mention educational !

I made my wife one and she loves it !

Hope this helps in some way.

[Hi Im Joe]

I have that book! Its probably my favorite leather working resource so far but that section is limited to one page.

I get the general idea of what she is saying but its hard to put into use. Any other resource you can think of that goes more in depth on the topic?

I mean the three piece look at the briefcase example in the back. The U shaped gusset look at the large shoulder bag. The thing with the U shaped gusset is making a mold to get the tab of the gusset to sit at 90*. It's a lot of work but doing it right is sometimes like that. I'm not sure how much more in depth is going to help you. She basically tells you exactly what to do. The doing it part is just difficult.

[Kustom]

The day tripper bag is made out of soft leather. It doesn't have a gusset per say. It's two pieces of leather with a square cut out on each side of the bottom of both pieces. It is sewn inside out and turned when finished. The pieces are sewn together at the bottom. The squares are pushed together and sewn, then turned inside out,

[mrtreat32]

The day tripper bag is made out of soft leather. It doesn't have a gusset per say. It's two pieces of leather with a square cut out on each side of the bottom of both pieces. It is sewn inside out and turned when finished. The pieces are sewn together at the bottom. The squares are pushed together and sewn, then turned inside out,

Yes that makes sense. Im trying to find a tutorial for this sort of thing.

From what youre saying it sounds like its constructed similar to a canvas tote that I have. Im looking at the inside of the tote now to get a idea but wondering what would need to be done differently for a leather version if anything.

thanks

[Kustom]

Watch this video and apply it to a bigger bag.

[jimmy eng]

If you're going to use thick leather then it'll be best to have the seams face out and make it a feature, not in. Turning thick leather won't give you a great seam when it's bagged.

But it's as Kustom described and it's that easy.

[DavidL]

Was the leather you order french calf? Id love to see the finished product with french leather.

3/4 may be too thin and it looks like that bag was made of 4/5 or 5/6.

The shape of the pattern would look like a cross, although not symmetrical

If you start from a small toiletry bag (pretty simple) you would get a better understanding when you get to something at a larger scale.

Also making the bag from fabric will also ensure that the bag will come out nicely.