PipeSmokeAndMakersMark Report post Posted April 8, 2015 Is there a template available for a large Saddleback style briefcase with 2 gussets? Thanks for your help. http://www.saddlebackleather.com/briefcase Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
byggyns Report post Posted April 8, 2015 I know you were probably looking for a free one, but there is one for sale here: http://www.bighousedaddy.com/business_satchel.htm I haven't ever gotten any patterns from them, but have heard some good things. I'm not seeing it in the pics, so I'm not sure if it has the provision for a shoulder strap attachment. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PipeSmokeAndMakersMark Report post Posted April 8, 2015 I know you were probably looking for a free one, but there is one for sale here: http://www.bighousedaddy.com/business_satchel.htm I haven't ever gotten any patterns from them, but have heard some good things. I'm not seeing it in the pics, so I'm not sure if it has the provision for a shoulder strap attachment. That is exactly what I am looking for, free is better than $40 but that will be my first backup if there are none available. Thanks for the reply. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gecko Report post Posted May 4, 2015 I just made one that I think came out pretty well, but I don't really have any pictures handy yet. I spent a lot of time looking at pictures on the website and he has a video on the site that show how it is made. I started with 11" x 14" pieces for the front and middle and rounded the corners using a soup can for a template. The back piece is longer and a shorter piece for the back pocket. The gussets are 5" wide by longer than what I thought I would need, so I could trim it later (11"+14"+11"+?) I'm still new at this, but it was a really fun project. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gecko Report post Posted May 4, 2015 I didn't see and edit button, so here are a couple of pics of my bag. http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk10/Gecko68/Larrys%20briefcase/026_zpsu6upy3n7.jpg http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk10/Gecko68/Larrys%20briefcase/027_zps9r3uvbkw.jpg http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk10/Gecko68/Larrys%20briefcase/047_zpsivwba2gf.jpg Like I said, I'm new at this, but if you have any questions, I will do my best to answer them. By the way, I wanted stiffer leather and used about a 12oz leather. That is too heavy, but it should last forever. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thornton Report post Posted May 4, 2015 Gecko, that bag is very, very nice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PipeSmokeAndMakersMark Report post Posted May 5, 2015 Gecko, this is fantastic and exactly what I want to make. Did you use veg tanned leather? How did you form the gussets using such thick leather? How long did it take you? Can you post a picture of the inside of the bag? I am very impressed. This bag will last you 3 lifetimes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gecko Report post Posted May 5, 2015 (edited) Okay, I'm still not too sure about getting pictures here from Photobucket, but I'll give it a try. And keep in mind I'm giving up detail shots to help you out but they were taken with my cell hone, so you will probably see all the flaws that I hope others will overlook. Inside pockets - Tabs riveted to face and then stitched through - Handle assembled and riveted in place - The lining is all pigskin. I still need to make a strap, but I'm trying to decide if I should reinforce it with webbing or not. The leather was a double shoulder from Tandy, maybe more like 10oz. The bag weighs in at 8 pounds. I hope that help. Let me know if you have any other questions/criticisms. Edited May 5, 2015 by Gecko Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PipeSmokeAndMakersMark Report post Posted May 5, 2015 No criticisms from me, that is awesome! How in the world did you sew through that stuff? That is some seriously thick leather. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gecko Report post Posted May 5, 2015 Everything got pre-punched with my humble Craftool stitching chisel. It was really tricky, and I started by putting the two gussets on the center panel. the three layers is a good half inch thick. sometimes I ran the needles through all three layers separately and then pulled tight to get it all lined up again. Personally, I think the handle is my favorite part. Again, I was winging it, but I think it came out petty comfy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PipeSmokeAndMakersMark Report post Posted May 5, 2015 Well great job Gecko and thanks for sharing. The hardest part for me is taking the plunge on the first cut. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gecko Report post Posted May 5, 2015 The first cut is the hardest. Take small steps. Take your time. Take a sip of whisky. You'll do fine. Post pictures. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MojoGeorge Report post Posted May 19, 2015 Great bag gecko Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crfiremech Report post Posted February 4, 2017 Awesome job!! how long did that take you to finish? what kind and weight leather did you use? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
