DavidL Report post Posted April 16, 2015 Which books do you recommend or look promising for clear instructions on: single gusset 3 piece gusset accordian gusset gusset w/ gusset Different styles of bags, briefcases, small accessories pockets drop in linings The books I do have are al stohlmans vol 1 to 3 on making leather cases. Valerie michael. They do not have information on those styles of gussets or are in-depth on bag making. The book does not have to be specifically done with hand stitching, the patterns and how they come together would be what I'm after. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glendon Report post Posted April 16, 2015 Honestly, you've got a couple of the best books on bags already. The Art of Making Leather Cases, and the Leathercraft Handbook are about as good as they get for bag construction. If you want some good instructions on bag making, I would suggest checking out the Youtube videos by Ian Atkinson and Nigel Armitage. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billybopp Report post Posted April 16, 2015 Agreed with Glendon on the books, and the videos. I'd add Arthur Porter to the youtube list, specifically for bag making. Bill Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DavidL Report post Posted April 17, 2015 (edited) Thanks for the suggestions. I will look into arthur porter. The thing I'm looking for is a book on bag "joinery" like gussets, styles of different bags, and how to create different forms of bags. Al stohlman and valerie have great books, they however don't go in-depth on different styles of bags and the design of them, only the construction. If anyone has a specific book they have liked that would be helpful. Edited April 17, 2015 by DavidL Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blue duck Report post Posted April 17, 2015 Looked for a long time for that exact book. Never found it. Not much help, huh? However, if you want to learn you might try howtomakeadesignerhandbag.com It is actually an online school. Richard is the main instructor, he will visit with you before you sign up if you want. Think you can sign in as a guest to see what it is all about. Tell him Kathi sent you, if you contact him. You will learn all of that and more if you go through it all. If you only want the patterns, he is working on a new idea, he might have a simple one or two available. If it is just the patterns you want and have the ideas in your head, we might be able to help. But it is the old fashioned way, not auto cad or whatever the computer puts out. (Don't want to step on any toes, so if that last part is a no-no, either delete, or let me know.) Rick Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fivewayswelshcobs Report post Posted April 17, 2015 If you can find Design and Construction of handbags by W C Double it is out of print it covers all the basics Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gary Report post Posted April 17, 2015 Handbag Designer 101 has been suggested as a good overall guide. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DavidL Report post Posted April 17, 2015 3 good suggestions. Thank you. I haven't thought about online instructors that could be a good way to learn. Design and construction by wc double is extremely difficult to find. A library near be has a copy but you can't sign it out... Handbag designer 101 I will look into. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
25b Report post Posted April 17, 2015 I got a copy of the WC Double book through interlibrary loan. I didn't find much useful information in it. I keep rereading it, hoping I've missed something since everyone seems to think it's this great book, but...no....not so much... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blue duck Report post Posted April 19, 2015 3 good suggestions. Thank you. I haven't thought about online instructors that could be a good way to learn. Design and construction by wc double is extremely difficult to find. A library near be has a copy but you can't sign it out... Handbag designer 101 I will look into. If I recall correctly handbag designer 101 is more of what is on trend, blog, new designers, they might even be selling by now, but other than ideas I don't think you will find much instruction. Arthur Porter's youtube videos are great for a basic start, but it may be that is what you are needing for now. I agree with 25b about the book, so wouldn't be terribly disappointed if you can't find enough time to sit in the library and use it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billybopp Report post Posted April 19, 2015 It occurs to me that there might be so few resources about leather bags because there are a TON of books about bags in general, some of which include leather. The design techniques for leather are not so different from fabric, and construction techniques using garment and other thin leathers are not so different. It's only when you start looking at certain types of leather and certain styles of bag/case that things start getting different. It may be worth looking at some of THOSE resources! Just a thought ... Bill Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DebHop Report post Posted April 20, 2015 I totally agree with billybop. I have a nice collection of bag making books, and here are some of my favorite: Sew Serendipity Bags, Chic Bags, and The Bag Making Bible - not specific to leather but adaptable. The best for technical construction - Amy Butler's Style Stitches and Handbag Designer 101 by Emily Blumenthal. I've also snagged some good sources and patterns on stored them on Pintrist. You're welcome to brouse: https://www.pinterest.com/hoppythyme/bags/ Hope this helps. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
horselady21 Report post Posted May 10, 2016 Just saw this topic and thought I would add the Craftsy.com video class I am taking "Making Leather Bags". It is excellent! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JMWendt Report post Posted May 10, 2016 One thing I'd like to suggest is just dive in and do some prototyping. You know . . . if you want to try a gusset of some kind, mock it up in paper and then do it in leather, see how it comes out. You'll learn a lot about what will and won't work with regard to sewing and finishing. I've learned more from my own attempts and mistakes than I have from all the many books and videos. These days, if I want to try something new, I do it in inexpensive leather, no tooling, and take my time to figure it out. Once I have done a design once, then I can use better materials, stamp work, etc, on future versions. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
