wlg190861 Report post Posted May 17, 2015 I have just started making leather tote bags and am wondering two things. 1 What is the best size of thread to use ? I have been using 277. The bags are mostly 16"x16". 2 What is the best lining material for durable linings ? and where do you get it ? Dan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wlg190861 Report post Posted May 23, 2015 No one ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted May 24, 2015 138, 207, 277 are all fine. Most tote bags won't see really heavy stress on the threads, other than abrasion likely on the bottoms. If glued (contact cement) as well, there is likely little chance of the leather pulling apart. For linings, there is a wide range of materials. Do you want fancy or plain and tough? A light weight canvas type material would take a lot of beating. It frays easily so edges need to be rolled over or otherwise bound to keep it nice and neat. Needs to be pre-shrunk is there is any chance that it will get wet. There is a stretchy velvet like material that would look nice and I believe that because it is stretchy, it should take a fair amount of abuse too, though I don't know how long before the velvet surface would look worn. Looking at that side, probably not a good choice. Polyester material wears well, doesn't shrink, should last a long time. Maybe some others will chime in and correct me if I've strayed too far! Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wlg190861 Report post Posted May 24, 2015 I am looking for a though wearing leather for a liner. I just haven't been doing leather long enough to know what is good for lining. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robbied Report post Posted May 27, 2015 Heavy cotton canvas looks good if you suspect it will have a lot of abuse. Otherwise a thin leather such as pig skin would be sufficient. I think given the style, a nice patterned cotton canvas would suit the style you have going on already. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wlg190861 Report post Posted May 29, 2015 Where can I get ahold of cotton canvas ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stelmackr Report post Posted May 30, 2015 I do not know the BEST place to get cotton canvas, but you might get surprised by typing "Where can I get a hold of cotton canvas" into a Google search. It came up with millions of links. Bob Stelmack Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wlg190861 Report post Posted May 30, 2015 I do not know the BEST place to get cotton canvas, but you might get surprised by typing "Where can I get a hold of cotton canvas" into a Google search. It came up with millions of links. Bob Stelmack Do you think that is the best or what else do they use to line purses and totes that will last ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stelmackr Report post Posted May 30, 2015 Do you think that is the best or what else do they use to line purses and totes that will last ? Sorry, I don't make purses. You asked: "Where can I get a hold of cotton canvas ?", so I provided links to places to get a hold of cotton canvas. If you are interested in the best place to buy cotton canvas, then there is a good article http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=62814&hl=duffle that discusses one man's opinion and how he uses it. I have pinned his article and may attempt to make that duffle bag. Perhaps others can make suggestions. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wlg190861 Report post Posted May 31, 2015 Sorry, I don't make purses. You asked: "Where can I get a hold of cotton canvas ?", so I provided links to places to get a hold of cotton canvas. If you are interested in the best place to buy cotton canvas, then there is a good article http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=62814&hl=duffle that discusses one man's opinion and how he uses it. I have pinned his article and may attempt to make that duffle bag. Perhaps others can make suggestions. Thank you Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tossik Report post Posted June 4, 2015 Pacific Blue Denims have been very friendly so far. I am waiting on their swatches right now and will be ordering some canvas from them in near future. They currently have the best prices I have found anywhere (both local and online). As for thread, I use 138 and 207 on everything. For bags that don't get a lot of pull and abuse, you don't need to go to 277 unless you like the bulky look of the thread. I do like how 207 looks, it is a good medium thickness. a lot of my products still see 138 thread. Lining would get 69 or 92 thread (whatever I have handy). Good luck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wlg190861 Report post Posted June 7, 2015 Pacific Blue Denims have been very friendly so far. I am waiting on their swatches right now and will be ordering some canvas from them in near future. They currently have the best prices I have found anywhere (both local and online). As for thread, I use 138 and 207 on everything. For bags that don't get a lot of pull and abuse, you don't need to go to 277 unless you like the bulky look of the thread. I do like how 207 looks, it is a good medium thickness. a lot of my products still see 138 thread. Lining would get 69 or 92 thread (whatever I have handy). Good luck! Yes I looked at their website and they seem to have nice material. Let me know how it looks an quality when you get the swatches in Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paprhangr Report post Posted June 7, 2015 Might check out Big duck canvas and Sailrite Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tossik Report post Posted June 7, 2015 Yes I looked at their website and they seem to have nice material. Let me know how it looks an quality when you get the swatches in Got 10 swatches from PBD, and from the canvases I got all are really nice quality. The USA ones are top notch. I will be buying some natural canvas and other twill from them shortly. Very nice to deal with so far. And they are in California, so just a state over for me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AmyAmy Report post Posted June 7, 2015 Love the color of your bag. You can get cotton canvas at a Jo anns or hancock fabric. def prewas they shrink. I use either polyester or a poly cotton blend. I just make pockets in the lining with that fabric. Do you expect the inside to take an unusual beating? Did you use a sewing machine on your bag? if so what is the model and brand. I'm hunting a leather sewing machine. Like the way your stitching came out. I can find several machines for several thousand dollars. Can't afford that. Post what you end up doing with the lining. Looks like a good size bag. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wlg190861 Report post Posted December 15, 2015 Yes I use a sewing machine its a Cowboy 4500 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
