jkittle99 Report post Posted February 20, 2016 I'm preparing to make a diaper bag out of leather. I found the perfect hide today, its roughy 3-4oz weight, but ive never attempted anything on this scale before. IT will be not unlike this in design (single piece of leather for the top,sides, bottom, and then separate end panels. http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=68573&hl=duffel Are there any suggestions or tips I should follow before I just dive in and screw something major up? I'll be stitching on a cowboy 227r with 138 size thread. Josh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tugadude Report post Posted February 20, 2016 (edited) You're probably going to need a pattern. Search the forums, or if need be you can probably find a pattern online (probably intended for fabric) that you can use. You said it is your first big project but it really isn't very intricate, at least the one in the link. You might try making a mockup with paper or some cheap fabric. Good way to nail down the sizing. Remember to back the zipper with a piece of leather. Makes a more robust construction for better performance. Once the size of the side panels is determined and the length of the main piece it is fairly simple to sew everything inside out and then turn it. The bag is big enough and your leather thin enough that flipping it right side out is easy. 3-4 oz might be a little thin for my tastes, but if it has a firm hand should be fine. You could also use welts to stiffen the structure up if it needs. Are you using a lining? Edited February 20, 2016 by Tugadude Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jkittle99 Report post Posted February 20, 2016 (edited) I've been digging around and found this - http://www.modabakeshop.com/2010/09/baby-on-the-go-diaper-bag.html It's as close to a pattern as I'm probably going to get, and helps me out with critical dimensions. I'm going to vary the design slightly, but it's a good overall representation, taking some influence from the original link I shared. I will be doing this bag unlined, I'm happy with the raw leather on the inside for this particular project. Thanks for the tip about leather backing on the Zipper, I had not thought of that. You're right about it being a little thin, but I wanted to err on the side of thin versus thick - it's got a nice feel to it. I managed to cut out the 'large piece' tonight, as well as the sides and one of the pockets. I'm going to try and make the straps tomorrow and see if I can get them sewn onto the main piece. Trying to take my time and move slowly as to not make any mistakes that cannot be corrected. Having a lot of fun. Edited February 20, 2016 by jkittle99 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tugadude Report post Posted February 20, 2016 OP said "Having a lot of fun". That's the best way to end a paragraph! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billybopp Report post Posted February 20, 2016 You might also take a look at mail bags / postal carrier bags. They are just about the right size, and there are some patterns and such about on here. Bill Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jkittle99 Report post Posted February 21, 2016 Well I dove in head first, made my fair share of mistakes, but boy I'm happy with the results. The bag itself is done, the zipper is installed (thank you, glue, you made sewing a snap), and the strap is made. all I've got left to do is stitch some D-Rings onto the bag and put some clips on the strap so it can be removed. I'll post up pics once I'm done. It's not perfect, but for a first machine-stitch project, I'm satisfied. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tugadude Report post Posted February 21, 2016 Can't wait to see it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
