Leather Messenger Bag Thus Far

[Windrider30]

Has taken me 8 hours of hand stitching (saddle stitch) to get as far as I am currently. Still have to put a gusset on the front pocket then put it all together..I do all my stitching by hand so it does take a while to get a bag like this together. Found the plans for it online and really liked the look so figured what the hell will give it a go. Only thing I still have yet to do is cut the shoulder straps...I so hate cutting straps!!! Will post more as I get the bag put together.

[Windrider30]

Only took me 4 hours to do this one little front pocket..but at least the front is fully done now..NO clue why it took me that long for some reason this was a real bastard of a gusset to put on!!! Now all i have to do is get the whole bag put togethere!!! But that is a job for tommorow!!

[Tugadude]

I like the look of the asymmetrical flap, very interesting. Good luck!

[Windrider30]

Computer is being a pain ugg, anyways after 16 hours of hand stitching front is done and attached to the side and back gusset really like this rounded look.

[PatHochstein]

That looks really nice. My hand hurts just thinking of how long it took you to do the stitching.

[Windrider30]

Thanks Pat i still have another 8 hours or so to go of hand stitching to put it all togethere, but i am taking the day off lol my fingers are litterally burnt from pulling on the thread they need a break!

[venator]

Thanks Pat i still have another 8 hours or so to go of hand stitching to put it all togethere, but i am taking the day off lol my fingers are litterally burnt from pulling on the thread they need a break!

When I hand stitch I wear an old pair of mountain biking gloves that I cut the thumb and first two fingers off. That way I have a leather palm I can push the needle with and I also have glove covering my ring and pinkie finger for the pulling. Saves me a lot of time and wear and tear.

[Windrider30]

Will have to give that a try venator sure would save the hands

[Windrider30]

Ok almost done, here is how the bag will look (or close to it) when its totaly finsihed have half the bottom and one side left to stitch. I will have roughly 28 hours of hand stitching total for this one bag! I think I am going to set the price at 300 debating about 400..not totaly sure yet

[Tugadude]

Seems your stitching is taking a long time. How are you making your holes? You need to be able to make a profit and I don't see how if you can't speed up the process. Even at $400.00, you can't cover your hours. Then there are the materials. Not being critical, just helpful, hopefully.