Double Gusset Briefcase

[Shed]

Hi there,

Thought I'd show my attempt at a messenger bag, which was made for my brother. Design shamelessly nicked from the Saddleback 'thin briefcase', and the closure method is from their 'Mountainback' range. Handle was designed to not give your hand cramp over long distances, though it looks a bit tacky. 2mm Veg tan shoulder lined with pigskin, with copper rivets and SS hardware. Cost around £150 in materials. These pictures were taken after about 6 months of use, so its a bit worn. It took a massive amount of time, and if I was asked to make one again I think I'd pay the difference so they could buy Saddleback . Any comments and criticisms appreciated.

 

Shed

 

[LeatherBeast]

Well I think it looks great! and I bet the next time around it wouldn't take you nearly as long. I just got done making my first messenger style bag as well and I think the first one always takes the longest. I'd like to make the next one similar to this one with a seam dividing the width.

 

[bikermutt07]

My boss always says something like that.

"How about I just give'em a thousand bucks to go somewhere else!?!?" 

Ha! I love him.

[Matt S]

That looks great. Out of interest did you are the leather yourself? Where did you get it from? I ask because I made a great leap forward when I realised that predyed leather is better and faster than any dye job I can do myself. Fewer odd coloured fingers too.

[Shed]

32 minutes ago, Matt S said:

That looks great. Out of interest did you are the leather yourself? Where did you get it from? I ask because I made a great leap forward when I realised that predyed leather is better and faster than any dye job I can do myself. Fewer odd coloured fingers too.

Thanks! And yep, dyed with my own fair hands with show brown Fieblings pro dye. I made a big dauber out of some old tshirts and just worked the dye over the hide in a circular motion. Didn't penetrate that well compared to using a wool dauber but was suitable for purpose. The grain came out a bit streaky though, as you can see in the first picture. The shoulder was the standard stuff from Le Prevo. I've never actually tried the pre-dyed stuff, since I can't justify keeping a large inventory of colours as well as thicknesses. Do you find it behaves differently in any way?

[Dun]

I'm really impressed with the gusset corners!

[Shed]

4 hours ago, LeatherBeast said:

Well I think it looks great! and I bet the next time around it wouldn't take you nearly as long. I just got done making my first messenger style bag as well and I think the first one always takes the longest. I'd like to make the next one similar to this one with a seam dividing the width.

 

Thanks! Your right, I think it would be a lot quicker after the first. The division works well, but its a bugger to get both the gussets to behave when you're trying to stitch them up. Good luck to you!

[CTaylorJr]

I really like that!

WHen lifted by the handle, does the loop and the leather strap through it hold the flap well enough, or am I missing seeing another closure?

A messenger bag is on my to do list, but I'm a LONG way from my first attempt.  The sewing and pattern cutting is something I relly need to work on.  I learned that this weekend.

[Shed]

4 minutes ago, CTaylorJr said:

I really like that!

WHen lifted by the handle, does the loop and the leather strap through it hold the flap well enough, or am I missing seeing another closure?

A messenger bag is on my to do list, but I'm a LONG way from my first attempt.  The sewing and pattern cutting is something I relly need to work on.  I learned that this weekend.

Cheers!

Nope, the closure you see is the only one, and it seems to do the job. The strap which locks through the loop does have a 2mm brass plate riveted to the back of it, which locks everything in. On my prototypes I found that only using the leather there was a risk of it pulling through.  It was designed for one handed open and closure, and seems to work pretty well for that. The only problem is that the leather at the bottom of the front panel pulls up slightly due to the center fixing, but its not a big deal.

I don't think anyone ever really ready to jump in on their first bag, but your stitching is certainly improved by the time your done! Good luck if you give it a go 

[Shed]

20 minutes ago, Dun said:

I'm really impressed with the gusset corners!

If you knew what a nightmare they were...  but thanks!