bicycle saddle bag construction?

[corter]

I finally want to step outside of making wallets and make a couple little tool bags for my bikes. I want to do something like the one I posted (a classic brooks design). I'm going to use 6-8oz leather, and I can pretty much handle everything on my own, I just can't figure out for the life of me how the sides area attached. Are there any good diagrams, or could anyone explain to me, how this is done?

[Mike]

I just can't figure out for the life of me how the sides area attached. Are there any good diagrams, or could anyone explain to me, how this is done?

There are some good books by Al Stohlman on making cases. You're local Tandy/TLF store should have them. They go into detail on case construction. You may also want to check out the book on hand sewing.

Mike

[Drac]

when I looked at the first pic, I the the sides were just extra thick leather with curved stitching holes (through the edge to the inside. seen bags and cases done like that). then when I looked at the second and third pics I realized they either stitched the sides to a lining or did a secondary side (an inside side, if you will) and stitched it together like that. um.. any of that make any sense whatsoever? if I was to do one, I'd do a full lining and put a zipper across the top of the lining. that way you don't have to worry about the tops of the sides flopping out and losing something or anything getting wet as much.

[fishguy]

Wow, that is really interesting, it would help to see the inside too. I have made a couple of small bags like that and usually the stitch goes in from the front at about a 45 degree angle and then emerges from the side. Kind of like a one sided butt stitch. Most Motorcyle tool bags seem to have some "ears" on the sides-i.e. an extension on the top of the side piece that folds over into the bag to help preven water from coming and and tools from getting out through the gap between the top and side of the bag.

[Jordan]

Kinda hard to see in the pic but I used the patterns available at tandy for motorcycle accessories and made them smaller to fit the bicycle. There is a set of saddlebags and a toolbag.

Edited February 1, 2008 by Jordan