Vegtan Leather backpack design and build revisited!

[Aza404]

Hi guys,

This weekend I finished my third bag using veg tan leather.

The main body is 2.5mm leather with 1.4mm thick leather on the sides and front pocket. It was dyed with Fiebing's oil dye that was diluted in pure industrial grade alcohol then hand-stitched.

Do share with me any feedback you may have

 

 

[koreric75]

that is awesome, very informative, like the clamp setup for the long strips rather than stopping every few inches to move it...bag turned out great and I like that closing clasp

[Aza404]

Thanks Koreric, glad you enjoyed the video

That clamp system changed the way I approach making straps... Used to hate it, now I hate it a bit less.

[MoRoadglide11]

Hi James,

Very impressive back pack...there is something good to be said about anything "hand made" that keeps me intensely in leather work. Your hand stitching is very nice...your attention to detail is what makes your work impressive.

A suggestion would be to invest in a few Angelus Dye Liner pens. I use them when I need to dye edges just prior to edge slicking. They prevent the use of q-tips being dunked continuously into a bottle of dye. This in turn, prevents turning over a bottle of dye on your work or your work surface. These dye liners come empty...you simply place the cylindrical dye sponge (located inside to pen body) into a bottle of dye until saturated. Place (carefully with a pair of needle-nose pliers) the dye sponge back into the pen body and close it off with the included cap. Once to dye begins saturating the pen tip...you are ready to apply the dye, of your choice, onto the work piece. No more risking tipping over a bottle of dye on yourself, your work surface, or your work. I would suggest to purchase 3 - 4 pens so you can use different dye colors. I have one of black dye, one for brown dye, and one for saddle tan dye...and I have labeled all of the pens to indicate what dye each pen will apply when used. You'll be amazed at how fast you can dye the edges of your work piece with the Angelus pens. There are two tip sizes available. I, personally, use the "broad" tip.

[Aza404]

Thanks for the nice feedback MrRoadglide, I'm glad you enjoyed the video

Thanks for the great tip on the dye liners! As you mentioned, the risk of tipping over the bottle of dye has always scared me (not to mention the time saver these pens would be). I'll make sure to add one or four to my cart next time I buy leather supplies.