Bag liner and stiffener

[doorty]

I've been doing a lot of research, but I still have some questions:

Thoughts on bag liner? I was thinking of using a marine grade vinyl because it'll be water resistant (for gym clothes inside or rain outside), and I think it'll work with hand stitching when punching stitching holes?

Thoughts on bag stiffener? I'm not sure whether I should use veg tan or if these bag stiffener or terraflex products can hold up to the elements outdoors. I just want it stiff enough to stand up on it's own, so I'm thinking I could just use the stiffener on the gusset. Can these stiffeners break like plastic or become deformed when wet?

P.S. What material do you layer in leather straps to prevent stretching?

[LatigoAmigo]

I'm not sure if you will find my comments helpful, but here is my two cents...

These questions cannot be definitively answered because the answers depend heavily upon what you are making.

Most leathers could certainly hold up against some sweaty gym clothes. Do you intend to allow your leatherwork to get drenched in the rain? Canvas is available in different weights and colors, and could be punched and stitched without too many problems, especially waxed canvas.

A large bag would typically need more support than a small bag, but it also depends on the design and the leather used. I have found that the California Latigo from The Hide House can pretty much stand up by itself (it is considered belt leather). As to stiffeners, I have limited experience, but know that not all stiffeners adhere equally to all leathers, plus stiffeners vary in rigidity. You will have to experiment to see what works best for your project. The iron-on stiffeners are made of fabric and should not break, but could come loose if they got wet.

The only way I know to keep leather straps from stretching is to sew an additional layer to the strap, and for further strength, include something like nylon webbing between the layers.

I  hope you find my feedback helpful.

[doorty]

3 hours ago, LatigoAmigo said:

I'm not sure if you will find my comments helpful, but here is my two cents...

These questions cannot be definitively answered because the answers depend heavily upon what you are making.

Most leathers could certainly hold up against some sweaty gym clothes. Do you intend to allow your leatherwork to get drenched in the rain? Canvas is available in different weights and colors, and could be punched and stitched without too many problems, especially waxed canvas.

A large bag would typically need more support than a small bag, but it also depends on the design and the leather used. I have found that the California Latigo from The Hide House can pretty much stand up by itself (it is considered belt leather). As to stiffeners, I have limited experience, but know that not all stiffeners adhere equally to all leathers, plus stiffeners vary in rigidity. You will have to experiment to see what works best for your project. The iron-on stiffeners are made of fabric and should not break, but could come loose if they got wet.

The only way I know to keep leather straps from stretching is to sew an additional layer to the strap, and for further strength, include something like nylon webbing between the layers.

I  hope you find my feedback helpful.

Thanks. This is very helpful.

The black california latigo sounds nice, but I really want my bag to age like these shoes in the attachment. Hide house said they didn't have anything like that. I know chromexcel will give me this effect, but it's not stiff enough to standup. That is why I was considering a stiffener for the gusset

I was considering the vinyl because I also need an internal fabric to sew pleats on a motorcycle seat. This bag is for a motorcycle saddlebag, so it could get caught in the rain.

Yes, I think nylon webbing is what I heard others use (like Saddleback). Thanks.