Stitching top and side of a round-top bag

[unionattic]

I want to make a carry-bag where the top of the side pieces are round ('doctor' style bag?) and the zipper is on top.  I would like to hide the edges,  so I guess that means hand-sewing it inside-out.  I experimented with some scrap today to see how it might work.  It came out ok,  although the roundness wasn't perfect,  and the joint seems a bit fat.

I cut some darts into the edge -- I think that might improve the roundness some.  I'm also wondering if I should skive down the edges so there isn't so much bulk to fold (but it's a bag -- so I don't want it to be too weak...).  I ran my stitching line 5mm along the edge

What are best-practices in sewing this style of rounded connection in     Any advice on designing the pattern in-general? 

inside, darted-edge

outside of the experiment.  Edge is sort of bulky-looking.

 

[Tugadude]

The overall design you are trying to achieve would be helpful.  When I think of a traditional doctor bag, I picture this.Not much round here.  I doubt the "darts" are necessary but skiving is helpful when doing any sort of radius.  I have made several turned out leather mail bag briefcases and never cut any "darts" nor did I need to skive.  I used 4/5 oz. on the majority of them.  This style bag only curves when closed.

Edited February 10, 2019 by Tugadude