Messenger bag lining

[fredk]

One other aspect; sometimes, just some times, the flesh side of leather can act as an abrasive over time. I had limited experience of this with two different bags. One was for fishing equipment. The enamel coating on some reels was abraded off over time. The other bag was a very top make. I got one on the recommendation of a friend. We each carried our camera gear in our bags. Again, over time, the enamel coating on camera bodies and lens barrels was abraded off. Not only was this unsightly but it lowered the re-sale value of the camera equipment. It didn't matter to me as I used my cameras until I killed them but my friend up-graded about twice a year, thus he lost a lot of trade-in value. 

I get thin leather which is about 0.5mm to 0.8mm thick. I glue this to the inside of the main bag leather. That thinness doesn't worry anything when doing gussets and such

[Spyros]

33 minutes ago, Meandmy1963 said:

I wasn't looking for a specific answer I guess. More of a general opinion. I think one of you hit it on the head when you had a customer look inside and say "oh you haven't finished it then?". That's pretty much what I wanted to know. Seems like the general public would look at it as "unfinished" without some sort of lining. Not that it matters as it's my first bag and it's for myself. But if I'm going to be lining bags in the future I might as well give it a go. Thanks for the help everyone

I was actually thinking flannel if I were to do a lining

Depends on the customer and the bag.  $2.2k "unfinished" bag right here

https://www.masconleather.com/bags-1#/walden-satchel

Like I said, if it matches the overall aesthetic of the bag it's not a problem.  If you want a saddlebag feel it's not a problem, if you want a Euro or fine leatherworking feel, it is a problem.

[Spyros]

39 minutes ago, johnnydb said:

Personally I like to have anything but raw leather...so finishing it with some sort of lining is always good. 

If you are going for a rugged look use some denim. Possibly some flannel but it would really depend on the colors. 

And besides...if you are wanting an electronics pocket a lining will keep some of the leather "dust" from the raw side getting into your electronics. 

Question: if you use denim or any fabric lining, what do you do with the edges?  You'd have to turn them right?  Otherwise the fabric will fray.

I've never tried fabric lining but I was always curious.   

[bland]

What design are you using?  Some designs lend themselves to lining better tan others and what type of lining you use.  Do you want a drop in lining?  Are you using a leather lining or fabric lining?    

[Spyros]

15 minutes ago, fredk said:

One other aspect; sometimes, just some times, the flesh side of leather can act as an abrasive over time. I had limited experience of this with two different bags. One was for fishing equipment. The enamel coating on some reels was abraded off over time. The other bag was a very top make. I got one on the recommendation of a friend. We each carried our camera gear in our bags. Again, over time, the enamel coating on camera bodies and lens barrels was abraded off. Not only was this unsightly but it lowered the re-sale value of the camera equipment. It didn't matter to me as I used my cameras until I killed them but my friend up-graded about twice a year, thus he lost a lot of trade-in value. 

I get thin leather which is about 0.5mm to 0.8mm thick. I glue this to the inside of the main bag leather. That thinness doesn't worry anything when doing gussets and such

I've read that this type of abrasion is typically the chemicals in chrome tan leather reacting with some metals, but it shouldn't happen with veg tan.  Do you recall what leather it was?

[fredk]

It was the best part of 30 years ago, before I started leather working/crafting but I'm 99% sure it was a veg tan. The care instructions were for a veg tan leather afair

[johnnydb]

30 minutes ago, Spyros said:

Question: if you use denim or any fabric lining, what do you do with the edges?  You'd have to turn them right?  Otherwise the fabric will fray.

I've never tried fabric lining but I was always curious.   

Yes...you turn them under and first iron it so it creases at the edge before you glue it in and I usually put a line of stitches along that edge as well. 

 

But you can also skive and turn the leather over the edge of the fabric as well....of course sewing the edge in place. 

Edited October 28, 2021 by johnnydb

[Spyros]

1 minute ago, johnnydb said:

Yes...you turn them under and first iron it so it creases at the edge before you glue it in and I usually put a line of stitches along that edge as well. 

Ahhhh, shit LOL  I am an idiot, I was always thinking you have to turn the leather over the fabric, which means skiving etc, it never crossed my mind you can just turn the fabric over itself instead.  Thank you sir, you just opened a world of possibilities

Love this wallet BTW

[gordond]

As said .. considerations for function and aesthetics.....

Bag shown here had to carry vinyl album covers (utterly packed) internationally to a crowded music festival(s) - for autograph hunting. I did very well (the bag certainly helped )..

The lining had to be slick to get these covers out really fast without damage (microseconds to get said autographs ..lol!).. rolled edges aid to that also. Plus a liner was required to cover the plugged embossed facia.. lining here is 0.5mm thin goat (upholstery refinish dye/acrylic) --- simply spray glued on. .Included is a inner hardboard (Masonite) "box" lined with soft nylon plush to hold the bag "square" ...think this plush was used for covering commercial wall partitions - cube farm office (Nb :for those who have seen this bag..I had to strip the top finish as it had denatured and started to get quite smelly .. hence some acrylic came away with it ..not a biggie to fix)

Now ..going down that lining path can be eye opening and wallet emptying!.. many decades ago I started with clutch purses .. click close/ framed, lined .. the lining stumped me .. finally tracked the "right" stuff - I'm talking about competing with top boutique brands here..great ..but potentially had to buy the whole roll.. (equivalent to 2 weeks wages at that time).. it definitely was a specific nylon(?) fabric designed for long life, good domestic abrasion resistance... Actually need to track down more .. anyone care to pitch some suggestions or some real specifics would be appreciated.

Edited October 28, 2021 by gordond
Typo and further explanation

[johnnydb]

10 hours ago, Spyros said:

Ahhhh, shit LOL  I am an idiot, I was always thinking you have to turn the leather over the fabric, which means skiving etc, it never crossed my mind you can just turn the fabric over itself instead.  Thank you sir, you just opened a world of possibilities

Love this wallet BTW

It's actually a journal cover...but I do thank you for the compliment. 

I haven't had much success with bags yet...I am considering doing one again but for a bag I'd need to do some French Seams...and I really hate skiving. (Don't ask, just go with it) 

And bags can be lined in a variety of ways from all I've seen...the number of variations has got my head spinning with choices. So I'm putting it off for a while.