1. CUT THE PATTERN
Cut out the pattern for this bag from a sheet of cardboard according to the desired bag size. For a medium-sized tote like the one from Créàmaya, the pattern measurements are below.
2. REPRODUCE THE PATTERN
Reproduce the pattern twice on your leather skin. If you can't cut two complete pieces, you can make a patchwork with another leather or use a scrap of strap to make a connection (like in the photo below).
3. CLEANLY CUT THE LEATHER
Cut the leather cleanly and pass the contours quickly under a flame to make the edges sharper.
4. REPRODUCE THE TEMPLATE
Also reproduce your template on the lining fabric, adding a margin of 0.5 cm on the sides and bottom.
5. PICK UP THE POCKETS
If you want pockets, now is the time to position them on the leather or in the lining.
6. SEW THE BAG
Make a flat seam (machine seam), and therefore position the pieces of leather on top of each other by 0.5 to 1 cm.
HOW TO SEW LEATHER BY MACHINE?
Do the same thing on the other side, being careful that it is the same piece that overlaps the other. The bottom is also done in the same way.
Either you start from the bottom or from the sides, but in either case the last seam is not obvious.
Advice :
- Start with the sides, and if the leather is not soft enough, you can sew the bottom in two times (one side then the other and the seams meet in the center).
- Turn the bag inside out and bring the sides together to form the bottom of the bag once the three seams are made. Take care that the visible seams are well aligned.
7. SEW THE LINING
Place the two pieces on top of each other, right sides together, and sew the edges, leaving an opening to turn over at the end. Then, shape the lining and sew the bottom sides as before.
8. ASSEMBLE THE PARTS OF THE BAG
Place the leather part in the lining, right sides together. Make sure that both have the same perimeter. Adjust the seams on the lining side if necessary.
Sew the two parts together from the top. Turn the lining inside the bag through the opening left in the bottom.
Topstitch all the way around and close the bottom of the lining.
9. POSITION THE BAG HANDLES
Position the handles with rivets and half-round rings. Install the rivets as shown in the photo. Remember to use the blue manual pliers and the appropriate installation set to easily install your T4 double cap rivets.
CREAMAYA TIPS:
- Use glue to hold your leather pieces together before sewing them!
- Use pliers to hold the lining with the leather for assembly.
- For the first try, a soft leather like goatskin will be much easier.
- You can also add a snap or magnet into the liner before closing the bottom.