Thread: Homemade leather bags.

I started this project the other day, I told myself that rough and ready was what I was after. I expected with that attitude I would be done by now. Sadly I fell into the same trap I always do. I started to agonise over design and accuracy...Which never gets me anywhere because the finished job always seem to end up looking shoddy anyway.
So tonight I have finish; Yes finished cutting out the bulk of the parts. There will be some smaller bits added to hold things like a pocket knife, fixed blade, multi-tool and torch in various spots in/on the bag, but for now I'm not too concerned. Now I'm thinking of marking out the position of the parts prior to punching the holes for the stitching together. This two day project is looking more and more like a month long project.

Here is the first photo, don't expect another for a while, but feel free to post pictures of your own handmade bags, preferably something you've crafted yourself and are proud of. And don't be surprised if I pinch a few ideas for later on.




Mick

LOL Mick - don't be too surprised if not to many of us post pics of ours... I mean I am not positive, but I am rather sure that most of us don't make our own bags - if we even carry bags at all. I might be proven wrong .

BUT - that doesn't take away from the fact that what your doing is bad-@$$! Good on you! What size is this thing going to be?

I have been thinking of making my own tool bags for some specialty application, like a car tool kit for a classic car, carrying more than a socket set and wrenches.

I too tend to over think these things a bit. I have made leather holsters for special applications and found making prototypes from paper or poster board with glue is a great way to tune the design, Tyvek is great for this and can be sewed.

I then remake in fabric, denim or canvas with fabric glue or sew to test for fit and actual used.

Disassemble and use as a pattern for the final product in leather with glue and stitching once all the bugs are worked out.

Don't be so hard on yourself, it will then out good. You do seem to have a lot of bits though, is.there going to be dividers in it?
Anything I Make tends to start life as something else first, or just remains in bits in the shed.

Originally Posted by earcutter

LOL Mick - don't be too surprised if not to many of us post pics of ours... I mean I am not positive, but I am rather sure that most of us don't make our own bags - if we even carry bags at all. I might be proven wrong .

BUT - that doesn't take away from the fact that what your doing is bad-@$$! Good on you! What size is this thing going to be?

The main body of I will be around 12.5" x12.5" but the lid is 2" overhang on each side with the idea to keep the bulk of bad weather out. So the largest bit you see is the back and the fold over lid of the bag. The opening will be about 5.5".

Originally Posted by Euclid440

I have been thinking of making my own tool bags for some specialty application, like a car tool kit for a classic car, carrying more than a socket set and wrenches.

I too tend to over think these things a bit. I have made leather holsters for special applications and found making prototypes from paper or poster board with glue is a great way to tune the design, Tyvek is great for this and can be sewed.

I then remake in fabric, denim or canvas with fabric glue or sew to test for fit and actual used.

Disassemble and use as a pattern for the final product in leather with glue and stitching once all the bugs are worked out.

And I thought I made things into hard work! I've made a holster or two before as well, but more knife sheathes and whips than anything else.

Originally Posted by edhewitt

Don't be so hard on yourself, it will then out good. You do seem to have a lot of bits though, is.there going to be dividers in it?
Anything I Make tends to start life as something else first, or just remains in bits in the shed.

The second square down is going to be sewn direct to the 'square' above it to make a 'folder' for loose papers (the 'square' starts 2" above the wide bit that forms the overhang of the lid). The large rolled up bit is the sides and base strip, that will come up approx. 4" higher on both sides to fold in under the lid (weather fastness), the next square down is the front of the bag which will have large pocket with lid on it (the next pieces down again) with an opening of approx. 2.5".

Back up to the top and on both sides we have the pieces for the shoulder strap, and the side pockets which should have a finished size of 4" wide x 5" tall and an opening of approx 2". Also with lids. Lids for pockets are approx. 1/4 " wider than the finished pockets. All fasteners are strap and buckle. There is also going to be a clip on the inside for keys.
The front of the rear inside piece may also be where I put a pouches for Leatherman and folding knife (or two). I will most likely put a pouch on the side of the main front pocket for a 2xAA Maglite. If I decide to also add a fixed blade sheath it will be put directly on the outside back of the pouch, but I think it would not see much use where I live and travel around, so it might dropped as wasted effort. If I'm anywhere where I need a sheath knife, I will have one on my belt. There! Decision made! No sheath on back!


Mick

Mick, you gotta make an American version with a gun retainer inside.

You know John, I gave that some serious thought when I started planning to do this thing. I even said to a mate that I would slap a holster on the back of this thing, if it wasn't so damn impractical in this country. My original ideas came from the 'Possibles' bags used in the days of black powder. And it wasn't unknown to have a knife on the shoulder strap or back of the bag along with a spare pistol.
Right now I'm adding some pouches on the inside rear for a Leatheman, Bic lighter, monocular, lock knife, small diamond hone and maybe even a magnesium block/striker. Once I've got them in, I can put a few of the major components together and then sort out the straps etc. I want to finish it through this coming week, but I think I might run out of time. I have friends coming to visit. Going to try though.


Mick

I must be losing it or to many bears already I was looking at the picture and thinking progressive photo of cut bits etc LOL
I have been contemplating a Roo skin travel pouch/bag of some sort for a razor and form of strop as the roo is so thin and subtle anticipating the progress
The son inlaw is a dilly bager so may like something like it
Cheers D

Maybe some type of slot on the outside that a small water bottle could slide into or can of brew.

Originally Posted by Substance

I must be losing it or to many bears already I was looking at the picture and thinking progressive photo of cut bits etc LOL
I have been contemplating a Roo skin travel pouch/bag of some sort for a razor and form of strop as the roo is so thin and subtle anticipating the progress
The son inlaw is a dilly bager so may like something like it
Cheers D

I have a design of my own along the lines of a shaving pack in 'roo hide. I'll get around to it one of these days. It should be unique, but only making a testing will tell if it's functional.
Anyway, I'm burning daylight and smoko is over. Back to work.


Mick