I started worked on this bucket bag for a Christmas present. Saffiano on the exterior, Epsom on the interior. Both are about 1,4mm (should’ve had the interior split, I know).
Now that the body is done minus a couple stitches on one side, tested the cinching with the threaded leather and the shape is totally wrong. The top should be closing inward, not pressing outward.
I believe the issue is that leather is too thick and perhaps too rigid, which is causing it to take on the shape it does when the cord is pulled tight.
@philipjury and others: Is there any way of saving this or should I cut my losses and start over with thinner, more malleable leather? I even took the grommets out to see if that was the issue, but the bag took on the same shape even without the grommets.
Any advice, insight, help would be appreciated. thanks!
Its ACC 137 - Hermes Licol. Very good plans - I've made 2 of them now - same leather but different colours. I didnt change the plans at all. A couple of points:
There is a lot of inside sewing. Quite diffuclt for me to maintain accuracy.
the handle hardware - attaching handle to bag - wasnt brilliant for me. Quite possibly me but I dont think so.
I recently made this bag for my wife. The leather is Saffiano with a batik fabric interior. I have to say that, although it is stiff to close (by pulling the drawstring) it is getting easier as it is used more. Obviously quite stiff leather but it was the style that the better half wanted.
I got this pattern - and many others - from Leathercraftpattern.com) . I have to say that every single one so far has been good. The hardware they supply is up there alongside the very best that I have seen available.
@alex.masica I would probably add some simple straps as a handle and turn it into a tote. The grommets add decoration, perhaps weave a strip of contrast leather in and out the holes.
You have nailed the issue, saffiano is just not the right choice for this design in my opinion. A soft almost garment like leather with a soft reinforcement - even a suede glued in lining would work.
the leather is definitely too thick and the large grommets are also making the top of the bag even more stiff, salvage the bag by adding a zippered closure and leave the grommets as a decoration, It's a real nice bag, good luck