I follow a couple non-leather related forums that include build along threads. They typically start at the beginning of a project and show the decisions, steps, good/bad, etc. I thought it might be interesting to try a build along thread here and see how it works.
I‘m making myself a duffle bag. My goal is to make something rustic and not too serious. Below is my pattern and build notes. It is a little scary to see my scribbles and thoughts out there for all to see. All measurements are metric and usually in centimeters. Here are some of the specifics for this bag: leather is S.B. Foot about 2.5 mm thick and has great pull-up. Thread is dark brown, Vinymo #5 (about .6 mm). Thread and leather from District Leather Supply. D-rings are actually 1.25 inches not 1 inch as per plan. I wanted something a little more rugged so went with bigger hardware. Zipper will be a #10 size.
I‘m going to try a different method for attaching the end gussets. I’m not sure what it is called but the ends are attached to another piece and the trim piece is sewn to the body. I should get to this within the next day or so and will post more pictures.
Happy to answer questions. Love to hear any ideas.
Terry
looks great, nice job.
So nice! How did you calculate the circumference of the gussets?
Final gusset stitched in and edges dyed. Basic bag is done. I need to do a little touch up cleaning and checking it over. Also adding a luggage tag tomorrow.
A couple of small snags today to work through. I made a basic turned seam duffle last fall. I used the same pattern for the end gussets for this duffle. The body dimensions worked great. I calculated and measured circumference around body I was right on 84 cm. Love it when calculated and actual are the same. The end gusset has a circumference of 84 cm. I was feeling good until I tried to dry fit the body, welt and gusset. The welt was not part of my calculations and added an additional thickness. So to fix the problem I trimmed 5 mm from the edge of the gusset. Everything fit perfect.
Sewed welt to gusset. Glued welt/gusset to body. Fit perfect. Then my other small snag happened. Easy to mark stitch line. Punching holes was tricky. There wasn’t a good way to lay the piece down. I wrestled it around and used a 2x4 block to support the backside. It was pretty but it worked. In hindsight I should have marked holes when body was flat and used an awl to make holes.
If all goes well, I’ll finish this tomorrow!
Finished stitching straps and handles. Measured, cut and stitched zipper. I‘m using a #10 zipper, so teeth are 10 mm wide. I left 5 mm of tape on each side. Total zipper width is 20 mm.
I was happy with today’s progress. Zipper went together easily. When I measured distance around body the actual and calculated where the same, 84 cm.
Looking great so far Terry! Will be glad to see you progressing with this.
Are you talking about a 'welt' for attaching the gussets at the end?
very interesting! Eager to see how this goes