Want to use leather in your project? No problem! Learn how to work with leather and sew a messenger bag from start to finish with this project tutorial by Russell Conte of Sewp Box Productions. Download the printable instructions [here](http://(http://babylock.com/resources/8353/download).

Be sure to check out the bonus video class featuring this project here.

Materials:

• Madeira Polyester Thread
• 4 Rectangle Rings - internal width 1 1/4"
• Klasse Leather Sewing Machine Needles - Size 100
• Collins Wonder Tape
• Micron Pen
• Rotary Cutter
• Ruler
• Cutting Mat
• Gingher 5" Craft Scissors or similar style
• Harness Hammer
• Sleeve Board
• Stiletto
• Wonder Clips
• Brayer
• Basic sewing supplies

Tools:

• Baby Lock Sewing and Quilting Machine

Steps:

1. Exterior Leather Requirements: Leather thickness: 2 ounces maxiumum - thickness of a dime

   1. Front (1): 12 3/8" x 10 3/4"

   2. Back (1): 12 3/8" x 10 3/4"

   3. Gusset (1): 3 1/2" x 34"

   4. Flap (1): 10" x 14"

   5. Strap (1): 1 1/4" x 36"

   6. Flap Keeper (1): 1 1/2" x 11"

   7. Rectangle Ring Keeper (2): 1 1/4" x 4"

2. Interior Leather Requirements

   Leather thickness: 1 1/2 ounces maximum

   1. Front (1): 12" x 10 5/8"

   2. Back (1): 12" x 10 5/8"

   3. Gusset (1): 3 7/16" x 33 1/4"

   4. Flap (1): 10 1/4" x 14 1/4"

   5. Strap (1): 1 1/2" x 36 1/4"

   6. Pocket (1): 8" x 8"

3. Before You Get Started:

   1. increase stitch length: 3 to 3 1/2

   2. Seam allowances: 3/8"

4. Cut Pattern Pieces

5. Make 8” slice in Exterior Back, centered 2 1/2” from upper edge.

6. Cut two 3” long x 1” wide triangles from opposing edges of back of Exterior Flap.

7. Tape Exterior Flap to Interior Flap.

   1. Topstitch 1/8” from all edges.

   2. Trim Interior Flap to to to match Exterior Flap.

8. Tape insertion edge of Exterior Flap.

   1. Insert into 8” slice in Exterior Back 1/2”.

   2. Topstitch 1/8” above and below insertion.

9. Make two 1 1/2” slices in Exterior Gusset, centered 2 1/2” from each end.

10. Place two 1 1/4” rectangle rings on each rectangle ring keeper.

    1. Fold ring keeper ends together, one extended 1/2” beyond the other. Stitch together.

11. Insert into 1 1/2” slices in Gusset 1/2” deep.

    1. Topstitch 1/8” below insertions.

12. Place Flap Keeper 4” from upper edge of Exterior Front.

    1. Stitch to both sides 1/8”.

13. Mark Exterior Gusset 12” from each end.

    1. Make 3/8” clips at these points.

14. Place interior pocket centered to back lining and 1” from bottom edge.

15. Tape Front Exterior to Exterior Gusset. Sew 3/8”

16. Tape Back Exterior to Exterior Gusset. Sew 3/8”.

17. Tape edges.

    1. With brayer, press edges open.

    2. Turn face out.

    3. Hammer edges

18. Mark Interior Gusset 11 5/8” from each end.

    1. Make 3/8” clips at these points.

19. Tape Front Interior to Interior Gusset.

    1. Sew 3/8”.

20. Tape Back Interior to Interior Gusset.

    1. Sew 3/8”.

21. Tape edges.

    1. With brayer, press edges open.

22. Tape upper edge of lining.

23. Place lining inside bag, aligning upper edge with exterior.

    1. Topstitch 1/8” from edge.

24. Tape Exterior Strap.

    1. Align with Interior Strap.

    2. Topstitch 1/8” from all edges.

    3. Trim Interior Strap to match Exterior Strap.

25. Thread Strap.