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.

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.