Leather satchel/messenger bag from 1 piece of full grain leather, no stitching

[marcelslot]

Hi all

I have been thinking about making a leather satchel/messenger bag for some time. Wanted to try a design from one piece of thick, full grain leather, without stitching or metal hardware. In my experience the stitching and rivets are always weak spots. So, in the bag in the pictures you can see what was the result. The satchel came out fine I think, and actually is quite a multipurpose bag in my view. It even fits my laptop and some office stuff so besides for taking it ootdoors for hiking or in travel, I could even use it for going to work..

Finished it with 3 coats of carnauba cream. I'm actually very happy with how this turned out. After this bag I made another one, died dark brown and rotated the desing 90 degrees, so horizontal. Will post pictures of the second bag later.

The design is actually sort of an origami style leather puzzle .. it's very sturdy and I have the idea this bag will last forever.. It's actually not very difficult to make with minimum tooling. However, it does require quite some precision in cutting.

In case of any questions, drop me a line.

Let me know what you think?

Be well,
Marcel

[Knotty]

Looks incredibly nice. I would acually use it to go to school 😉  nice!

[Pat B]

Excellent work, Marcel. I love leather work also and try not to use metal hardware but I do saddle stitch.

[Ruddy Darter]

That is really nice, great design  .

 Ruddy.

[Wolf Watcher]

Very nice and excellent quality of workman's ship.  Would really like to see your pattern as it would really make a wonderful Xmas gift for my family members.  Thanks for posting! Joe

[jeffhalfrack]

X 2 on that pattern

[Aaron H]

Top quality craftsmanship

[Zuma]

Quite niffty
I was wondering about the flap.
Does it have to be so big?
Is it that big for conforming the look (lines)
or the need to keep the satchel closed.
Zuma

[marcelslot]

Hi all

Thanks for the positive feedback. For the questions on the design or template: I don't have a template .. had it drawn on paper as a sketch in small format.
I did make a second version, but then horizontal. And dyed the leather brown this time. See the pictures attached.

I believe that maybe from the pictures you guys can figure out the design by yourself, it isn't very complicated. I will draw a basic shape of the leather and upload it without measurements. At least then the basic design will be clear.

@Zuma: the flap size.. it is big isn't it? No functional reason. Guess I was influenced by designs of classic 'messenger bags' which tend to have large flaps.. I think it suits the design.

Let me know what you think of the second bag on the additional pictures.

Be well,
Marcel

[Knotty]

Ok, I want that second one 😍😁

[marcelslot]

OK, here's a try for the design... it's a pdf file, hope this works. Otherwise I'll post a picture instead.

Have fun.

[Ruddy Darter]

They really do look great, it's a design that can be utilised for different shaped bags too. I suggest the big flap is a bonus for extra protection for a laptop etc.,  thanks for showing. 
(I got some thick hide laying around, might try for a sports satchel variant  )

Ruddy.

[marcelslot]

Thanks Ruddy. Indeed, basic principles and design can be used for different shapes/sorts/sizes.
Next up: Backpack. Already made a small 'fashionable' type for my daughter. Was a good excercise to get the right design for a backpack.
Next step: 2-3 x the size and I'll have a gooyd leather backpack for hiking.

Be well,
Marcel

[Zuma]

The dyed leather would be my choice
Very rich looking, flap and all
Well done.
Zuma

[Aaron H]

That's too cool, thanks for the pdf too.