Leather Handbag

Towards the end of my year at university I visited a mill shop called Texere Yarns. The shop sells every yarn you can think of as well as basic tools such as crochet hooks and material specific books. Whilst I was there I picked up a sample of muted yellow leather for five pounds. I decided I would attempt to handmake a handbag. I decided on a pouch shape with a short handle and began preparing for the process by creating a paper template and maquette.

After creating a successful paper maquette I cut out my pattern in the leather and began sewing the base and body together. I had to make sure I made my pattern correctly so that I had enough material to fold in some darts.

My next task was to sew the handle together. The handle was created using a long strip of leather where I folded both sides into the middle then all in half to create a seamless edge. This meant that the handle was now four times thicker than before folded... and the sewing machine didn't like it! I struggled to get the machine going with the pedal and therefore resorted to using the wheel on the right and turning it by hand so I had more control. I also had problems with my thread breaking and puckering due to the leathers' thickness. I was relieved when I finally completed the handle and took it off the machine however I noticed that the sewing machine had created some damage where the teeth had been pushing it through. I also noticed there was a curve to the entire length where the stitching had stretched the leather.

After the tedious task of sewing the handle I started thinking about how I was going to sew the drawstring. I have decided that the same technique of folding should be applied but with strong glue instead of stitching.

I next began thinking about my base. I was worried that once items were placed in the bag it would distort the shape and pull downwards. I didn't want to put a solid base in as this would stray away from the slouchy quality of the pouch. Instead I decided to use simple cardboard and softened it by crumpling it.

Now I had a successful base, I began thinking about the interior. I wanted to use a lining fabric, but it had to both look nice and be suitable in the sense that items would not catch or snag on it. I chose this cream fabric as it is designed for lining but has a nice smooth and slightly shiny finish.

And that's as far as I've got! I will post more photos as I complete it. Any comments appreciated!