Duffel Bag process

I wanted to share a little information on how I make a product. For this project, I will use the example of how I came up with and made a duffel bag.

I was recently asked to make a duffel bag. As soon as I was asked, I was very interested since it was something I have been wanting to make for myself. I have had a duffel bag I got from my father for years, and I loved the bag. Recently it went missing so I had thought about making one out of leather, but I had put it off for another day. Luckily once I got this request I was able to explore it more.

Whenever I start a new project, I ask questions about what type of leather, color and hardware the customer wants. Then I will research what ever it is I am making, in this case, a duffel bag. So I googled "leather duffel bag" and saw some examples of what I liked. Usually what I look for at first is over all appearance, then I research details like zippers, handles, straps, d-ring connector, slide, etc. We decided on antique brass hardware and a Venetian Upholstery leather.

Next thing I do, is draw it. This helps me get the image out of my head and on paper so I can analyze the design more in depth. I will draw it a couple of times until I'm satisfied, and from a couple of different angles and try to think of any details I might have forgotten or might come up while building it.

Detail on how the strap will go around the ring and be stitched to the bag.

Adjusting measurements and making a list of hardware.

After figuring out the details and materials needed, I listed all the steps I would need to take to build the bag. This helps me visualize the construction of the bag, and think of anything I missed. Since this was my first bag and the materials were costly, I wanted to make sure I did this right the first time.

Once I had the design down, I drew out all the pieces I would need and cut them out. You can tell there was no room for error, there was barely any left over leather.

Like all of my products, this was 100% hand stitched.

Double sided shoulder straps glued and hand stitched

Bag handles stitched and ready to be attached

Shoulder strap details.

Bag handles attached

And here it is all finished up. I learned a few lessons and had to make a few modifications in the construction, but  I am very happy with how it turned out overall. The customer was happy as well. .........And I decided to make one for myself along with a matching toiletry bag

Thanks for reading

Cheers,

Adam