Make a Tote! Nail it On the First Try With This Process

In this video, we will build a basic leather tote bag from start to finish (all the steps are broken into chapters below), hopefully answering many of your questions along the way! First, we'll talk about choosing the right leather and where to cut it from your hide. Then we'll look at all the tools I use and tricks I've learned to make an excellent leather bag. As always, THANK YOU for watching. I would love to hear from you if you've found this helpful or if you have more questions I didn't answer!
Cheers!
Tanner
If you're shopping for high quality leather for your bag, check out these amazing Italian hides from Buckle Guy! bit.ly/3daoqCC (Buckle Guy is an affiliate partner)
I also love to hunt for bargains at Maverick Leather. They sell seconds and overstock and you can often find some great stuff there! Not an affiliate partner :)
0:00 Intro
0:31 The Pattern (see previous video: • Perfect Tote Pattern E... )
0:57 Leather Selection
1:53 Parts of the Hide
4:43 Transferring the Pattern to Leather
7:17 Cutting it Out
8:01 Making Leather "Washers" for the Rivets
8:22 Skiving to Reduce Seam Bulk
10:13 Create Your Strap "End" Shape
11:13 Burnish Edges of Handles
11:52 Sewing Logo Patch and Rolled Edge
13:46 Sewing Vertical Seams (with Binder Clips)
14:21 The "Notch" Trick for the Gusset
15:49 Sewing the Bottom Gusset
16:36 The Flip
17:39 Attach Handles with Copper Rivets (see rivet video: • In a Minute: Setting a... )
18:14 The Finished Tote (Leather vs. Ikea)
18:55 Closing Gratitude and Challenge

[@jasongraham4066]

I've watched easily over 100 leathercraft videos on KZbin and Instagram, and this is the first time I've ever heard anyone explain the quality of the different parts of the side of leather. I've observed through hands-on projects that there were different grain strengths in the same hide, but I really appreciate those few moments you took to explain it more fully. Thank you!

[@hasnainchangi3457]

The beauty lies in the simplicity. Thank you.

[@aaronm8694]

"One of my main goals in making these videos is to make the video that I wish I would have been able to find when I took on a project like this..." Well, you absolutely achieved that Sir. Thank you so much.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, Aaron! Can’t tell you how glad I am to hear that! Thank you so much for watching! Keep in touch! -Tanner

[@matthewkovach3455]

Thanks for teaching not just showing.

[@damasydia]

Hands down one of the best leather working videos on KZbin

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Oh man, thank you! I am so glad you found it to be valuable! Happy crafting! -Tanner

[@chrisw6627]

You are doing a good job of describing the necessary but often overlooked or avoided aspects of builds by other videos. The pattern making and ‘granular’ steps are the most difficult to learn. Much appreciated.

[@dbirdez]

Plan "B" should be get a heater 🤣🤣🤣🤣, Love your videos , one of the first I saw starting out a few years ago . Thanks

[@joseperezgonzalez7092]

Yours are my favorite leathercraft videos…👍🏻

[@ezra4257]

It took me FOREVER… to figure out how the heck to construct the corner. THANK YOU for this Notch.

[@jeffschutte8497]

Great video! I’d like to contribute one thing I’ve learned, when flipping a pull up leather bag as you mentioned, you can easily level out the color again with a heat gun. My 2 cents. Thanks for doing these!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Absolutely-- I definitely employ the heat gun when the pull up gets a little wild! Thanks for sharing!

[@Thea_MojaveOutliersWhipmakers]

@@ClaridgeLeather Oooh! I little vid on THAT would be lovely!

[@erinvese6741]

Glad to know this! Thanks for sharing.

[@DiversifiedMachinist]

Thanks, Jeff. 👍🏿

[@marksmit4134]

Thanks a lot for these videos! You are an awesome teacher! Shoutout from South Africa.

[@Automedon2]

If you glue and flatten your seams you get a neat looking seam

[@requetedesantafe]

Thanks, you are the kind of decent and hard working Northamericans, the world needs.

[@leatherbydragonfly]

Great video Tanner. Patrick here I prefer to use a utility knife that I have sharpened on diamond stone and strop. 👍 I have a old cylindrical table leg I used to help push the the totes right side out

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Amazing how nice a regular utility knife can be when it's kept sharp. I need to find a "helper" for the flip! Cheers, friends! Thanks again for watching!

[@RageNaught]

I wish I would’ve found this video before I started. Really would save me lot of time and money. Cheers.

[@grahamjamieson7752]

Have you done a video on how you made the apron?

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Not yet! 😀

[@Lilgyrlie1]

@@ClaridgeLeather Mr> Tanner I love your apron and I was wondering if you made yours? If so you really should make a video on how to make it!

[@threecrosses9988]

Your videos are extremely helpful. Just finished a tote bag for my daughter for CHRISTmas…. Yea, no sewing machine. It took a few days… have a blessed CHRISTmas!!!!!!! You have some of the best videos on KZbin explains how to do projects…

[@philistineau]

My wife wants a two tone bag. I’m going to start small!

[@fabrictwist9180]

Thank you for this excellent video. The notch in the seem was a much needed tip

[@sandraportugal1]

Awesome. Kisses from Portugal🇵🇹

[@sjw1891]

They all as nice as you there in Montana? Thank you for your teachings and let me know if you have a single brother! hah.

[@jrhodes3216]

This was awesome and inspiring! Thank you!

[@barbtatham]

Love this build

[@DK-wx8bq]

Excellent. Thank you!

[@406Montana]

I love to get brands... me, I'd put the brand on one of the sides.. makes a very unique piece.. I've make a bunch of totes and fell over when you showed us the notch.. great tip Tanner.. I'll be doing it from now on... thanks for another great video

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks for watching, Dan! I'm a fan of the brands as well! Cheers!

[@ericp726]

Great video. Thank you.

[@dirkseitz3431]

I can’t wait to make this bag. Thanks

[@nancyjones3239]

Thank you! Great video. And easy to watch and follow

[@danpost4755]

Great project! Thanks for posting it!

[@benny-reebezuidenhout2976]

Awesome content. Well presented.

[@paulayounkin4574]

Loved your video!

[@MakingwithMarilyn]

Great video!!! Getting closer to doing my own bag now.

[@destinationunknown1718]

Thank you for ur time and info, definitely learnt alot.

[@supersean325]

Fantastic explanation!! Good video!!

[@AlexMacDIY]

These are one of those videos where Ive watched 100 before it, felt about 60% confident and then once I saw this was 100% ready to try it out. Thanks so much for making such a great video that it pushes people over the edge of discomfort and into the realm of DOING. Youre the man!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, Alex! I am so glad to hear it! Keep up the great work yourself!

[@gypsycruiser]

Absolutely very educational video: so much knowledge being shared, thank you 🙏🏼

[@surferboy8]

Thank you so much for this video ;)

[@jerryperkins7634]

Thank you. I've learned so much from your videos.

[@Stang94Red]

Thank you for making this. So helpful

[@ClaridgeLeather]

You’re so welcome! Glad you found it helpful!

[@thesoodster1880]

So glad I found your channel

[@danbarry7300]

Great video!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Dan! I appreciate you watching!

[@rebekahkui]

Thank you for going into detail about the side of the hide and the characteristics on each part. I’m really enjoying your videos, great content!

[@L1mechanicstc]

love it. thank you. It's my next project

[@finterjohnston7882]

Very good information, thank you. Love your presentation style. I recognize your joy and I know where it comes from. :)

[@brendaeves3236]

Super clear video, thank you

[@brianmarshall7214]

Hi, thank you so much for sharing your experience as knowledge with us😊!

[@ronpeterson9055]

Thank you done very well.

[@mikesirois3362]

Great ideas and advice throughout! Happy new year!

[@2471daj]

Great video 👍👍

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks for watching, Daniel!

[@robertdikes8285]

Great Job! Very nice! Great info!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching, Robert!

[@lolamoreno6385]

Beautiful

[@wiccanwarrior9]

Excellent video my friend. You made this very easy to follow. Thanks for posting.

[@JimRodgers]

Nice bag. I really appreciate your tips and sharing your process. Much appreciated.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

So glad you find it helpful! Thanks for watching, Jim!

[@walteraustin6308]

This was another awesome video.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Walter!!!

[@budaskitchen]

Thank you

[@dwightpennington1925]

I very much enjoyed!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Glad you enjoyed it, Dwight! Thank you for watching!

[@ApostolicGrandma]

Ha!! love the notch trick. thank you for explaining that. I have only seen 1 other leather person do that on video and they didnt explain it. I have broken needles trying to sew over the seams.

[@CeCeW520]

Great videos! Thanks for sharing, Love your instructional style and can't wait to see more. I would love to see a recessed zipper and also how to add a gusseted pocket.

[@grahamjamieson7752]

Nice work mate

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, Graham! I appreciate you watching!

[@ranhil3380]

Thanks for the gusset notch tip. Will definitely try that on the next bag. Great video and the table of contents with time stamps is most helpful.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Great! So glad it was helpful for you! I am a fan of the time stamps in other people's videos-- glad you like them here!

[@a.g.leather71]

Thank you so much for sharing your tips and trick to make that beautiful tote. You made everything easy.

[@jules2713]

Thanks for this! Definitely upped my confidence!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Awesome!! You got this! Hope it goes great!

[@christianmatchett1442]

That notch detail is a fantastic tip. I’d made a handful of totes before seeing your video, and now four after. Especially since I’m not skiving my edges, the notch really makes hand sewing the bottom easier! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Glad it was helpful, Christian! Thank you for watching!

[@sarahfichuk6904]

Great video! Love it

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Sarah!

[@rpfann1413]

Thank you for the video! I appreciate you taking the time to explain the hide, tools etc for people just starting out. I just purchased a juki 1541s and can't wait to pay around with it. Would love a sciver one day.

[@cnn.2509]

Beautiful work my friend

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you so much, Jierum! 🙏🏼

[@lucasmurphy5407]

Worked beautifully thanks Tanner 😁

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Awesome!! I love to hear it! Thank you for giving the process a try!

[@robertdrago8258]

Great video! Editing opinion; when you use the smooth jazz in the background, always go with some slow-mo shots haha

[@ClaridgeLeather]

😂 point taken! 🙏🏼

[@heddita1]

Good explanation…thank you for sharing ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ClaridgeLeather]

My pleasure! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@FrankTranDesign]

I love everything about this video. Thanks for sharing the entire process

[@ClaridgeLeather]

You are so welcome! Thank you!!

[@brittpeters4673]

I really appreciate how in depth you explain! Thank you for the great tips! I’d like to make my first tote so I’m definitely going to be rewatching this video a few times lol God bless and keep up the amazing content!

[@carlosecabezas]

Beautiful work my friend, Thank you So much for staying teaching in the cold shop. Blessings!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, Carlos! It was worth it... 😅 Blessings to you!

[@1966miket]

You have a great channel. It's always an Education. Thanks for all the hard work. I'm just starting out, having learnt so much from you, and a few other KZbin leather workers.

[@johnhull2941]

simple but effective thank you for sharing just found you and glad i did cant wait to see more hallo from ireland

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Hi John- welcome! I’m glad you found the channel as well! Hope I can be of help to you in the future! Cheers from Montana, USA!

[@sebastienducret5850]

Great and nice presentation ! I appreciate the way you talk and present things ... nice work and nice teaching. Thank you and keep it that way !

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, Sebastien! That means so much. I am so glad you found value in it, and I look forward to what’s ahead. Do you make bags?

[@dgibraltar]

I absolutely love your vids. You are so thorough. You strike me as being a really humble person. Thank you for another fantastic vid.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Wow, thank you, my friend. That means a ton! I am so glad you're here!

[@rubricsuxi]

Thanks for putting up with the cold to show how you make a bag. If you're looking for topics to cover in the future, I would like to learn how to sharpen and use a Japanese skiving knife. I like the way you teach. Stay warm, agape.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks again for watching! I'm thawed out now, finally. Would love to discuss those knives in the future-- thanks for that idea!

[@Yellow00TypeR]

Excellent video Tanner! I always enjoy watching the process of other crafters. I am currently building another tote bag myself. I'll have to try that notch trick when I sew up the gusset. Looking forward to more videos from you. Thanks.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Excellent! I would love to hear how that notch works for you in your next bag. Thanks for watching, Patrick!

[@ericgruettner4855]

Great video and beautiful end product. Bit more than I’m ready to take on at the moment but every small project is a step further.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

That's what it's all about! Building skills one at a time... Thanks for watching, Eric!

[@dottithompson3148]

thank you! very helpful...i like that you explain every step...im just learning and was looking to make a tote and so happy to find this...yay

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Hooray!! Can’t wait to hear about what you make! Have fun! -Tanner

[@treylu1541]

you are a good man

[@KhemBuzzDesigns]

Nice work. I enjoy making bags and I as well teach bag making. You are doing a great job here

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you!

[@AcapRoseknightDrummer]

Saw this video last year. And it took me a year to create my own totebag template. Thanks for guidance Tanner!!! Please make more guide like this ❤❤❤❤

[@gergemall]

Thanks

[@franciscorodriguez-cs9ur]

Your videos are so helpful and very well explained, easy to understand. I would love to see how you made your apron. Can you please share that with us.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you! Yes, I would love to make an apron video soon!

[@YourPetDinosaur]

Sweet workshop, chill presentation. This has potential to be another great leatherworking channel!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Jackie! I appreciate you checking this out- I look forward to making lots more videos! Always feel free to let me know if you have specific things you’d like to learn! Cheers!

[@lukemurray89]

Excellent...... inspired me to make one myself.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

I love it! So glad you found some inspiration, Luke! Enjoy the process! -Tanner

[@brabus4]

Great project and fantastic channel. Everything really well explained, thanks buddy. All the best from bonnie Scotland. 👍

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks for being here, Andy! I appreciate your kind words. All the best from Montana, USA! 🤜🤛

[@GABBYGAVY]

I found this video and your channel this morning. The video is concise and informative with key features easily displayed. Is there a video on notion selection?

[@compassfibersboutiquebouti4309]

Looking forward to trying your bag video; graduating from fabric and cork leather bags to tackling a simple approach to sewing leather mainly with my Juki 1541s, as my hands are not that strong. Maybe a little hand stitching can be learned too, if I get motivated! Love this bag and the simple rivets! Thank you for sharing this video.

[@walternoteboom376]

Very nice

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, my friend!

[@dag36523]

Washer backups great tip! Learned about you on Don’ “Lost Trades” podcast!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Very cool! That was such a fun conversation with Don. Thanks for stopping by- stay in touch!

[@scottkarr3517]

Great video. Its inspired me to to try one. Think I'll make a mini version for my niece. Stay warm!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Cool! Have fun with that project! She'll love it!

[@DaveBeattie1]

Phenomenal video, I've seen a lot of 'how to' tutorials but this is far and away my favourite and I am looking forward to making my next tote bag using your videos as inspiration, thank you

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Awesome, thank you! I hope that next bag goes great, Dave!

[@vinmel4]

Thankyou

[@davidhumphrey1922]

Wish I would have found you earlier on my learning curve. You are very good at description and being direct is a novel idea it seems. Thanks I will watch the history then ring the bell for the future.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, David! I am so glad you are here and finding value in the videos. I always try to make the videos I wish I would have had when I was learning, so I really hope I can do that for you! Shortening that learning curve is what I’m all about. Thank you so much for watching. What kind of content would be most helpful to you in the future? (Okay to be specific!) 🙏🏼-Tanner

[@jinutomy4863]

Great video, thankyou love from india

[@williamsnelling3544]

I have learned something new, clipping the seam line on the turn. I will definitely use this method from now on. Thank you.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Cool! Glad that tip was helpful for you! Cheers!

[@mikekratz39]

Great video! You are doing a great job explaining and the previous "How to Design a bag" video is the first I've seen on this subject. Hats off to you and I hope you continue to make these quality videos. I am just starting leather craft and making a tote bag is next on my list.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Hey Mike! Thank you! Have you had the chance to make that bag yet?

[@mikekratz39]

@@ClaridgeLeather Not yet, my wife wanted a zippered purse so I just finished that.

[@scotclark2983]

Just a beginner and looking to make a totem bag and your videos have really been great.👍😎🇺🇸

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Nice, Scot! I hope you give it a try! It’s kind of intimidating, for sure, but I know you’ll be so happy with the result!