Making a fully lined leather handbag - full build with PDF template!

Follow the build process as I make this lady's handbag (or satchel / shoulder bag) in fully lined 2,6mm vegtan top-grain leather (1,4 and 1,2mm leathers).
Download the template here: bit.ly/3CRkjJb or become a premium Patron to unlock all my PDF templates here patreon.com/LeFrenchCrafter
Leatherwork starter kit : bit.ly/3vMoC5h
Vegtan leather: bit.ly/3oEWFbu
LOXX closing mechanism: bit.ly/3BsJmCI
Utility knife: bit.ly/3ODUPlz
Strap cutter: bit.ly/3baECXD
Metal ruler: bit.ly/3znnl5E
Saddler's needles: bit.ly/3cEkzRw
Cutting mat: bit.ly/3cPxkZR
Stitching chisel: bit.ly/3bckwfq
Mallet: bit.ly/3zQaZEB
Exotic wood slicker: bit.ly/3barcuM
Edge beveler: bit.ly/3Saj26g
Thread pack: bit.ly/3PHB3qB
Fiebing's Pro Dye: bit.ly/3binI9h
Skiving knife: bit.ly/3ziSxTg
Cotton gloves: amzn.to/3eQnxzz
Alcohol burner: amzn.to/3OHZ9QX
Stitch groover: bit.ly/3oFl0hc
Tokonole: bit.ly/3Jef1cF
Thread zap: bit.ly/3OIY5Mw
Saphir renovateur: amzn.to/3zkAxI6
Saddle soap: bit.ly/3zf0N6Q
Leather protection cream: bit.ly/3vo7x19
Revolving punch: bit.ly/3BH9yJZ
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I make leather products in my spare time, mostly bags, backpacks and small items like wallets and card-holders. I am still learning a ton every time I take on a new project and always appreciate feedback on my creations.a
For the moment I don't take orders as I like to spend too many hours getting the finished product as good as I can : this means that if I were to sell these bags, the selling price would be way more than the bags are worth due to the hours of work involved.
As always, do let me know what you think of this creation and this video. If you have any tips or comments about the techniques used, please let me know by dropping a comment below this video :)

[@Blinkerd00d]

I used your video as a guide to make my wife one, and I modified it a little with 2 pockets on the inside back and a few other minor changes, but it turned out AMAZING. I jokingly told my wife I'll never be able to pull that off again, so she can't mess it up or anything lol thanks for your help!!

[@JamesBerry]

Hahah that's really cool! Thanks for sharing this with us and so glad to hear your wife likes it :D

[@gypsycruiser]

What a lovely and warm commentary during the video… which was excellent to watch. Your inner layer adds class to and otherwise exceptional creation. Thank you for releasing this video.

[@trainbobber03]

The bag is beautiful! Thank you for sharing, great tips and insights for sure. Matter of fact, this entire video, instructions included, is a perfect example of how a craftsman is only as good as his tools! Also, your attention to detail is the difference between average and stunning, because we all know attention to detail can't be (and never is) added later! Unfortunately, that's all the clichés I have to offer, unless others would like to chime in below! Point being, it's the little things that make big things happen! Great Job!

[@davidbalchin3921]

Many thanks for a great tutorial James. I now very keen to take my bags to the next level by lining them

[@ladypinkbagsetc.9116]

Beautiful Bag! Thank you so much for sharing this lovely Pattern.

[@jessgodber38]

I love it! it's so pretty in that green!

[@TheOGJAW1942]

Love the video! I didn't realize how straightforward it would be to make a bag like this, I'm gonna try to repeat your process this weekend!

[@JamesBerry]

So pleased you like it! Yeah it's pretty straightforward, that being said you'll want to take your time and be careful with every step. Happy crafting :)

[@FelipeDelPapa]

I’m loving your videos. So well explained, detailed and good tips also. Thanks! Continue the great work!

[@JamesBerry]

Thank you Felipe, so pleased to hear these videos are helpful :)

[@j.christinehandbags2282]

This is a beautiful handbag and I really enjoyed watching your process. Learned some new things, which was my goal. TY.

[@JamesBerry]

Thank you so much Chritstine! I'm very glad I can help others improve in their crafting :)

[@CreateEveryday]

Thank you so much for the time, effort and generosity of sharing! Fabulous video and just what I needed!

[@JamesBerry]

So pleased to hear this helps out!

[@heatherw7634]

What craftsmanship! I love this. I’m absolutely new to leatherwork but have most the tools laying around due to my husband’s knife and leather sheath making. I’m trying my hand at leather purses. I aspire to be as good as you one day. Thanks you for sharing your knowledge and talent with the world. ❤️

[@JamesBerry]

Thank you for the very high praise!! I'm really glad these videos can help and encourage others to try out leatherwork, it's a wonderful hobby to have. I hope you have a great time crafting :)

[@sifisochristianngcobo3610]

Lovely and a beautiful project. Thanks for a tutorial . 🙏

[@paulmartinez9908]

I was hoping to see this build! Thank you again

[@JamesBerry]

Hahah you're welcome Pablo! Glad I'm able to share my work like this :)

[@ejestin]

Sir, you are an artist! The pattern is priced reasonably and you instructions are very good. It is a pleasure to stand on the shoulders of craftsmen like you. Thanks for making it achievable, well-guided and fun.

[@JamesBerry]

Thank you so much for your kind words :) So pleased this can help you in your craft!

[@alicecornelius7449]

Thank you for sharing your expertise. The handbag is beautiful and I love the color.

[@JamesBerry]

Thank you for your kind words, so pleased you enjoyed this :)

[@sheilap7237]

Love this, thank you for the pattern :)

[@cadribomartin4619]

I would appreciate it if I can get more of this educative tutorials as a lover of the leather works. I have learnt a lot. Thanks for sharing.

[@JamesBerry]

Thank you Martin :)

[@silvanabelen2316]

Me encantó su trabajo, es el primer trabajo que veo de usted. Ahora soy una fiel seguidora ♥️♥️♥️

[@SuperCarolyn2009]

Thank you for the pattern. I am new to leather making and look forward to learning more.

[@JamesBerry]

Glad to be able to help! Happy crafting :)

[@mateihp]

I knew watching this video you made it look easy to make this bag! I printed out the template and made one myself, attaching the sides of the bag soo hard to do! Great video and really awesome bag!

[@JamesBerry]

Hahah glad to hear I make it sound easy, means I may be getting good at it ;) Thank you so much for trying out the pattern and build, I really hope you enjoy the result. How easy/hard would you say this project was in the end? Did the video help?

[@MrMixosnow]

T'es vidéos sont vraiment inspirantes, pragmatiques, et motivantes, super boulot bravo

[@jagmortlock]

Super duper nice, well done that man!

[@JamesBerry]

Thank you so much James, glad you like it :)

[@dickreckard]

This video really helped me solve a gusset issue on a project I've been mulling over for a while. Thank you.

[@JamesBerry]

Thanks for your message, I'm really pleased to hear this helped you out :D

[@michaels2208]

The tips that you share throughout the video are almost as important as the tutorial itself. Very nice bag

[@JamesBerry]

Thank you Michael, so glad this helps :)

[@anthonyricchiuti4128]

Outstanding workmanship, you are clearly a perfectionist.

[@JamesBerry]

Hahah thank you so much Anthony :)

[@br31woodlands69]

Very nice, and clear explanation. Thank you for taking time to explain the finer details.

[@JamesBerry]

Glad this could help :)

[@user-qk1zi8rt6e]

Потрясающая работа, браво!

[@kareece7]

This is probably the best tutorial I've come across. It was so fulfilling to watch. How would the process differ for a non leather bag (in terms of lining and stitching/joining up different pieces)?

[@benjaminrodriguezcruz8503]

Hola James Berry, estoy muy agradecido por que compartiste tu trabajo con la comunidad que te sigue, además que tus proyectos son excelentes, de calidad y en general haces un trabajo artesanal, aplicando técnicas que imagino, aprendiste durante mucho tiempo. Muchas gracias y te dejo un gran saludo.

[@JamesBerry]

Thank you very much Benjamin for the nice words :D So pleased you like it!

[@user-wd7cr4ww3p]

I have never dyed the leather myself. I will try it. Thank you very much.

[@JamesBerry]

You're welcome. Have fun crafting!

[@luistrabucco]

Ok I got it, excellent work. Thanks

[@allexcedeno2627]

Excelente explicación muy interesante muchas gracias por compartir sus conocimientos y los tips desde Panamá saludos cordiales 👍👍

[@cetincinar7471]

Super .....Thank you very much for all clear explanations and template , very very good.

[@JamesBerry]

Pleased to be of service!

[@s.v.k.7448]

Beautiful video thank you so much!

[@JamesBerry]

Thank you :)

[@johnfrederick8076]

Nice build! I finally saw how to do a pocket that wasn't flat. I thought it would involve a crazy angle or curve. In hindsight it wasn't that complicated. Thanks!

[@JamesBerry]

Nice, glad that I could help on this front :)

[@JamesBerry]

Download the template here: www.etsy.com/listing/893379246 Check out the tools I use and recommend here: www.amazon.com/shop/jamesberry See what I'm selling on my Etsy shop: etsy.me/2RV4Dwe

[@RosequartzDivination]

WoW 🌼🌸💮 this is a gorgeous bag!

[@JamesBerry]

Thank you so much!

[@joelenechristman1517]

Beautiful ❤️. I do harness repair at the Meadows Racetrack here in PA. I bought the older gentlemen's supplies that did it B4 me. I have loads of leather and trying to learn some techniques. I have an awesome Adler machine that stitches beautifully but like to hand stitch also. Wonderful job!!

[@JamesBerry]

Thanks Joelene, so glad you enjoyed this video :) Lucky you getting to work with old tools that have already seen the hands of a skilled artisan! I have a very small amount of old tools that have been gifted to me and they must be the ones I like most!

[@joelenechristman1517]

Just wanted to add GREEN happens to be my favorite color too!! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@joelenechristman1517]

I LOVE the handle on your ruler too!! Awesome!

[@isychia4947]

This guy is the love interest from this beautiful fantastic

[@lucettegouneaud8653]

Merci pour ce travail magnifique c'est très agreable de voir des gens qui ont encore l'amour du travail bien fait 🤟

[@JamesBerry]

Merci beaucoup Lucette pour ton message :D

[@RanjeetkumarYadav]

This is beautiful

[@JamesBerry]

Thank you :)

[@luistrabucco]

Good job, excelent.

[@Igortxu123]

Un bolso precioso.Ideal para regalar a la amante!!!

[@JamesBerry]

Gracias por tu mensaje :)

[@sylviabrown6127]

Beautiful

[@JamesBerry]

Thank you Sylvia :)

[@addysbeeandgarden320]

Lovely!❤

[@Robert-xp4ii]

Very nice job!

[@JamesBerry]

Thanks Robert !

[@sobeidacastro2339]

Beautiful work Thanks you

[@JamesBerry]

Thank you :)

[@afasmbura1881]

very well done, Thanks for your knowledge

[@JamesBerry]

Glad to share :)

[@user-dv6bj4zj2b]

Super bags. Thanks 👍

[@JamesBerry]

Thank you, glad you like it!

[@EYE139]

Thank you for sharing sir.

[@JamesBerry]

Thank you for your message :)

[@user-mh6rw3vr8x]

Спасибо за ваше познавательное видео пошива сумочки! Очень полезно и познавательно!

[@patriciamakama9561]

Keep up the good work 👏

[@JamesBerry]

Thanks Patricia :)

[@pierafasulo1184]

Sei veramente bravissimo, complimenti !!!!

[@JamesBerry]

Grazie Piera :)

[@nourahmed2983]

Very very beautiful

[@JamesBerry]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you like it :)

[@mat2011]

Thank you pour les sous-titres en français 🙏🏻😀

[@jec8of]

Great bag. Would love to try to make using cork fabric.

[@MikeM100]

Wow. Very nice.

[@JamesBerry]

Thanks Mike :)

[@allanpennington]

You have some advantages of using veg tan that you didn't take advantage of when turning your edges. Use a scratch awl and score the inner side of the turn. Dampen, (not wet) the flesh side of your turn. Place a straight edge along the centre of your turn and use a bone folder to bring the turn up to a right angle and rub along the straight edge with you bone folder. Gently does it, don't stretch the damp leather. Then complete your turn aligning the edge with your marks. Place a weight on it and let it dry. It will stay there and be a nice turn. Glue if you want, but if its caught in a stitched seam you only need a white glue not a heavy contact cement to tac before sewing or no glue at all. Lastly match the depth of your turn to the size of your project, what Im getting at here is proportion. You may have been able to make a slightly deeper turn in this case, personal choice of course, but it would have been even easier to turn. Hope that helps.

[@JamesBerry]

Thanks for the tip, I tried this on my second project after the video and worked really well, though I still used the big cement glue as it's all I have :) I need to practice this a lot and will definitely come back to your comment to get the proper detailed step by step process, thanks!

[@geavanderheide9511]

Beautifful i love it Greet work

[@relaxationtime9987]

Nice pattern thanks for sharing :-)

[@JamesBerry]

Thanks, glad you like it!

[@eliaspolo163]

Me agrada el modelo, lo haré y se lo regalaré a mi esposa. Muy buen gusto.

[@grimtt]

Two things i will spend more $$ on: stitching chisel (w/highly polished tines), and edge bevelers. One thing that upped my game re:stitching is using an arbor press to punch stitching holes. Since i can’tstand over my work the press ensures my holes are straight and true, esp with thinker layers of leather.

[@chrisbrooks3406]

Great video..Ty

[@JamesBerry]

Thanks Chris, glad you like it :)

[@johngalen1602]

wow, wow, Congratulations

[@JamesBerry]

Thank you John :)

[@paulmartinez9908]

also James, Invest in a dremel..i took your advice and invested in some really nice sinabroks pricking irons and definitely don't regret it..but my advice to you is to invest in a dremel to sand your edges much, much more quickly! you can get a cheap rotary online and sand paper...again, thanks for the content brother!

[@JamesBerry]

Thanks for the recommendation Pablo. I already have a dremel with the bits I would need for this but am afraid of making a mistake and taking off more than intended... I think I need to test this method though as I've now seen a few people suggest this. Glad you enjoy the content :)

[@jairdomingosdeoliveirajair8626]

Wonderfull...🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@allanpennington]

As an aesthetic and practical choice I would make the height of the bag front top edge slightly lower. The lid flap will close a little more symmetrically too and the front face of the bag won't get bent over when the bag is closed. That way when open and after some use the front of the bag will still be straight up and down and not creased or bent from being under tension as it is here 17:01 Alternatively put the clasp slightly higher to give the lid a greater arc. Visually from a front view it will look its best when positioned about one third the total height of the bag from the top, (or bottom with a longer flap).

[@JamesBerry]

Thanks, I agree with you on this and have already planned to modify the pattern a bit to achieve this! On this first bag I made the shape of the body a bit rounder than I would have liked on the inside, forcing me to start the stitching of the gussets lower than I would have wanted and resulting in the flap ending higher up than planned. Will amend this in future versions. Thanks again for all the great feedback :)

[@wilfredoramos192]

good tutorial and very good chanel thank

[@JamesBerry]

Glad this helps :) Thanks for your message!

[@amandaschmid3007]

Great tutorial, thanks! Which size are the stitching holes and the awl?

[@eumaeus]

Hello, Eumaeu5 here. You sir are a craftsman of the highest calibre.

[@JamesBerry]

Hello and thank you so much for your lovely message :)

[@slarena3020]

Can't find the adhesive you are using I went your Amazon site can't see.

[@theren8311]

You could tape the inner leather much like you do any paint project, so that your dye does not leak over (under) to the lighter leather.

[@treenie156]

Beautiful work. Where do you get the bag clasps?

[@chrisnixon2179]

Sweet thank yoy

[@JamesBerry]

You're welcome :)

[@khanp2420]

Excellent 😍 can you please link the stitching irons?

[@nobody-bx3pq]

Sorry if it is a silly question, but do you stitch by hand? It looks so even and clean!

[@kasebier8688]

Nice video James. How many millimeters are the Japanese Style Crimson Irons that you used for this project?

[@michaelshea4834]

Wet your leather before turning your edge. Helps a lot. You can also sand that ski Ed portion - carefully - to thin it down a bit more and even up the skiving.

[@JamesBerry]

Very good advice thank you! I often do this without wetting and regret it half way through... I need to practice more!

[@sylviabrown6617]

Nice

[@JamesBerry]

Thanks Sylvia :)

[@lightformoon]

Wow😍

[@JamesBerry]

:D

[@paulmartinez9908]

I’m about to make the investment towards some quality irons and almost bought some WUTA for a really god price but just couldn’t..anyway, I think I’ve settled for sinabroks and I see everybody using Blanchards’ scratch compass too ad really want one as well..again, nice build, looks good brother

[@JamesBerry]

For me it's been the one thing that really helped me step up the quality of my work and if you had to upgrade that would definitely be the first thing to get... if, like me, you don't trust yourself using an awl properly x) I've heard a lot about Sinabroks and know enough to say that it's a good choice, one that I would also have made if I found out about them earlier. I'll probably stick to Crimson hides for the moment but, in the future, would love a chance to try out Sinabroks irons myself. Good luck and hanve fun with your future builds... and don't think too long before getting the Sinabroks irons ;)

[@bazlur-Vancouver]

@@JamesBerry James what size of Pricking Iron you used? 3.38mm or 3.85mm? I'm going to make one similar to yours.

[@allanpennington]

An alternative to doing your gussets with one piece slightly larger to ease the crease where the stitching line is would be as follows. Mark out all your outer gusset pieces on your outer shell. Before cutting out glue your inner shell in one whole piece. Then cut out your gussets. Skive your edges judiciously to achieve the neatness you desire. That way you will catch the lining in the outer stitching line where the gusset meets the bag shell. You don't have a raw edge and slight gap 13:41 on the inside then which looks even neater. You can still have your double stitch line and do that first as you did. Again just an alternative, horses fo courses.

[@JamesBerry]

Completely agree here, your suggestion would be a much better way of doing things. The problem is my skiving is really quite bad still and I'm working on improving that ASAP : that's the main reason I did things this way, so as to avoid having skiving to do in a crutial part of the bag... short term solution I know, but it works better than me skiving it (for now).

[@samanthanicholson9015]

Did you put a block over the top of the lock latch so the metal tabs don't catch a hand when they get something out of that inside front pocket?

[@hsaarinen1]

Very nice, thanks! Have you had any issues with dye bleed?

[@JamesBerry]

Thanks for your message, glad you like it :) I've never had issues with that, using only Fiebing's pro dye and making sure the pice is well protected with wax before use. I can't say what would happen with other dyes and products though.

[@romystumpy1197]

I would have liked to see some of the stitching process

[@mohmedrafie7111]

Great work Mr james i am a beginner So i wont know the size Thans bro for your help

[@JamesBerry]

Thanks for your message Mohmed. I'm sorry I don't understand your question...

[@downloadableskills]

Id recommend diamond style stitching chisels, but I completely agree stitching chisels are necessary.

[@ChrisMSchool]

Crimson hides irons is till one of my favorite purchases I have ever made for leathercraft. If you are interested in a cheaper iron with, in my opinion, an equal quality, look into Kevin Lee irons. They are just as good and nearly half the price. I have a set of both and theyre both a dream to work with

[@JamesBerry]

Thanks a ton Chris for the reference! I'm actually in the market for another set of finer irons for smaller and more detailed stitching and this will certainly be my next port of call! Now I need to decide if I'm to go with the french or japanese irons x)

[@ChrisMSchool]

@@JamesBerry French irons at 2.7mm is so perfect for watch straps and finer items, Kevin Lee is incredible, you wont regret it

[@agnesrambling]

Hi. Nice work. Have you try damping the edge before folding?

[@JamesBerry]

Hi Agnes, thanks for your comment! I have and it works well, though the leather here is thin enough that I didn't think it was needed.

[@pennyandersen8254]

Beautiful, just remember to create your trademark and sign each piece. Thank you.

[@mihaibercea3307]

Hello, i very much enjoy your videos, you are giving in all the details and that is most helpful. I have a question though, how do you prevent the lining, the inside layer of leather from creasing ? when it folds around the bottom edges, it will sometimes wrinkle ...how can i prevent that ?

[@JamesBerry]

Hi Mihai, thanks so much for your message :) It's going to be nearly impossible to avoid creases in leather on the inside of a bend. The best method is to glue the inner and outer pieces together while maintaining the final shape/bend that you intend for the bag: this way the inner leather will be a bit more stretched to fit. I glue it flat as the leathers are quite fin, which does not help minimize creasing. Do test it out on your side but I'm afraid this will be an impossible thing to get rid of completely :x Hope this helps!

[@allanpennington]

The thinner the lining piece the better it will bond to the outer shell and the less wrinkles you will get. That is, once bonded it acts like one piece of thicker leather would. So in this instance he could have chosen very thin pig skin veg and a slightly thicker outer bag shell weight to achieve his desired overall thickness. If you don't finish the veg on the inner lining piece until you form the bond then you can dampen the inner lining on the bend, roll it over a suitable round object of appropriate diameter and it should help. I haven't tried it but you could also experiment by gluing the centre 2 inch strip where it goes around the bend under slight tension thereby causing it to hug the bend but if you choose a thin enough liner then I doubt that would be necessary. Also using a suede with some texture can help to disguise any wrinkles and it looks and feels great. High end designer bags are often lined with Alcantara suede but this is a synthetic product some makers may not wish to use. However it is more durable and less inclined to stain.

[@lauraburkett7887]

Fabulous tutorial - thank you! Can you please share what kind of glue (rubber cement?) you're using this video. I've had a real challenge not necessarily finding rubber cement that works, but buying it in a container that is both easy to open/close AND does not allow the adhesive to dry out. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

[@JamesBerry]

I use mainly ACROBOND CR 108 which is a really strong adhesive. You have to spread it on both sides, let it become dry to the touch and only then stick both sides together. If you only do one side or stick them together too early there is a good chance it won't bond. Hope this helps :)

[@jstudios2698]

Hi James, great build! May i ask how did you calculate the main body length so that it will fit exactly in the right places when assembled with the gusset? I'm currently trying to make my own pattern but seems like the main body length is too short, eventhough i've matched it with the circumference of the sides & bottom of the gusset. Thank you!

[@JamesBerry]

Hi there, glad you like it! Unfortunately I don't have precise science behind it, simple trial and error. I'm sure there's a lot of simple math you could do to work these things out but that's never been my strong suit. I can only recommend to test and adapt with paper templates, then make a test bag with some cheap leather (chrome tan?) before graduating up to more expensive leather.

[@windwolf3758]

What weight of leather is the 1.4mm? Would that be like a 3 or 4 oz leather?

[@elyshamsr6775]

Beautiful work! When you use chicago screws, do you coat the threads with thread locker / nail polish or anything to prevent them from backing out? Just curious. As an equestrian who has had many a chicago screw fall off while riding, watching you use the screws, I just had to ask! :)

[@JamesBerry]

Thanks Elysha for your comment! I don't put anything in chicago screws... but I really should as I've had screws come loose and some hardware got lost. I'll be trying lock-tight moving forward.

[@bharatparmar9310]

Which leather use you for bag

[@rickroden1355]

Hello James.Nice work and great video. Please tell me, what m eansdo you use to finish the Leather, oil and cream? What brands? Thank you.

[@JamesBerry]

Thanks Rick, glad you like it :) I coat the leather with a small amount of neatsfoot oil before dying it, then use Saphir polish on the leather after it has been dyed.

[@RitaImnotWelch]

Great build and a beautiful purse. I want one. How much? Thank you.. 😊

[@timondelannoy7485]

Bravo je n'avais pas compris que vous étiez français avant d'entendre saphire

[@allanpennington]

When applying glue to a large flat area use a roller or wide flat plastic spatula, its much easier and you won't get drips. Getting contact cement on the good face side of veg tan means it won't take a dye or finish. I know you dyed first but if you don't use that methodology on a future project you won't ruin a piece by getting glue everywhere by holding it up off your work surface and mucking around with a small brush and pot.

[@JamesBerry]

Thanks, this is very true, I have ruined pieces by having sloppy glue-ups... will look for a spatula I can steal from the kitchenware and that won't be too missed.