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!

[@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

[@hasnainchangi3457]

The beauty lies in the simplicity. Thank you.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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. 👍🏿

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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…

[@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!

[@joseperezgonzalez7092]

Yours are my favorite leathercraft videos…👍🏻

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@OgeiDennepeL]

I wish I’d have seen this video before making my first (and to date,only) backpack. That tip about cutting the corner off from the bottom would have spared me a lot of stress and a half hour of fidgeting around to punch the holes and sew the stitches!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

I learned that trick later it the game too! Would have saved me some headaches as well! Thanks so much for watching, Diego!

[@ezra4257]

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

[@marksmit4134]

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

[@stephyadams8317]

Would love to see a step by step tutorial on a vintage messenger/satchal bag, shelf standing 😍

[@stephencronin1080]

Ditto

[@dbirdez]

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

[@jrhodes3216]

This was awesome and inspiring! Thank you!

[@requetedesantafe]

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

[@paulayounkin4574]

Loved your video!

[@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!

[@dirkseitz3431]

I can’t wait to make this bag. Thanks

[@thesoodster1880]

So glad I found your channel

[@MakingwithMarilyn]

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

[@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! 🙏🏼

[@barbtatham]

Love this build

[@gypsycruiser]

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

[@RageNaught]

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

[@danpost4755]

Great project! Thanks for posting it!

[@Stang94Red]

Thank you for making this. So helpful

[@ClaridgeLeather]

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

[@nancyjones3239]

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

[@brendaeves3236]

Super clear video, thank you

[@supersean325]

Fantastic explanation!! Good video!!

[@benny-reebezuidenhout2976]

Awesome content. Well presented.

[@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.

[@lucasmurphy5407]

Worked beautifully thanks Tanner 😁

[@ClaridgeLeather]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@jerryperkins7634]

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

[@jules2713]

Thanks for this! Definitely upped my confidence!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

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

[@cnn.2509]

Beautiful work my friend

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you so much, Jierum! 🙏🏼

[@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 ❤❤❤❤

[@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!

[@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!

[@L1mechanicstc]

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

[@heddita1]

Good explanation…thank you for sharing ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ClaridgeLeather]

My pleasure! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@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?

[@DK-wx8bq]

Excellent. Thank you!

[@destinationunknown1718]

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

[@mikesirois3362]

Great ideas and advice throughout! Happy new year!

[@finterjohnston7882]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@sarahfichuk6904]

Great video! Love it

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Sarah!

[@robertdikes8285]

Great Job! Very nice! Great info!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

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

[@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!

[@brianmarshall7214]

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

[@FrankTranDesign]

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

[@ClaridgeLeather]

You are so welcome! Thank you!!

[@wiccanwarrior9]

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

[@matthewkovach3455]

Thanks for teaching not just showing.

[@fabrictwist9180]

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

[@1957hhh]

Great work Tanner, lots of tips! I noticed in the pattern video your tote had a leather stiffened on the bottom, great Idea also, gives it some shape and body! From Saskatchewan.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Howard! Yes, I do have one design where I add an extra panel in the bottom for reinforcement/stiffening. It’s a substantial bag, but good for hauling a load! Thanks so much for your support, my friend. Cheers from Montana!

[@dougmichel798]

Great video. I like your "Notch" trick on the gusset. I will give that a try. I don't have a sewing machine and just do hand stitching, but I can see that notch being a big help. I'm sitting here thinking, "Why didn't I think of that".

[@ClaridgeLeather]

I thought the same thing! Such a cool little trick... wish I could say I thought of it!

[@sons.moon.leather]

This was super helpful getting me through my second attempt at a bag. I realize now that the tools make a big difference in the ease and speed of working (using a single awl instead of a stitching iron takes forever). Still working on perfecting my corner gussets too. Thank you for this!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

That is so great to hear!! You are right- stitching irons can speed things up tremendously! Have fun- keep in touch! -Tanner

[@a.g.leather71]

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

[@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! 🤜🤛

[@ronpeterson9055]

Thank you done very well.

[@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

[@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.

[@rcdeckjr]

Wow this video is amazing! Not sure how I haven’t come across your channel before but definitely subbed now! I am just starting to make some larger items and have a goal of doing some bags like this eventually. This really broke it down and made it seem not so daunting. I really appreciate your thoroughness in talking through each step and alternatives if you don’t have the upgraded tools. It’s good to know you can still achieve the great results even without those tools, just need a bit more time. Looking forward to watching your other videos now!!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

That’s awesome to hear, Rob! So glad you found this helpful! I saw that you also commented on the rucksack video- I think that would be an awesome project! Definitely not as bad as it seems! So great to hear from you- keep in touch! -Tanner

[@danbarry7300]

Great video!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Dan! I appreciate you watching!

[@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!

[@thepropergentleman9485]

Great video. I have been contemplating making totes for a long time and your video really clarified the things that have been causing me to hesitate.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Awesome! It really helps me to see the whole process (when I watch other people's videos). So glad this clarified things for you!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@ericp726]

Great video. Thank you.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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?

[@walteraustin6308]

This was another awesome video.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Walter!!!

[@KhemBuzzDesigns]

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

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you!

[@2471daj]

Great video 👍👍

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks for watching, Daniel!

[@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!

[@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.

[@fredpfeiljr6450]

Hey Tanner ! I really enjoy watching your video. I picked up so many tips. Being sort of self taught I struggled with doing bags, but the notch tip is awesome. I fought some of the first bags I made, sewing over the seam in the gusset. I just did one using the notch technique, and had a ''hello' moment !! haha. It worked really well. Thanks for sharing! Take care.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

That’s so cool to hear! I’m so glad you found that tip helpful... I had that same epiphany when someone first taught it to me! Cheers!

[@grahamjamieson7752]

Nice work mate

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, Graham! I appreciate you watching!

[@lolamoreno6385]

Beautiful

[@lukemurray89]

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

[@ClaridgeLeather]

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

[@donnzellet4950]

Just bought a bunch of leather from Maverick Leather in Bend, OR. Wow, what a place. Thanks for the tip and getting me started on my next hobby. Now I don’t have to wait until Christmas Eve to buy presents.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Oh, that’s awesome! I have made more bags with leather from Maverick than from any other place. Great people and some really good deals! Have fun!

[@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!

[@surferboy8]

Thank you so much for this video ;)

[@bhekikupe1184]

My brother you are a blessing indeed 🙏l'm amazed what am seeing in your video l'm learning a lot.. thanks so much, We need people like you in this world

[@virtusleather]

Awesome video Tanner. Way to stick it out in the sub zero temps. Feel like I should mail ya one of my spare space heaters 😅. All the best from Toronto. 👍🏻

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Ha ha- we're thawing out now. Maybe next winter! :) Cheers from south of the border!