Making a Handmade Leather Briefcase

[@chisum8167]

Who ever gives this video a thumbs down, may your tools always be dull and rusty. Hope you stub your toe as well. Awesome job Chuck. Thank you for the full length tutorial. May your tools always be sharp and never be rusty.

[@bluecollar9220]

Love your videos I can't help but think of you as talking like your commentary dialog in tone and tamber, in your day to day life, and I can't help but laugh imagining it In very serious social situations. All in jest, keep it up.

[@littlegirllost2654]

Exactly, I was wondering if he talks to his wife like this, would make for an interesting life 😂

[@thenorsestarforge9587]

Am I the only one that thinks Chuck kinda has the same vibe going for him that Mr. Rogers and Bob Ross had? Just kinda enthusiastic and calm about how he shows ya how to do this stuff, i really enjoy it.

[@stesim]

Yep! "It's your project, you can make a little tree here, make a little flower there. The main point is, have fun with whatever you do!" He sure does, and yes he's a pleasure to watch! No stuttering, no stammering, pure and concise. His presentation is though you're standing there in his shop, listening and working on a project with him.. No airy arrogance. Just down to earth instruction. His videos have taught me some of the basics for my now successful leathercraft business. Thanks Chuck! Now if I could only do something about the rising price of leather...

[@Quigley1200]

Yes Sir, You are absolutely right! Chuck comes across as One Happy Camper!!!

[@AS-ng5pi]

Thank you for taking time and resources to make these videos. I know it helps sell products, but the service to your customers is top notch with these tutorials. Thanks to Chuck for his enthusiasm and positive demeanor. Hats off to you all.

[@lancebutler6355]

Chuck you have the very rare ability to teach. I had only been watching about 6 months when I seen this video . I jumped in and it came out great . Thank you so much!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Wow, thank you for your kind words! You're welcome :)

[@julla1416]

This is wonderful!!! He is a genius. Wow. Would take me 5 years to make this.

[@lancebutler6355]

I just finished this project. If it wasn't for your Tutorials, I would not have had the confidence to try this. Please keep these coming.

[@nirvana613]

You guys are amazing ! Not many would give detailed plans and tutorials like this for free.As a beginner these are invaluable !

[@Esuper1]

Just wow. I'd be iffy on taking that thing to work or anywhere else. Looks like a museum piece.

[@dawn5227]

Love this guys enthusiasm and energy. Joy to watch.

[@azuritet3]

I love your incorporation of a natural edge into this project. I have nothing against straight lines, but that inclusion really showcases the material.

[@babycakes8434]

New subscriber here. I am having panic attack every time when you say "easy enough"😂😂😂Only because I am thinking how the hell could I do it. It only look easy enough when you do it💝Great job, great videos, to the point, no annoying music, very informative and well thought of. Impecable. I love it!💝💝💝 Thank you for sharing.

[@4golfing]

So totally agree. Way above my pay grade but I loved watching this. Maybe some day........

[@patrickfarley8036]

I make a drinking game of it. I call it "Getting Hammered: Easy Enough Edition", so by the end of the videos I don't feel so bad! 🤣

[@todddietrich1436]

It seems hard, but it really isn't. It is something that would probably take you a long time to accomplish because you have never done something this big/elaborate ("hence the panic attack"). What I did when I first started working with leather was to make small projects. Making a bracelet or key chain out of scrap leather would help you skill up to do something like this. Practice small, hone your skills on smaller projects and work your way up to something like this. What you will find is the same skills you are using on a small project are pretty much the same skills you will use on a project like this. Don't give up. You can do this.

[@tobynoe6149]

Just once I want to hear Chuck say " Damn, That was a Bitch". Lol

[@TheRedbeardster]

Whoa! Full-featured tutorial! Nice one!

[@christophermcculley8318]

Glad you are getting back to doing making videos I have missed them

[@jrmorrisjr1471]

Outstanding! Excellent presentation and production. Top notch, Weaver Team.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much!

[@filstewart2380]

Thank you for this video - as always Chuck is a great teacher and such good fun to watch.

[@br31woodlands69]

Just wonderful. Love your energy.

[@1germzap]

Thank you for this tutorial! I've been wanting to make a custom backpack for a while now. The way that you explain things makes a large project like this less of a daunting task. All I need to do now is actually buy the materials I need. Thanks again Chuck!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much! A backpack sounds like a fun project!

[@chrisgenovese8188]

Man, so inspiring! Both the enthusiastic creator and the creation.

[@donnasanchez5484]

This is my first time watching one of your videos, I simply love this video and can't wait to watch more videos it's almost self explanatory. I'm Mescalero Apache and have been doing a lot of Native American beadwork and I must say that I think you just gave me an idea, now I just have to see where your idea takes my next beadwork. I shall share my beadwork when I am done. Thank you, and bless you for sharing your talent with us. Aho.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much for watching, we would love to see your beadwork!

[@mathurinkerbouchard8931]

That is one beautiful briefcase. And you, sir, are a master!

[@MountainFisher]

Chuck! Instead of cutting directly on plywood which might make you cut into the grain of the wood if you are not very careful. Go to a building supply store like I did and I bought those stick on floor tiles. My leather table is 2 foot by 8 foot and those tile come in 2'x1' including 1'x1'. They are easy to cut straight if your table isn't an even number of feet. Gives my table a beautiful look and I went to Walmart and bought inexpensive cutting mats so I don't have to cut on my table top very often at all, only long straight cuts to prepare my edge for my strap cutter.

[@andymcmullen8850]

Most of my spare time is wasted on checking out interesting things to do in my spare time and generally not being enthused enough to bother doing it. This has got to be the best 1:12:24 I've spent in years. Thank you for spending your time creating this video I've really enjoyed it and everything about it. Cheers your a STAR

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Wow, thank you Andy!

[@alanrouse8301]

Phew! I'm tired!! Great work and beautiful project. I don't know if I am ever going to make something like that, but you never know. Was fun watching you do it. Thanks.

[@jenniferburdick1354]

Absolutely gorgeous work! ❤❤❤

[@BobJones-r6o]

Detailed information, I appreciate it,thanks

[@CantrellLeatherGoods]

So awesome! You guys are great. This was a wonderful tutorial, explained in great detail. And with Chuck as the teacher it’s a guaranteed success. All those great details like the braiding and then the special treatment of the rivets just makes for the most personalized and unique items.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Choya!

[@soriniovita6464]

Gentlemen, you are the best! Thank you so much for this tutorial!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Glad you liked it!

[@bobhunt2651]

Chuck, I just finished making myself one of these! I used a softer, though heavier, oil tanned leather. I substituted an arced veg panel with my initials for the laces and spots. Much harder to do on the dining room table than in your shop! Just a note, it would have helped if you had listed the keepers, and the 4x3/4 piece to hold key clip on your cut list. Not a big deal. I watch all of your instructional videos, Leather Elements, and now your live shows. Great instruction, practical answers and lots of enthusiasm. Thank you!!!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you for the feedback! And thank you for watching the videos - means a lot! Hope the briefcase turned out great!

[@bobhunt2651]

@@WeaverLeatherSupply It did. Even my wife loves it! Thanks for the guidance.

[@ArcticFlies56]

Gorgeous project! I would love to carry this Brief Case into any meeting, anywhere! Good work Chuck.

[@momdoesstuff]

Wow! this was just amazing! I'm just starting leatherworking and you are an awesome teacher. Thank you!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much!

[@autismocharismo]

with tailoring it’s known as a seam allowance. Really cool how the two are pretty much the same thing with different mediums

[@Madein515]

This was awesome! Chuck makes it look so fun and easy. I can't wait to try and make one. Thank you!

[@Sageylee]

Absolutely beautiful and truly artistic work. Thanks so much for taking the time to show us how it's done.

[@jakestrickland1323]

Finally on the final stages of my briefcase. Small complication.. I used a 9oz horse and oh boy, it's sturdy!! Hopefully, that just means my son will get it one day in the same condition!!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

That's awesome, Jake! That will definitely last a lifetime and then some!

[@istp1967]

I found my new hobby 😀❤👍👍👍

[@cc_likesknives]

I loved watching this video....it actually inspired me to modify this pattern to make a backpack!! Was originally going to use it as a diaper bag but I think I made it a little too tall...instead I'm going to end up using it as an emergency clothing bag that'll stay in the car :)

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

That's awesome! We love to see you guys get creative with the patterns!

[@bustershaw9230]

WOW. Great work and easy to follow. Thanks Chuck.

[@shrympestrong7816]

Love this idea for a briefcase but want to modify it to crochet & leather...been working on the idea for a bit and you just sealed it for me. Thanks!

[@workerdroid290]

Awesome. Great job. Thank you

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

You're welcome! :) Thanks for watching.

[@dirkg7062]

Awesome job Chuck!!!! Love all your videos!!!! I'm a Big fan of yours!!!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Dirk!

[@tobiabertini]

beautiful work

[@vortexvalley541]

One hang of a great project, by the best teacher I've ever had the privilege of watching. Love the weaving detail..hope you don't mind if I take that idea into my next project.....👍👍

[@bernhardpflug7924]

Thank you so much for sharing-always great Videos!!!

[@xoxogifts]

You are a great teacher! thank you for your videos, this long one teaches great things. is the pattern available?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Not yet, but hopefully soon!

[@w4447]

Great video but what about a leather conditioner and bees wax or something similar to bring out the shine? Or is that taboo to do?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

The leather used in the video is a chrome tan leather with a matte finish leather so a top coat wouldn't work well on that but depending on the leather you are using you could use a conditioner if you wanted to.

[@ChrisLee-UK]

Beautifully done Chuck, you make it look easy! Really enjoyed this video so thank you Sir :)

[@davidsolomon7377]

This is an awesome project.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, David!

[@abdoelmogy8507]

Good work, Nice project

[@tamizenoble2996]

First I want to say I LOVE your videos Chuck! I have several projects I'm working on and for one of them I would like to use a Spanish basket weave for decoration. How tight of a circle can you make with the Spanish Basket Weave?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Tami, That sounds like a cool decoration! I’m sorry to say that I haven’t tried this so I don’t have a good answer for you. It may depend on the size of the lave hole and the distance between those holes on the inside line. If you try this let me know! I would love to hear what you were able to do!

[@tamizenoble2996]

Thanks Chuck! I will.

[@veroniquecognasse1618]

Merci pour ce beau travail !

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Merci beaucoup

[@BiggDoggLeather]

beautiful work has weaver ever considered selling physical patterns printable or hard plastic?

[@bobbibuttons8730]

BiggDoggLeather I’d love to have that. It seems to me that it would be profitable esp if they combined that with a kit with everything needed to make it. Oh, and make it available in the UK without costing the earth in postage or custome.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you for the suggestion! We actually discussed it for this one but we wanted to get the video out in time for people to make these as Christmas gifts but we will definitely look into it and consider it for future videos.

[@WinterberryHomestead]

@@WeaverLeatherSupply I would buy the reusable pattern!!

[@jimathey6153]

Hi Chuck, nice sky hook, I have a couple of suggestions, I like Weaver's oval punches 4 buckles the tang slides in and out of the strap easier, I also glued a piece of suede to the anvil 4 the snap cap that way no scratches or pop outs. I make santa belts of my own design with 2 tang roller buckles and have never had a complaint of buckle problems. I really appreciate your work. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A SAFE NEW YEAR. GOD'S BLESSINGS BROTHER ✝️⚾🙃

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Jim! Merry Christmas to you as well!

[@cmont59]

Chuck can we purchase this pattern package. Love this bag and material you use for patterns

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

We don't have a pattern available at this time but we will discuss possibly making one available.

[@anggamawis2230]

I like, complete information

[@leveljoe]

I just made a case like this. Instead of the snaps on the straps I used something called tuck locks (buckle guy), they are a better fastener for this application. Maybe Weaver could carry them?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Joe, Thank you for the suggestion! They are on our new products list :) Waiting for samples to come in.

[@khornethegrim8258]

Do you have any tips for making a pouch or belt made to fit a specific item? I'd like to make a belt pouch with a pocket for my wallet, one for my keys, one for my phone, and a main one for general use (and probably a little pocket for my knife), but I'm really not sure where to start. It's a little overwhelming for a leather worker as inexperienced as I am.

[@iancnnr]

MAN YOU ARE AWESOME

[@codeguise]

Awesome video thanx! I've been wanting to make a bag for some time now. I would really like to include a divider thou, but I can't think of a way to incorporate one without an ugly out of place stich line. Do you have anay suggestions? The only way I can think of is to have one gusset running right around, but I prefer the look you have here, with two separate gussets. Again, thanx for the great video please keep them coming!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

So glad you like the video! Thanks for letting us know! I’m with you on the stitch line on the gusset. It just doesn’t look good and I don’t add a divider just for that reason. Two smaller gussets on either side with a divider in between would work, and many do that but, it too creates a busy gusset but would probably be your best option. Hope that helps!

[@bencorrell7851]

Wonderful video! I am dipping my toes into leather crafting. Does anyone know what the principle investment for the leather would be for a project like this?

[@iamtheboy881]

do you think you could manage to get 2 main cuts of the main body with the leather suggested? In the video it looks iffy but the image on the website for the leather makes me think not.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Russell, I have three or four sides in my shop and I can get two full patterns out of each. They’re all good sized, and though I can’t honestly say every hide would make two, each of these will. They seem to be consistently larger hides.

[@andreatthatsme]

Hi Chuck. Q: what is the plastic you used in making a pattern for the bag? I dont see it on the list of tools and materials you used to make this briefcase. It also looks thicker than what is sold by weaver leathercraft. 🤗👩‍💻👍 thank you for your time.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Andrea, It's the plastic pattern sheet - we'll link it below for you and we'll update the list of materials! www.weaverleathersupply.com/catalog/item-detail/65-4110/pattern-sheet-24-x-45/pr_8876

[@adamarthur9672]

Thank you for making this video I've been wanting to try making a Briefcase! Would an 8/9 oz water buffalo leather be to heavy for a Briefcase?

[@juliangonzales2916]

Exelente trabajo 👍👍👍

[@SwordInc.]

How long was the actual start to finish build time?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi John! If you hand stitch everything like in the video, it will take around 8 hours.

[@SwordInc.]

Weaver Leathercraft Thanks! I’m gonna give it try. Love your channel.

[@jailer23044]

I realized today that I don't think I've ever seen you back stitch when you saddle stitch. I was under the impression that back stitching was a stronger method of ending the stitch line so that's what I've always used Is one method better than the other or is it just personal preference?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi there, It is really just personal preference - I like the knot method but I know people who only do the back stitch. I would say try them both and see which one you like best!

[@misterwahoo]

The Weaver videos have inspired me to jump into leatherwork. I may have missed it, but does Chuck mention if the leather used for the bag has a finish on it?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi there, The leather is chrome tanned and has a matte finish to it, so you don't have to add a top coat or anything.

[@misterwahoo]

Cool. Perfect! Thanks so much.

[@Alex-ib6tm]

Is there a leather element for making a wallet pattern? I have ideas in my head but I’m unsure about how much allowance to use for my lengths.

[@geirsolbakken3959]

Wonder how to make a small bag with a round botom, straight sides, with holes on the top for a lace? Like a tobacco pouch or coin pouch.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Would it be something similar to this? kzbin.info/aero/PLzvwlO3D_z7eZwCDUQHqXCP6SDXjy4SEn

[@nigelwylie01]

Nice looking briefcase. Thanks Chuck. Do you ship to the UK?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi there! Thanks so much! Yes, we ship worldwide. 👍

[@nigelwylie01]

If you are competitive, you could be onto a winner there, since Tandy have pulled out of the U.K. Only problem is US to UK shipping is often prohibitive. Let’s see!

[@jimmiller8389]

Foresee any problems in using Sam Brown buttons instead of buckles?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Jim, Sam Brown buttons should work just fine!

[@meirdeaph]

Awesome 💯♥️

[@gimlirulesall2450]

I love this.

[@jody_87]

I am making this project for Christmas? Do I need to finish the edges by either edge dying or burnishing?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Jody, If you're using veg tan leather, you can slick the edges with gum tragacanth and and a slicker. If you're using chrome tan, you'll want to either leave them raw or use an edge paint of some sort.

[@geraldposey1496]

I wish you were my algebra teacher

[@popscratchie3985]

Hi Çhuck I have a question for you, it might sound a bit long so bear with me. Whenever I try to use double cap rivets I always have problems, the stem in the middle always seems to lean leaving the caps on either side not aligned. I am pretty sure I am using the correct sized rivets. My question is are there good and bad rivets (I always buy cheap ones) or do I just need practice?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi there, It could be quality but it sounds like the rivet post is too long so when you go to set them there is too much post to curl into the cap and the rivet goes sideways. The post should only be about 1/16" to 1/8" longer than the leather it's going through. If you feel you are using the right length, you may want to try a better quality and see if that helps.

[@popscratchie3985]

@@WeaverLeatherSupply thanks for the reply, I definitely don't have any more than 1/8 showing through but I have noticed some of the stems of the rivets are already leaning to the side, not bent, just set in the cap wrong. I think I'll try some better rivets. Again thanks for the reply, much appreciated

[@daniellankford4255]

How would you modify this pattern if you wanted it wider, so as to accommodate a center divider? Then how would you make and install the divider?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Daniel, You would need to make the gussets wider and then account for the extra width in the length if your main body panel. The only way to really add a divider is to stitch it to the middle of the gusset on either side or make two gussets that would go on either side of the divider. Hope that helps.

[@gremlin1396]

Very nice job. It came out beautiful. How much for materials and approximately how much time to make. I was thinking about purchasing one but think I'd appreciate it more if I made it myself.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi there, If you hand stitch everything like in the video, it will take around 8 hours. As far as the cost of tools and materials, you can click the link below for details of everything used. Hope that helps! www.weaverleathersupply.com/shop-by-project/making-a-leather-briefcase

[@ryanhatten7751]

Another great video! Just wondering approximately how much leather in total is needed for this project?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

It will take approximately 10-12 square feet for the exterior and and then the same for the interior if you are lining it. If you use the leather that is linked and used in the video, you can usually get two full patterns out of one side for the exterior. Hope that helps!

[@ragonkeeper]

Chuck when knocking in stitch holes do you prefer the 1/8 flat chisel or the diamond chisels?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Casey, I like the flat chisel myself, it gives you a nice straight stitch line but it's up to each person's preference - I know a lot of people really like the diamond chisels too. Hope that helps!

[@dougdavis8367]

Fantastic I would pay for a download or plastic template, thank you

[@juliela.]

How in the world could someone dislike this video. Must have had a really hard day 😄

[@kimmoderson8197]

I know, right?

[@salmanmkhattak]

Hi Chuck - love your videos. I have learned a lot from them. What’s your take on the gusset that goes all the way around rather than just the sides? Is it just a stylistic choice or are there other pros/cons?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Salman, It's mostly up to your personal preference. If you do the side gussets then the rest of the body can be cut out as one piece whereas if you do the gusset that goes all the way around you'll have to cut the back and the front pieces separately but other than that there are no significant differences. Hope that helps!

[@salmanmkhattak]

@@WeaverLeatherSupply - Thank you so much for the detailed reply. I really like how you simplify things so even novices get the confidence to attempt leather-work projects.

[@ginnysimpson5232]

Chuck - do we need to finish the edges where the leather and suede are glued together?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

With chrome tanned leather, I like to just leave them raw. You could paint them or try Tokonole but chrome doesn't get that glossy edge from slicking like a veg tan would.

[@juliangonzales2916]

Que precio tiene un trabajo de esa calidad?

[@tomstone2591]

Would you make custom fixed blade knife sheath for customer ?

[@benjaminpastrana9662]

where to buy the black sticky fabric? thks💪🏼

[@dennismott4226]

Chuck, what is the difference between the ritza tiger thred your using on this project and regular waxed sewing silk or nylon?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Dennis, The biggest difference is the Ritza is braided so it's extremely durable and rarely knots as you're stitching.

[@EmperorProtects4848]

What a coincidence, as I am just looking at making my first own briefcase. On the test build for pockets and body I encountered some issue and what do you know, you just covered most of those points thank you so much! Btw, any advice on adding bigger front pockets? Same gusset technique just smaller?

[@PatrickMatherne]

What type of paper/plastic are you using for that pattern

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Patrick, It's a plastic pattern sheet - we'll link it below for you! www.weaverleathersupply.com/catalog/item-detail/65-4110/pattern-sheet-24-x-45/pr_8876

[@LyvTube]

how is it possible that the clamp used to maintain the product during sewing doesn't leave any marks on the leather ? i got some of those clamps and they pinch rather hard !

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Lyv, these clamps are light enough that they didn't leave marks but what you can do is glue a small piece of leather onto each side of the clamp. That way when you do clamp it to the leather, the pieces will protect the leather from getting marked. Hope that helps!

[@deangrieger5241]

Why don't you use a chisel to make the holes for the spots instead of a craft knife?

[@MiguelVelazquez1167]

Thanks for this great and helpful video. I just want to ask, how many square feet will you need to make this briefcase?. Again thank you.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Miguel, Chuck used between 8 and 9 square feet of the russet leather.

[@MiguelVelazquez1167]

Thank you so much for the info. Keep up the great work

[@JudithTorres24]

wow fantastic, congratulations

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you!

[@scottpeever3198]

In total time start to finish how long would it take a professional like yourself to complete?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Scott! If you’re hand sewing everything then I would say around eight hours.

[@mnason15ify]

Did you do anything to the edges or just leave it as a raw edge?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

I left the edges raw, but, you could use some Tokonole to slick the edges or if you want them colored, you could use an edge dye.

[@TheCooldrummerchic]

Love the bowl! ;-) What kind of paper is that?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Christina, The pattern paper used int he video can be found here: www.weaverleathersupply.com/catalog/item-detail/65-4110/pattern-sheet-24-x-45/pr_8876 Thanks!

[@rajv2316]

Sir how to get the pattern of the brief case I am from India

[@erniemorris9654]

I'm making the brief case and need to know how long to make the closure strap. The pattern says 8" but when you add up the spaces it comes out to 7 1/4 "

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Ernie, Sorry about that, the space between the last hole and the end where the English point is should be 2-3/4" instead of 2". Thanks for pointing that out!

[@christophergould3673]

Hi what do you use for your patens, is it plastic?