How to Make the Sailrite® Leather Mini Tote Bag | Full Kit Now Available!

[@leahhyer9448]

Fantastic idea. Sailrite hits another home run with this kit.

[@SailriteWorkbench]

Thank you so much! We really appreciate it.

[@kboleather]

Looks fantastic. Another idea worth considering is providing a downloadable version of the pattern.

[@diegohernandez-po9ek]

For straps I like to cut 2 oversized pieces, say 2.5-3 inches each, glue them together then cut the final 1 inch straps to get perfect clean edges. Great tutorial with lots of useful little tips/tricks, I like how you notch for the boxed corner! I’m going to have to try that one.

[@SailriteWorkbench]

That's a really good tip! Ive done that before with belts to get perfectly flush edges when using a strap cutter.

[@johnnyc.5979]

PDF pattern please, and I will buy it. None of this paper pattern stuff. It's been the digital age for quite some time now.

[@kimharrington1764]

I prefer a paper pattern. I don't have a printer large enough for the big pieces, and I really hate taping all the small pieces together.

[@flamingo2166]

I really need a good sissor sharpener. That would sell like right now!! 💫

[@cindytaccini2722]

With some of your other leather projects, you finish the raw edges using the slicker tool or paint. Why do you not do that on the handles here? Love this pattern - simple yet high end looking! Actually, I love all of your videos!

[@SailriteWorkbench]

Good question! I left the edges as-is because they can’t be burnished, as the leather is chrome-tanned. They could certainly be painted, but to keep the project simpler and more beginner-friendly, I left out details like edge painting and interior pockets. I always encourage people to personalize their kits by adding their own unique touches, so you can definitely add things like edge paint to yours. Thanks for watching the videos!

[@BenGoldNYC]

Yes!!! I’ve been hoping you would add a leather kit! Please do more of these

[@SailriteWorkbench]

plenty more to come! We have TONS of new leather available on the website as well

[@BenGoldNYC]

@@SailriteWorkbenchbtw would you recommend the smooth left foot set or the the regular smooth foot set for the LS machine for working on stuff like this? I just ordered the kit but forgot to add the smooth foot… hoping support can help me out

[@SailriteWorkbench]

I would recommend the smooth left foot set. That's what I use most often, so that I can sew very close to the edge with better visibility.

[@kimharrington1764]

I am working on my tote, and I have a couple of questions for you. How do you get the reverse stitches to be perfectly on the forward ones? I have tried and tried with scraps, but it isn't perfect. I'm a new LS owner. What is your seam allowance? Is there a difference between the board you are using for cutting your holes and a household plastic cutting board? Thanks in Advance.

[@SailriteWorkbench]

Here is a video that goes over backstitching in detail: studio.kzbin.infoxfcPWSy7c6c/edit My seam allowance is 1/4" for the side seems, folded edges, and gusset. I go down to about 1/8" for the handles and pocket. A household plastic cutting board will work fine! They are very similar to one I use. Hope that helps! Enjoy the rest of your project

[@marthahall9295]

Thank you so much!

[@marthahall9295]

Can I use a singer sewing machine or is it necessary to use a heavy duty setting machine? First time ever working with leather and I'm nervous

[@SailriteWorkbench]

It’s hard to give a definitive answer without knowing exactly what machine you have, but this project requires sewing through 3mm of leather, which is likely too much for most home sewing machines designed for fabrics. If you don't have a more heavy duty machine like the Leatherwork, I would recommend hand sewing using stitching chisels and .6mm hand sewing thread.

[@rockerchic8205]

Is there a way to add a zipper to the bag or lining? And do you have a pattern for that? Or will you make one?

[@SailriteWorkbench]

There is not a zipper pocket included in the patter, but you could absolutely add one to the design. There is enough space on the liner for a pocket. I always encourage people to make kits their own by adding things like that. In the future, we will have more complex bag kits and incorporate more pockets and zippers.

[@kimharrington1764]

@@SailriteWorkbench I will be doing that exactly. I am also going to make an insert for a leather bag I got last year for Christmas.

[@ColleenMacdonald-h8g]

Can I sew this bag with my LSZ Ultrafeed ? I have the smooth foot as well.

[@SailriteWorkbench]

You sure can! Along with your smooth foot, I would also recommend a leather point needle. In the video, I used this needle with my tex-90 thread: www.sailrite.com/Needles-135x16-DI-18

[@kboleather]

A trick a cobbler taught me is if you don't have a smooth presser foot is to place parchment paper between the project and presser foot. It eliminates the markings.

[@Colleenmacful]

Thank you !!!

[@steemo1385]

This might be a dumb question, can I use any Sailrite’s machine to make these?

[@SailriteWorkbench]

Yes! We just recommend using a knurled or smooth presser foot, as well as a leather needle, for sewing on leather if you don’t already have them. For reference, I used a size 18 DI leather needle and tex 90 thread. All of our machines will work with that setup.

[@steemo1385]

@ I have an LS-1 with the heavy wheel

[@SailriteWorkbench]

That will do the job! Here is the needle i recommend: www.sailrite.com/Needles-135x16-DI-18

[@farmers-daughter2000]

What kind of sewing machine?

[@SailriteWorkbench]

The sewing machine we used in the video is the Sailrite® Leatherwork® Sewing Machine. You can find it on our website here: www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-Leatherwork-Sewing-Machine-Package-110V

[@nestornazario2130]

Where is the link for the paper pattern? There is no link associated to it. Please correct, thank you!

[@SailriteWorkbench]

Thanks for letting us know! Here is the link to the paper pattern: www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-Leather-Mini-Tote-Bag-Pattern

[@jonandicochea8404]

You mention hand sewing. I do not have a sewing machine yet. So maybe a quick tip on hand sewing. Thanks great video.

[@SailriteWorkbench]

Good point. We can designate more time for hand sewing instructions in the future. Thanks for the feedback!

[@nestornazario2130]

@@SailriteWorkbench thank you for your fast response; awesome!

[@Arfursmallpigeon]

I like your 'attention to tension' bud. Nothing worse than sewing a seam to find your stitching looks a right bstd because the tension's out.

[@craigh3381]

Not truly hand crafted..

[@SailriteWorkbench]

The pattern can be hand sewn as well if you choose 👍