Build a classic straight pouch/clutch pattern with me, the size is 7Lx5Hx2.5D"(17.5x12.5x6.25cm)
1. PDF pattern and cutting/gluing it
2. Cutting leather details
3.1 Closing the zipper's ends with leather patches with some tricks
3.2 Two ways to stitch the zipper's ends
4.1 Gluing the front & back leather details to the zipper
4.2. Game changing trick: covering zipper's tape with leather strips on the inside
5.1 Stitching the zipper
5.2 Trick with the zip closure on the inner side
6.1 Stitching the sides and bottom (a side version without D-ring added)
6.2 Optional D-ring attachment: making the attachment ready
7.1 Depth's tricks for perfectly straight crossing and stitching the 1st side
7.2 Stitching the 2nd depth side
8.1 Making the knots on the bottom
8.2. Bottom: gluing the reinforcement and how to secure it to the bottom with stitches/rivets
In this class, we will create an unlined leather pouch. We'll work on it together, step by step, guiding you through building a pattern, tracing and cutting the details, covering zipper edges, gluing the zipper straight, covering the inner side, making a straight crossing on the bottom, and adding and reinforcing a wristlet strap.
Materials:
- A leather piece measuring 10.5" long x 16" high (26.5x40cm), or 2 leather panels of 10.5" long x 7.5" high for the body,
- You can use two thinner leather straps to cover the zipper inside, or use the same leather as you chose for the body.
- 1 leather strap about 15-16" (37.5-40cm) in length for the wristlet strap,
- Polyester threads (t-70 or v-92).
Recommendations about leather:
Temper: It's better to take non-stretchy leather because the pouch doesn't have a fabric lining.
Thickness: As it's an unlined pouch, please opt for leather of about 4.5-5oz. Thinner leather won't be durable, and thicker leather will not be very comfortable to stitch.
The leather in the class is 4.5oz thickness with medium temper.
If you need any help with picking the materials, please feel free to ask me on Instagram: Khelmanbags
Tools needed:
- Scissors
- Rotary or utility knife for smooth edges
- Awl or silver gel pen for tracing
- Glue for leather (I use Tacky glue from Aleene's)
*Please remember, you have evergreen access to this class and the later updates — I want you to succeed.
Disclosure: Feel free to make and sell all finished products made from this pattern; however, you may not share, sell, or distribute this pattern and photos of this pattern in any way, in whole or in part. Credit is appreciated; please tag my Instagram @khelmanbags.
Selling the bag:
It's a classic design, and you can sell the purse without needing to buy a commercial license. Please mention or tag @khelmanbags in the description. I'll be delighted to see your creations, feature you on my account, and support you!
The bag featured in the class was crafted entirely using my domestic sewing machine to demonstrate how to address any potential issues you may encounter. If you happen to have an industrial machine, that's fantastic — it will work just as well. Additionally, the pattern includes stitching lines if you prefer to hand-stitch the bag. Rest assured, the technique and assembly remain the same regardless of the method you choose.
Materials, Tools, Suppliers, Core skills: tracing, cutting, gluing, stitching. Pattern making and 6 Projects: tassel, unlined & lined pouches, 3 totes (leather unlined, lined, waxed canvas top)
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