Douglas Leather Briefcase DIY (Pattern in Description)

I use a 6 oz (2.4 mm) vegetable tanned leather. I use a 6 oz (2.4 mm) vegetable tanned leather. I use 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) hole punch. I will use Fiebing's saddle tan. I apply the dye with pillow stuffing. Now I apply a top finish: Resolene from Fiebing's. I will use some pillow stuffing covered with a cloth. I will apply two coats of top finish. The second coat will be applied with a sponge. I will use a cloth to take away the surplus of top finish. I mark the signs for the holes using the pattern and a silver pen. These are the pieces for the handle and the gussets straps on which we mount the D rings. I soak it in water to prevent the leather to crack when we bend it. I will glue the pieces together. I use an awl to align the holes. I scratch the leather before glueing to adhere better. We will continue with the other three pieces. I will double the stitching for the last two steps. The leather is beautiful on the flesh side as well. I bought it from a local provider. I use a 9 oz (3.6 mm) vegetable tanned leather for the straps.

I use double-sided tape to glue together the two pieces for a more comfortable stitching. I align the holes with an awl. I double the first stitch. I start by sewing this piece. The sleeve will be attached on this piece. I stitch the two pieces at the same time, one on the outside and one on the inside. Here we will attach a sleeve. I recommend a thin leather for the sleeve. I put a piece of leather for reinforcing the part where we mount the snap fastener. I put a reinforcement leather for the part where we mount the snap fastener. I glue the sleeve because I want to make a single round of holes. You have the holes on the pattern. I use the awl to fix the strap in place. By stitching this piece we make the bottom to stay rigid and the bag to keep its shape better. I put some glue on the handle to stitch it easier. I align the stitches with an awl. I will wet the leather to make it maleable and easy to bend for stitching. I double stitch the last step before taking the corner.

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Than again the next step. I sand the edges before applying the edge dye. You can burnish the edges if you prefer. This is a piece of leather I stitch as a reinforcement and for helping the flap to keep its shape for a long period of time.

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As found on YouTube