Leathercraft Projects

How to Make a Leather Buckhorn Bag

Posted by Don Gonzales

How to Make a Leather Buckhorn Bag (Full Project Build)

This is a full project build of our Buckhorn Bag—a rugged leather briefcase-style bag designed for real use.

In this video, we walk through the entire process from cutting patterns to final assembly, including gussets, lining, closures, and strap build.

This is not a beginner project—but it’s one of the best builds you can take on if you’re ready to level up your leatherwork.

What This Bag Is (And Why It Matters)

The Buckhorn Bag is based on a traditional pony express / messenger style, modified with:

  • Firmer leather for structure
  • Dual compartments for storage
  • A box loop closure with antler accent
  • Reinforced panels and tooling accents

It’s built to carry real weight—laptops, binders, everyday gear—and still hold its shape.

Key Lessons From This Build

1. Cut big pieces first (always)
Start with your largest panels and work your way down.

That ensures:

  • Better yield from your leather
  • Cleaner layout
  • Less chance of running out mid-project

2. Don’t trust gusset measurements—fit them
Gussets are one of the hardest parts of any bag.

Instead of cutting to a fixed length:

  • Cut long
  • Fit to the panel
  • Mark and trim after

This guarantees a clean, accurate fit every time.

3. Material choice changes everything
This particular bag uses a firmer waterproof veg-tan chap leather, which gives it:

  • More structure
  • Better durability
  • A more “briefcase” feel

Softer leather = easier assembly
Firmer leather = better long-term performance

*It is not mandatory that you use the bag leather I am using in this project… it was just my choice.

4. Build in stages (don’t rush assembly)
This project works because it’s done in phases:

  • Cut & prep
  • Tooling
  • Lining / lamination
  • Edge work
  • Assembly

Trying to rush this into one flow is where mistakes happen.

5. Hardware isn’t always the answer
This bag uses a box loop closure with antler instead of buckles or magnets.

Why it works:

  • Simple
  • Durable
  • No failure points

You can swap this for:

  • Leather tab closure
  • Buckle system
  • Magnetic + safety latch

Pattern Pack Details

We offer a large-format printed pattern pack for this build.

It includes:

  • Full cut patterns
  • Strap layouts
  • Measurements and material suggestions
  • 5 tooling patterns for accent pieces

Who This Project Is For

This build is ideal if you’ve already done:

  • Belts
  • Sheaths
  • Small bags

And you’re ready to:

  • Work larger panels
  • Manage gussets
  • Combine multiple skill sets into one project

This is a bridge project into bigger work like saddles or advanced gear.

If you’re serious about leveling up your leathercraft, this is the kind of project that will push your skills forward.

How to Make a Leather Rope Bag

Posted by Don Gonzales

How to Make a Leather Rope Bag (Full Project Build)

Rope bags are one of those projects that look complicated—but once you break them down, they’re actually pretty straightforward. They’re just bigger, and they require you to think through your steps a little more.

In this video, we walk through building a fully tooled leather rope bag from start to finish, including gussets, zippers, straps, and final assembly.

This project also ties directly to our rope bag pattern pack, which includes the cut patterns, strap layout, and tooling design so you can follow along step-by-step.

A Few Key Takeaways from This Build

1. Fit your gussets—don’t trust measurements
One of the biggest mistakes you can make on a bag like this is cutting your gussets to a set measurement and assuming they’ll fit. Different leather, stretch, and tooling all affect final size.

Always cut them a little oversized and fit them to your panel.

2. Material choice matters on gussets
Chap leather works really well here because it has the flexibility you need to make those turns without fighting the material.

At the same time, you don’t want something too stretchy or too oily that won’t glue well—both of those will make install a lot harder.

3. Keep everything centered and square
This project gets big fast, and small alignment issues turn into big problems.

  • Mark your centers
  • Start from the middle
  • Work your way around evenly

That keeps your zippers straight and your panels lined up.

4. Don’t rush your edge work
Even on a big project like this, the details matter.

Getting your edges prepped, trimmed clean, and finished properly is what separates a clean build from something that feels rushed.

5. This is a great “next step” project
This isn’t a beginner project—but it’s not overly complicated either.

If you’ve built smaller items like belts, sheaths, or bags, this is a great way to:

  • Work on larger layouts
  • Practice fitting components
  • Build something that’s useful

A Note on Design & Build

These rope bags can be built a lot of different ways.

  • Single or double compartment
  • Fully tooled or roughout
  • Different gusset styles

In this video, we use a simplified gusset system that’s easier to install and works well if you have a full-length side of leather.