Developing the Round Leather Handbag
About a month ago or so I was in the shop on a Saturday trying to come up with something new and different to make. My hopes were that I would use this time to be creative and develop a new product that would be like nothing I had ever created. I cut poster board all afternoon working with all kinds of different shapes, proportions, and layouts. I came up with many different ideas, but none of them seemed to be “that one” project.
It wasn’t a total loss though, because I learned some valuable things in that creative session as I usually do.
I went home that afternoon feeling a little like I had wasted the afternoon. I told my wife what I was trying to do that afternoon and that I just didn’t have much luck coming up with a “new” project, much less “that one” project. She casually mentioned doing a Round Purse. At first I wasn’t sure that this was the project since it seemed too simple. After visiting about it more I began to think it might make a neat project. She pulled up tons of photos of Round Purses on her phone and apparently they are really popular right now. The next day I went back into the shop and designed patterns for one of the easiest purses that I have ever made. Is it “that one” project? Probably not, but it is a good project and I had a ton of fun with it.
This project video is my complete process for making the Round Leather Handbag. The build process is very close to how I make my Rope Bags and so if you are interested in making either one then this video will be of value to you.
If you are looking for a simple project that has room for tooling and artwork, then this is a great project for your shop. The size of the purse allows you to put some of your scrap leather to work, as well as giving you practice in simple bag construction. Main Body pieces of this round leather handbag are made from 9/10 oz vegetable tanned Herman Oak leather as well as the shoulder strap. The gusset can be made from any soft 4/6 oz chap leather. Both of these types of leather are sure to be in any LeatherHead’s scrap bins.
I used a 14″ zipper in the video, but I would suggest using a 9″ zipper instead. Mine was too long and the shoulder strap loops would have covered the zipper at the location I needed them. I was able to modify on the fly, but to make it easier on yourself use a 9″ zipper.
There is a complete Companion Pattern Pack available for this video and you can purchase that by CLICKING HERE. As with all of our companion packs, it has the cut patterns and dimensions for all parts needed to make this round leather handbag. There are also 9 different tooling patterns included in the pattern pack. The size of this purse and the panels being free of hardware, this is a perfect project for artwork with plenty of space to have fun.
Apparently Round Leather Handbags are in style so give this project a try. This is a great addition to your offerings to customers for Christmas Gifts or to make for your friends and family.
Useful Resources
How to Oil and Antique Leather Projects
Maker’s Leather Supply – A great place for material, supplies and resources
Leather Machine Co. – The best place for sewing machines and equipment