Crafting Leather Totes, Backpacks and Bags: Detailed Patterns and Step-by-Step Instructions for 18 Projects

This robust manual from Ganaha (Leathercrafting DIY) explains how to make leather bags. She recommends purchasing half cowhide over cut square leather, suggesting that though the former is more likely to feature irregularities, it’s cheaper and includes softer shank areas that can be used for pockets or straps. Outlining essential techniques, Ganaha details how to make lifesize photocopies of the book’s patterns, punch stitching holes into leather by striking a lacing chisel with a mallet, apply burnish with a glass slide, and bind leather pieces together by hand-sewing with wax thread. The projects start out simple and increase in complexity. For instance, the “zippered clutch bag” builds on the fold-over “simple clutch,” and the “navicular sling bag” introduces straps. The more intricate bags are the most impressive, including the “circle-shaped handbag” featuring a large outside pocket, arm straps, and handles, as well as the briefcase with pen hooks and a covered pocket. The instructional illustrations are easy to follow, and Ganaha provides plenty of useful tips to help novices deal with common problems. For example, if stitching holes become unaligned when binding two pieces of leather together, Ganaha recommends moistening one piece and stretching it to fit the other. It’s a comprehensive introduction to working with leather. (Feb.)