Introducing Our New Top-Handle Bag Tutorial!
We’re so excited to introduce our latest bagmaking tutorial, a stunning top-handle bag that’s both elegant and practical! Whether you're a beginner looking to explore bagmaking or an experienced crafter ready for a new project, this tutorial will guide you step by step through the process of creating a stylish, handmade bag.
What’s Inside the Tutorial?
This tutorial is part of my Online Bagmaking Course, where I teach you everything from leather selection to construction techniques. The course also includes free access to all of the patterns.
The full tutorial is broken down into easy to follow sections and follows my process step-by-step in intricate detail, you'll also learn:
✅ How to cut and assemble your bag pieces
✅ Essential leatherworking techniques to ensure a smooth making process.
✅ Stitching tips and finishing details for a professional look
✅ How to make a beautiful adjustable cross-body strap.
Get Started Today!
If you’re already in our online course, you’ll find the tutorial and the patterns waiting for you inside the platform. For those who want to try it out without the full course, grab the pattern separately and follow along with our free walkthrough video down below.
Watch the construction walk-through video below:
What you'll need:
Patterns
3.38 french pricking irons, Mallet and punching block
Leather for outside of the bag and lining
Thread and 2 x needles
Waterbased leather glue
1 x magnet closure
4 x bag feet (optional)
2 x Double D-Rings
Double sided tape
Reinforcement (optional)
Edge paint (optional)
Order of construction:
1 - Prepare your patterns
2 - Cut out all of your pieces PERFECTLY! This is so important for how the bag will fit together.
3 - Punch all of your holes through your patterns and you outside leather pieces
4 - Add in your magnet hardware to the front panel and the inside of the lid (lining), add in optional reinforcement here too. Also paint the edges of the front panel at this stage.
5 - Glue your front piece in place and re-punch the holes through both layers
6 - Stitch front panel in place
7 - Add in (optional) base reinforcement and bag feet. Also paint the edges of the base piece at this stage.
8 -Glue your base piece in place and re-punch the holes through both layers.
9 - Stitch your base in place.
10 - Paint the edges of the D-Ring tabs and glue the straight tab in place upside down. Punch the holes and stitch in place. Add in the hardware and flip back the curved side of the tab, then glue it in place. I also like to add in some foam padding here, but this is totally optional too. Then re-punch the holes through all layers and stitch in place. We will add in the handle later.
11 - Glue your lining to the side pieces and re-punch the holes through all layers. Then stitch along the toplines. It is normal that the lining is a few millimeters shorter around the sides you will also have approximately 5mm excess around the topline which you can trim away after you've stitched it.
12 - Stitch the "pinch" in the side pieces starting from the bottom and finishing with a double loop at the top of the pinch.
13 - Edge paint around the edges of the inside pocket and stitch the topline of the pocket piece (This stitch line is purely decorative). Then glue or tape the pocket in place on the inside lining and re-punch the rest of the holes through both layers. Then stitch the pocket in place.
14 - Glue your lining to the main body of the bag, lining up the topline of the front of the bag. This lining should be a few millimeters shorter on the edges than the main bag. Ensure you curve the outside of the bag whilst you place the lining to reduce wrinkles on the inside curve of your bag.
15 - Glue the lid lining in place, you should have around 5mm of excess around the curve of the lid, we will trim this off later. Then punch across the straight line though all layers and stitch in place. Then punch all the way around the curve of the lid through both layers, but don't stitch this yet.
16 - Punch across the topline of the bag through all layers, including the front panel, and stitch across the topline.
17 - It's time to attach the sides of the bag to the main body of the bag. To do this you may want to use some small bulldog clips to hold everything in place while you stitch.
18 - Starting at the front of the bag (this is very important) Stitch the side panel through the matching holes in the main body of the bag. Starting and finishing with a double loop at the top of the sides of the bag. Make sure to to create new holes here with your needles, just keep shifting the pieces until your needles are going through the correct holes, this will ensure everything lines up properly. Then repeat on the other side.
19 - Once the sides are attached, you can now stitch around the lid and trim away any excess.
20 - Lastly we will create a top handle by stitching together two strips of leather and looping the ends around the D-Ring hardware at the top of the bag, and stitching it in place. I like to make a more structured handle by inserting a thicker leather piece inside the layers and moulding it into shape over a curve, but if you prefer a more slouchy look you can keep yours very simple too.
21 - Finally you can edge paint the bag to create a beautiful finished product.
We can’t wait to see your creations! Be sure to tag us on Instagram @icanmake_bags so we can share your amazing work.
Happy bagmaking! 🎉