This course is for beginner leatherworkers, crafters and sewers who want to make a genuinely useful, good-looking bag at home — no workshop, no machinery, no hand-stitching or sewing machine required.
Just everything you need to make the bags in this series: simple methods, wallet-friendly tools, and a bag that holds up properly once it's made — not a full traditional leatherwork education, but a solid foundation if you want to go further.
Welcome to this course on Crafting Stitchless Leather Bags
Recommended leather in a nutshell
Exactly what leather and thickness to buy — top or full grain veg tan for the body, thicker veg tan shoulder for straps and weaving — and why it matters for these unlined, raw-edge bags.
How much leather do you need?
A visual layout for each pattern showing the size of each leather component of each bag is given in picture form so that you can see how much leather is needed for each panel. Click on the bag style to download the picture guide.
Introduction on techniques and tools
Just the essential tools these bags actually need - some you might already have - plus why it's worth spending a bit more on the few that matter.
Introduction on hardware
What hardware actually means — buckles, rings, rivets and screws — and guidance on sourcing these yourself for these patterns.
What if you have hardware that's a different size?
Why buckle, strap and slot sizes all need to line up — and how to adjust them to fit hardware or tools you've already got. So you don't have to buy more!
Fancy learning more about how to choose leather so you are informed about exactly what you are looking for?
These videos walk you through the main steps in prepping your leather for all the Stitchless Bag styles — cutting, marking, punching and beyond — along with the essential and optional tools you'll need for each one. These steps are exactly the same across all the styles. Once your leather's cut and ready to go, head over to the build video for whichever bag you're making.
Each video is short and to the point — the key information, no waffle. Already confident with a certain tool or technique? Skip straight past it. These are here for you to dip in and out of, not sit through start to finish.
Preparation step 1 - Get your paper patterns ready
Prepare the paper patterns
Print, cut and tape your pattern pieces together properly before you go anywhere near your leather. Get this right and everything after it is easier.
Preparation step 2 - Cut your leather
DEMO - how to cut out your leather pieces
Watch this before you make a single cut: how to lay out and cut the main body pieces of your bag cleanly and accurately.
DEMO - how to cut your straps and weaving pieces
Straps and weaving pieces are cut a little differently to the main body pieces. This shows you how, so all your straps are nice and even all the way down.
Essential tool - a cutting tool
Key takeaway: a sharp blade matters more than which knife you use. Blunt is what causes ragged edges and mistakes.
Essential tool - a cutting mat
Key takeaway: makes cutting far easier and protects the surface underneath.
Essential tool - a metal ruler
Key takeaway: the difference between a wobbly line and a clean, straight edge — and clean edges are what make a bag look properly finished.
Optional tool - a strap cutter
Key takeaway: not essential, but an inexpensive way to get straps an even width all the way down. Skip this one if you're happy cutting straps by hand.
Preparation step 3 - Mark the pattern markings on your leather
DEMO - Mark the pattern placements with your awl
Key takeaway: accurate placement of every rivet and slot hole is what makes your finished bag symmetrical. This is a step worth taking slowly.
Essential tool - a round awl
One of the most useful (and budget friendly) tools in the leatherworkers kit.
Preparation step 4 - Punch out the slots and rivet holes
DEMO - how to punch out the slots and holes in your leather bag pieces
How to punch cleanly, and in exactly the right place, on the main body of your bag.
DEMO - how to punch holes and slots in your straps and weaving pieces
The same process, applied to your straps and weaving pieces.
Essential tool - a hole punch
Key takeaway: there are lots of punch options out there. Use whichever feels easiest in your hand.
Essential tool - a striking tool
Key takeaway: look for a maul or mallet with no bounce, and heavier than you'd think. A light hammer will just mean endlessly hitting your tool to hammer out the hole!
Optional tool - a punch board
Key takeaway: protects your tools and absorbs the shock of each strike. Makes punch tools and striking tools far more effective and easy on the arms! You can use your cutting mat on a sturdy surface if you don't want to get one of these.
Optional tool - a strap end punch
Key takeaway: a small detail that gives your strap ends a proper, professional finish. Nice to have, not essential.
Preparation step 5 - how to connect 2 pieces of leather
DEMO - how to fix a rivet with rivet setting tools
Key takeaway: match the rivet length and size to the thickness of your leather. Too long and they might hammer in squint. Too short and they might come undone.
DEMO - how to fix a screw in Chicago screw
Key takeaway: the simplest option going — no setting tool needed, just a screwdriver.
Add a thumbnail image
Essential hardware - hammer-in or screw-in rivets
Key takeaway: rivets come in a range of colours and finishes — a small choice that adds real personality to your bag. An inexpensive way to join leather without any stitching required.
Build step 6 - choose which bag style you're making
Now Build your Bucket Bag
Watch this video once you have cut out and prepped all your leather pieces.
Now Build your Mini Bag
Watch this video once you have cut out and prepped all your leather pieces.
Now Build your Backpack
Watch this video once you have cut out and prepped all your leather pieces.