Stitchless Bucket Bag Pattern and Tutorial

Immediately on checkout you will be given a link to download the following -

* PDF of the bag pattern ready formatted for print. A1, Letter and A4 sized.
* detailed guidelines on how to choose leather, tools, hardware and recommended suppliers for these
* how much leather is required
* explanation on exactly what tools are essential, what you can use as a cheap alternative (i.e. normal household hammer and Stanley Knife) and what tools you might want to invest in should you want to go further into your bag making journey!
* Access code to the full step by step video tutorial which includes guides on leather, tools and hardware and how to use the tools as well as a full breakdown on how to construct your bag from start to finish.

Detailed guidance on how to choose the right leather, tools and hardware for this project is given in the PDF download and video tutorial.

Recommended leather, tool and hardware suppliers are listed in the PDF downloads.

Leather

There are no seam allowances on this pattern - it is a raw edge bag.

The cut sizes of the bag panels are given below should you want to mix and match textures or colours of leather.

You will need 2 rectangular panels of leather for the front and back of the bag (they are both 27.5cm by 41cm). You will need to cut a circular panel for the base of the bag (26cm diameter).

The thickness and how supple or rigid the leather is will greatly impact the final form and look of your bag. Thick yet supple leather for the front, back and bottom sections of the bag (1.6mm to 2mm thickness / 4 to 5 oz) is perfect.

You will also need 5 lengths of thicker, stiffer leather for the straps and weaving pieces. There are 2 side weaving pieces (35cm by 1.4cm) and 1 base weaving piece (82cm by 1.4cm).
The main strap measures 108cm by 1.8cm. The buckle piece measures 25cm by 1.8cm. There are some other small pieces needed to be cut from the same veg tan as you use for the straps. The drawstring cord should be 115cm by about 5mm / 45” by 0.2”.

Veg tan leather (similar to what is used to make belts) about 2mm to 3mm thickness / 6 to 8 oz is perfect for the straps and drawstring cord.

You might find you want a shorter or longer strap and so can reduce or extend the length accordingly.

The thickness and how supple or rigid the leather is will greatly impact the final form of your bag.

HARDWARE
*1 x buckle measuring 2cm/0.8” wide
*2 x o rings measuring 2cm/0.8” diameter
*10 double capped rivets (the length of the rivets will depend on the thickness of your leather - test out on scrap leather to ensure a snug fit) or 10 chicago screws.

TOOLS

1 x sharp craft knife, Stanley knife or scalpel. Fresh blades will make cutting the leather much easier.
1 x leather workers awl
1 x long metal ruler
1 x 14mm/0.55” oblong hole punch
1 x 2mm/0.07” round hole punch (or a multi head rotary hole punch tool)
1 x 5mm/0.2” round hole punch (or a multi head rotary hole punch tool)
1 x rivet setting tool that fits the cap size of your rivets (unless you are using chicago screws in which case you'll need a flat headed screw driver)
1 x hammer/mallet
1 x old plastic chopping board or cutting mat
Work on a sturdy surface for cutting and hole punching

A nice to have item!

1 x strap end punch (2cm/0.8” width

25cm (10”) wide by 25cm (10”) high by 25cm (10”) deep.

The strap is adjustable with a solid brass buckle and measures 95cm (37”) at shortest/120cm (47”) at longest.

Guidance on lengthening or shortening the strap is given.