The artisanal process: how a leather bag is made

Have you ever wondered how a handmade leather bag is made? 👜✨ We're not talking about mass production, but a process full of dedication, precision and love for materials. Each handmade bag tells a story, from the selection of leather to the finishing touches that give it its unique character.

Today I'll take you step by step through this fascinating process. Let's go! 🚀

1. Design and planning: it all starts with an idea 💡

Before cutting a single piece of leather, you first need to decide what kind of bag you want to make . A designer or craftsman draws up sketches and chooses the right materials. Will it be a large everyday bag or something smaller and more elegant?

🔹 Next step: Make the patterns on paper or cardboard. This will serve as a guide to cut the pieces accurately. Like a puzzle where each piece fits perfectly!

2. Selecting and cutting the leather: let's get to work ✂️

Leather is the soul of the bag. Choosing the right type is essential:

✅ Full grain leather: The most durable and natural, with its unique markings.
✅ Vegetable tanned leather: Perfect for engraving and beautiful aging.
✅ Oiled leather: Soft, flexible and with a rustic finish.

Once the material is ready, it is placed on the work table and the pieces are cut using special blades. There is no room for error here: a badly made cut can ruin the entire piece . 😲

3. Assembly and sewing: putting the pieces together 🪡

This is where the bag starts to take shape. Depending on the style and technique, there are two main ways to sew it:

🔹 By hand : Using the saddle stitch technique, using waxed thread for greater durability.
🔹 By machine : Faster and more uniform, although it loses some of the charm of manual sewing.

The handles, reinforcements and pockets are gradually integrated. It is a work of patience and precision.

4. Finishing and final details: perfection in every inch ✨

It's almost ready! But a handmade bag needs some finishing touches:

🔹 Edge polishing : They are sanded and sealed with waxes to prevent wear.
🔹 Dyeing and patination : Dye is applied to give it more personality.
🔹 Accessory assembly : Buckles, clasps and other details that make the bag unique.

This is the moment when the craftsman checks every detail. Are the stitching firm? Is the leather well finished? Only when everything is perfect is the bag ready for its new life.