Bulletproof Tote

I've made the new bag. I'm calling it the Bulletproof Tote.
It was hard work to make, a lot more difficult than the satchel.
The body is a single piece of leather again, but there was a blemish/hole in the base, so I covered it with a rectangle of leather to match the base, which also gives the bag enough structure to stand on its own.

The side seams are fully double hand-stitched. They are also riveted at the top and bottom corners.
All together the tote has 24 rivets.

If I make it again I will leave out the side straps and the baseplate (which was a lot of work to stitch around)... and makes the bag a bit heavy.
Here are some pics of the satchel which has been getting a lot of indigo rub-off that highlights the grain.

You can also see the brass fittings that I used to change the strap. A couple of dees and clips. It's a definite improvement.

You can also see on the flap some stains from rainfall.
Labels: Leathercraft, Postal Bag, Satchel, Tote
6 Comments:
hello
are the rivets copper?
and how did you put the rivets on the leather?
Did you bought the rivets separately and if where?
because i want to put copper rivets on my jeans i don't know how
thank you very much
Anton Nguyen
Hi Anton,
The rivets are copper. They will oxidize/tarnish over time and look less bling. The leather will stain and look more antique too.
I use a couple of hammers and a rivet setting tool. I also have a hole punch with the correct diameter.
The rivets are available at several online leathercraft shops. Search for "rivets" and "washer". Note that these rivets are a lot bigger than normal denim jeans rivets. They're probably twice as big!
Those bags look great! MAkes me want to get into this sort of hobby, too! :-)
it is slowly turning amazing!! Super cool
Sorry for quick 2nd post...
On the tote bag strap, it seems like you did not stitch up, only riveted it. Correct?
Thanks for the comments.
The tote strap is only attached with rivets, althought the end of the strap is sewn and sandwiched into the baseplate.
I think I will try a variation on this tote, in a lighter weight leather. More like a document folio, and with less rivets.
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