For many of us, getting the perfect leather bag is not as simple as running to the mall and buying one. No, for many of us, our local mall does not have our perfect leather bag. For many of us, we will have to either design our own leather bag or customize one if we really want to get the bag we need and deserve.
Now, before you start thinking that customizing or designing a leather handbag, briefcase, duffle bag or other leather bag is beyond your abilities, you must realize that designing or customizing a bag is not the same as making one. No, going this route does not mean you will have to do any leather work or stitching or work with any specialized or expensive tools.
Designing Your Own Leather Bags
There are two main ways to go about designing your own leather bag: base it upon the design of a bag you already love or design a new bag around your needs. The first option is rather straight forward, simply examine and take the dimensions of your favorite leather bag and decide what you would like to change about it. If, for example, the bag’s strap cuts into your shoulder, make a note that you want a wider strap in your bag’s design. Once you have compiled all of the details of your perfect bag, share them with your designer, who will probably have follow up questions for you.
Designing your own leather bag based upon your needs is a bit more challenging since you will be doing so out of whole cloth. To get started, gather together exactly what your bag will be tasked to carry and then place it together in separate piles just as you would like your items to be carried in separate compartments. Measure each grouping and use these measurements to determine the dimensions of your bag’s compartments. Make sure you include the height, width, and depth for each measurement. Remember that all of these compartments will need to fit together in the dimensions of the bag.
Once you know the size of and where each compartment will be located, work out how they will be closed and secured. Some common closures include buckles, magnetic snaps, velcro, zippers, and clasps. Next, consider the straps: how many do you need, how wide should they be, how many gussets will they require, and where will they attach to the bag?
The final choices you will have to make are regarding leather types, color, additional interior and exterior pockets, lining materials, and hardware metal. Before giving all of this information to your designer, it is a good idea to sketch what you have in mind. Again, once you hand over your desires, be ready to answer follow up questions.
Customizing a Leather Bag
There are many ways you can customize a leather bag to fit your needs and style. Many bag designers and makers, to include us at iCarryAlls, are more than happy to monogram or otherwise emboss, color, or otherwise personalize your leather handbag, tote, briefcase or other bag.
