Hello!
I have been working hard since this summer learning leatherwork technique. I try and and make a project every week, and although I see improvements in the technical side of things, I am still stumped on design and pattern making. I spend alot of time looking at bags and how they are made, which helps, but I am wondering if there were any good suggestions on resources covering the design of purses and bags, and the creation of a useable pattern. I have alot of creative concepts and no idea on how to translate them into a physical creation. Up until now, I have been using patterns from the web.
Thanks in advance.
Thank you Michael!
I have only a year and a half of leatherwork under my belt, but have a background sewing garments and home goods for fun. I feel that has given me a slight leg up in converting the three dimensional to 2D flat patterns. I can tell you what I’ve been doing to learn pattern making for leather goods given that there really aren’t many books on it.
What has worked for me is to buy patterns (or some have free downloads) from the couple of folks who also do youtube tutorials on making the pattern. I’ve learned so much from that. It has helped me build a construction vocabulary, if you will, when trying to figure out how to make my own designs.
When making my own patterns, I’ve started with something simple. I’ve built it first in paper with tape, and then with salpa, making multiple versions as necessary. If you envision using a certain gusset type, you can look to those other patterns for construction tips, to see what that gusset looks like flat, and modify the shape to make your bag design by taping on additional paper or gluing salpa; you can true it up later in your next version. You’re not copying, but using this pattern vocabulary as a starting point. I also collect photos of gussets and other design elements to refer to.
It takes me a long time to “perfect” a pattern. I’m sure you’ve seen that books for the general consumer are mostly project oriented and typically do not go in any depth regarding pattern making. There are probably some fashion school text books out there for accessories, and I’m sure there are also books out of Italy and France. I just haven’t found them yet and would be interested in recommendations, as well as other replies to this thread!