Hi all,
I have a small soft sided briefcase/laptop bag which I’ve prototyped once and am preparing to make edits before the second edition. This is a turned seam construction - stitched inside out and flipped.
I was not happy with that approach on this bag because the gusset is a very narrow two inches and my design includes four layers coming together at some points. I am now considering a lapped seam construction for this second attempt but that will be new for me on a bag.
I am wondering if any one has helpful watch-outs to consider before building a bag this way. I think I am going to use reinforcement materials behind the main body panels to help keep the bag from flattening at those seams. Any other points of concern you’ve dealt with?
Very much appreciate all that feedback, thank you!
Oh yes, that seam is a bit loaded up - The bag is fabric lined, which would be fairly thin except that I had to bind the seam to saddle stitch it and to prevent fraying - So there is quite a bit there.
I will keep trying to work it out a bit, but that is why I’m considering an alternative construction going forward without the flip.
Ah yes, certainly! My apologies for having gone a bit out of order there!
Here is a picture of the turned seam on the corner of the first bag- Even from the outside, you can see how much bulk there is- and that is with the edges of the panels skived down a bit. Second is a picture of what I had called a lapped seam - with the gusset diving under the front panel (Is there a better name for this? I’m afraid I don’t know).
I’ve used this approach on smaller pockets like the one shown here, but never on the body of a bag. I believe it will relieve some bulk on the edges and corners, but am worried it could also seem less complete in a way, especially if the front panel appears to lift away from the gusset at all.
@jt.newcomb Hello JT.
It would be great if you could say hello to the guys here over in the 'Introduce Yourself' section and share your leathercraft journey so far.
As for the bag question, I would first ask what you mean by a lapped seam so that we're on the same page.
Do you also have a picture of the flattening at the seams that you are looking to avoid in your second build?
Philip