Machine-sewn bag for MOD cantle (in progress)

[sydnie7]

I've been toying with this idea ever since bagging (so to speak) one of the MOD cantles last year. Many hours of visualizing the process has brought me to the starting line. I began with the pattern shape that Tobus was so kind to post a while back, then played with it to narrow the "throat" at hinge level.

Outer dark brown leather is upcycled from a blazer that not only shrank in Bob's closet, but was showing its age in both miles and styles. Liner is beige pig suede from Tandy.

Lots of extra material in those blanks, I'd rather trim than think "wish I had cut this larger!"
Did some tests to set the stitch length, make sure machine can handle multiple layers, etc. I'm using a heavy cotton thread from Gutermann and, of course, leather needle.

I backed up the liner with hair canvas, which may be overkill but I didn't want the interior pockets to rip through at the top edges.


I have the front sewn to gusset but need to make a supply run tomorrow before proceeding. I tested and decided to sew a small cord around the front edge, test done with some yarn held double but I'll use a small upholstery cord (I think) for the final. I like the larger, rounded edge vs. just topstitching the edge of the gusset.

More to come! Including a clean-up of the cantle itself, of course.