Tihlwmas

[Taskr]

Things I Have Learned While Making A Sporran:

1. Don't just model it after that intial purchase made with the kilt - draw out a full pattern on graph paper.
2. Leave nothing to the eye. Measure, measure, measure.
3. Patience is not only a virtue, it is an absolute requirement.
4. A paper mock up is a good thing.
5. Using the paper mock up to guide is an even better thing.
6. Try for, but don't expect absolute perfection.
7. Think, act, think again. Use x-marks DIY to support that.
8. The proper tools are probably a good thing. Get them for next time.
9. It's not about saving money, but being able enjoying creating something.
10. You have to commit to wearing the result at least once.

I have taken photos along this little journey of leather craft and will post them up in additional 'replies' when I get the pics transferred onto the computer.

[Taskr]

to continue..

I'm not without some creative genes. Unlike the TV gizmo ad folks, I can crack and egg and I have figured how not to strangle myself with cling wrap. I can handyman, have done some wood work and have various tools, but none for leather craft - at least not specific to the purpose. So I made do.

The fellow helping me (lost as I was) at Tandy stated he'd made sporrans in the past, and not too many dollars later I left with a sizeable piece of unfinished leather, some soft sheep skin, dye, some other odds n' ends, and some very good advice. I modelled the project on the simple sporran i purchased when I picked up my kilt from the maker. The pattern was made larger than the original to better accommodate wallet, phone and keys. Perhaps a bit too large was my thought, but went ahead anyway.

IMG_9740.jpgtracing..

IMG_9742.jpg and cutting
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[Taskr]

I don't have the proper tool to edge the cuts on the pieces, so I took the Tandy fellow's advice and used fine sandpaper followed by a finishing paper (he had recommend using canvas on the final step). The back side of the leather was very rough so I also used two sandpaper grades to smooth those surfaces a bit. Definitely something to be done on a bench in the garage (or workshop)

Then the dye was applied
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three applications gave me the colour and tone I wanted. The soft leather for the gusset was already finished, so it did not take the dye fully, but it came to a complimentary colour after many dye applications.

Over the few days of dye and drying, I worked on the hanging strap

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As it was too thick, I simply used an exacto blade to skive it, finishing the edges again with sandpapers.

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The thread is from a military field sewing kit. The threads are strong enough for heavy canvas repairs. I also felt the OD Green would be a bit of a signature for the project. I also went to a much shorter needle.
The holes where individually marked along a score line made with calipers (I watched the old sporran making movie over and over) and then individually hand punched. I'm very disappointed those pictures have somehow disappeared. I had taken a few of the process on the sporran face. But this one shows it as well
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I found these holes to be way too close, so they were adjusted to a wider set on the sporran proper.

[Taskr]

The holes for threading was the most frustrating bit. Having the proper tool or tools would have made this much easier. I experimented with a few methods until settling on a hand file sharpened nail. Proper punches are on my list to get before the next project.

Sewing everything up was straightforward. Sewing is something I do know how to do. There are a couple of methods to assure strength. I ran along in one direction, and then doubled back to the opposite stitch. Ends received multiple stitches to reinforce.

As mentioned earlier, I'm disappointed I've lost the pictures of some of that process. Perhaps they will pop back up at some point (not sure I like this new iPhone as much as initially did)

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Here is one of having almost completely attached the gusset to the face. The long edge was trimmed, folded and sewn before completing the attachment. Although I did make sure I cut the gusset too long, I was surprised at how much the soft leather stretched during the stitching. This was a bit of a concern for when it was time to attach to the back of the sporran.
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Here is the finished face. Note the vintage film on the iPad. I did make a firm form to use as shown in the film after wetting the leather before turning it to form the bead. But I remain uncertain of the form's actual purpose. I think, perhaps, the leather being used in the film is heavier than what I used and thus the form is important to being able to turn it without over-stressing it. At any rate, i worked the edge continuously over a short period of time to ensure it was set and also folded the gusset so that it would settle nicely. I gave the leather some time to dry from being wetted. Then, more sewing; being very careful not to stretch the edge as I would not have the luxury any longer of trimming the far end.

[Taskr]

Before attaching the pieces, I glued some Arid pattern material to the inside for no reason other than to try sewing a liner along with the leather gusset. I don't recall why that material (a pocket) was taken off my CADPAT in theatre, but it makes a nice bit of lining in the sporran now. I kept the velcro piece on it in case it should be useful for, perhaps, a small coin satchel or other internal something-or-other. Wetting the area for the crease for the flap was very important to reducing the stress on the leather, although stress marks still came through. I worked and shaped that for about 10 minutes or so for depth and the balanced placement overall.
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And the almost finished project
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The lighting and iPhone camera makes it appear more red than its chestnut finish. The piece on the back is distinctly coloured to set it off a bit. I still have to exacto trim and re-dye the edge, as well as dye the stitch lines. I also have to determine a closure. I like the nail pin and chain, but can't find a source. I will probably use a snap or magnetic. Not sure if I will use tassels.

This project took place over two weeks. I did what I could when time permitted. It wasn't too time consuming over all, and not overly difficult. Not being in a rush, I think, allowed for it to look as reasonable as it does. Getting some basic, proper leather craft tools will make the next one easier. Yes, having made one I now am conjuring ideas for another. But first, I need to craft a like-coloured sporran strap and waist belt.

I want to thank all the DIYers who post their work here. Your posts are both inspirational and informative. I hope sharing my project can assist in similar fashion.

[MacEanruig]

I don't know about the others, but I am quite impressed. Did you obtain most of the materials from Tandy?

[Stitchwiz]

Cool...

Great job of documenting your project! Hope you can recover the rest of your photos.

[Taskr]

I don't know about the others, but I am quite impressed. Did you obtain most of the materials from Tandy?

Thank you.
All of the leather, dye, and rings did come from Tandy. The sewing kit and knives I have had for years,