Questians regarding making your own sporran

[Brasilikilt]

Hey all

With my USA Kilt due to arrive in the next few weeks, I'm definitely going to need a sporran of some kind.
I have made lots of things out of leather such as knife sheaths and shooting bags for my flintlock, so making an adequate sporran is certainly an attainable goal for me.
I was wondering about a few things such as where I might find some sources online to look at patterns and/or pictures of sporrans of varying styles, just to give me a better idea of what will be most functional and attractive and also easy to make. Is there a museum website perhaps?
What thickness of leather seems to be most common?
Any other sporran makers in the house?

I appreciate any suggestions

Brasilikilt

[Freelander Sporrano]

It's great you want to have a go.
Sten Rune and I started with the sporran pattern from the Thompson book
So "you're going to wear the kilt,"
I suggest making a pattern from cornflakes packets it helps to visulize what you are trying for.

We use a good quality Furniture grade leather which is soft and durable.

As regards leather suppliers in the US maybe others can help.

Good luck. I'll look forward to seeing the results

[Andrew Breecher]

Tandy Leather is a popular U.S. dealer. I haven't had an opportunity yet to get into sporran-making, but I know it's something I want to do. I'll have to order a few samplers to see just what type of leather to use.

Andrew.

[Brasilikilt]

Hey all

For me, getting the leather is no problem since I already have a reasonable assortment of different colors and thicknesses of leather.
I have made several leather bags and pouches with both flap and drawstring closure, but these were mostly in the American frontier/ muzzleloading theme.

What makes a sporran an actual sporran and not a regular leather pouch?

If simply wearing a leather bag with your kilt makes that bag a sporran, could I theoretically wear a leather purse with my kilt and have it be a sporran?

I'm thinking that a leather bag has to be made in a particular style, be the right size and be attached to your belt or kilt in such a way to make it an actual sporran.
One of the big questions in my mind is does a sporran have to be hung by the little strap or chain around your hips, or can there be loops for your belt to pass through?
What's a good size for a sporran?

Every little bit of info is helpful
thanks

Iain (Brasilikilt)

[Kiltman]

I've made several sporrans for various persons. They are not that hard to make. Thompson's book is where I started. Then I looked out on the WWW to find what was there. I found many, wonderful and different variations of sporrans. I've found it to be a way of making a statement. For example, I have one made of skunk. Generally, people just love it and see it as a statement that is playful and yet serious about this very wonderful bag.

[Bob C]

You'll do fine, I'm sure. Just don't make it too big.

Some guys look like they have a knapsack strapped on the front of their kilts.

[gmcdavid]

Hey all
I have made lots of things out of leather such as knife sheaths and shooting bags for my flintlock, so making an adequate sporran is certainly an attainable goal for me.

Definitely. I have made four sporrans, and you are beginning with more experience than I had. I started with the appendix in Thompson's book. He gives a couple designs, including types and thickness of leather. I have also altered a commercial sporran to make it much more useful. Lately when I see a nice looking commercial sporran I don't think "Can I afford it?", but instead "How would I reverse-engineer it?"

Note that this is a hobby, and a way of saving money. I have no intention of making the things as a business.

Glenn

[Bob C]

Tell me something you leather-workers. Would I be able to sew leather on my wife's sewing machine?

I suppose there are lots of variables, such as thickness and hardness of the leather, to consider.

[bubba]

You should be able to sew it on your wifes machine if it has enough power. I used mine on leather cut from a beat up old motorcycle jacket. Just be sure to use a leather needle.

[Freelander Sporrano]

It's difficult,not impossible.

The very first sporran I made I part sewed on a domestic electric machine. Even with a motor you had to help it a lot with using your hands to turn the wheel. I'd hand sew what you can and then maybe take a trip to the shoemakers.Depends on what you think of your hand sewing.

One other point from an earlier post.

I personally don't like sporran hangers. They do nothing for either the look of the kilt or sporran. They pull the belt forwards and IMHO just look strange and lumpy .What you choose yourself is up to you I wouldn't recommend them.I use a strap all the time