going to attempt to make a sporran

**English Bloke** · 1st November 08, 07:56 AM

Crikey!! This forum is great, you can learn so much stuff here. I didn't know things like 4 pronged leather punches existed and was thinking of a way to cannibalise a dinner fork for just such a job. Lovely wife would have killed me!!

**Computergeek** · 1st November 08, 04:46 PM

My project is coming along and I am posting pictures as I go these two are pics of the of the pattern and dimension that I am going to use as the base for the front and the back. I am planning to use a 1.75 inch gusset around the edges. the pattern is 8 inches wide at the top and 7 inches tall at the longest point top to bottom. it has an edge circumference of 18.75 inches. if any one has any suggestions on dimension changes let me know. I was having trouble finding a good pattern or walk though on building a sporran from scratch so with the encouragement and advise of the other members of the forum I am going to post as comprehensively as I can on the process.

**Standard** · 1st November 08, 04:57 PM

Looks like you have a good start. It will be interesting to see the steps you take and the final product.

**Computergeek** · 1st November 08, 05:41 PM

Next photo in the process this is a pic of the front and back as well as the gusset, this does not yet include the internal pockets that I am planning on adding nor does it include the flap that will eventually cover the top of the sporran.

**Computergeek** · 1st November 08, 07:40 PM

Well folks for any of you following my saga here I am making progress. you will notice in the photos that I am using the black squeeze type paper clips on the advice of your own Turpin. He also recommended using a four hole punch but by the time I realized that while it is possible to sew this particular leather with just a glovers needle it is a lot easier if you prepunch the leather. so tomorrow I will be making a trip to Tandy leather. In the photos you will see the leather being clipped together I then carefully punched a line of holes between the two pieces. I used a double stitch through the leather which basically means that I am sewing ti from both sides so that there are two stitches though each hole.

**Computergeek** · 1st November 08, 09:07 PM

Ok folks, well I have been working for a bit now and I have the basic body done. I am going to have to get some grommets and some slightly heavier leather to make the flap out of. But I think I am going to be done for tonight.

and just for a little fun, my dog Calvin trying to peek into it.

**Computergeek** · 1st November 08, 09:07 PM

for anyone actually reading this as I go. hope it helps.

**turpin** · 1st November 08, 09:09 PM

CG, if you haven't gotten any farther I'd suggest sewing in the front panel stiffener which the button thong goes through, and sewing the flap onto the rear panel. I find it much more time-consuming to sew them onto a completed bag because of having to work on the inside.

[edit]
whoops! too late for that advice. Otherwise, it's looking good. You are taking your time and that's half the battle. Just keep thinking two or three steps ahead. I've had more than one re-do from just losing mental focus.

**Southern Breeze** · 2nd November 08, 06:44 AM

Looking good!

**Mr.Charles Anthony** · 2nd November 08, 07:56 AM

To the Question of Spooran,
It seems you also need to deciede what era, or style, of sporan to make, Rob Roy seems traditional, but? Will you try the Victorian sort, with the fancy metal and catches, or the traditional? I am, as I write, wearing a traditional one; two sections of leather, one edge seam, drawing string(leather) close thru the flap. It is 8 inches tall 7'' wide at the base, and 6'' at the top. It is held by two leather straps to my 2nd belt. No pattern needed, no fur needed, no bangles and the like. Historicaly, Sporran were the standard 'money bag ' that all men wore, in the era the kilt was born. It was usually worn on the side, under the coat, to keep it from 'cutpurses' (pickpockets with a knife) For reason I know not, the kilt wearers moved it to the front; I would Guess to keep it free from the sword and other pieces of the soldiers kilt; the way the soldiers cartridge box was worn on one side, and later moved to the front, you can reach thing the better.
Otherwise, I quite concure with the advice given. It is not a tough job, it takes patience and a bit more ork than fabrick. And yes, I also agree, work the first in some scrap fabrick(and old shirt, for example). Happy sewing, and let us see the finished work.
These are the views of;
Mr.C.Anthony
Historical Tailor