Leather For Lunch

Here are several snapshots of the leather (lunch bag style) clutch that I made. It also had a cameo in the last post. Since I recently acquired some good yardage of leather a couple of months ago, I've been pondering about various design projects that will keep me busy throughout the season. This project is one of five that I have been working on. It's also a perfect alternative to a casual carrying clutch bag.

I started with cutting my leather in the shape that I wanted  on the fold of fabric... a very easy rectangular form, which will stand vertically. Then, I cut my side panel pieces (optional). There are loads of ways to make this style of bag. You may go the very simple route and make it an all-in-one bag without side panels by just sewing two sides together, but I preferred side panels. I created them using the same piece of leather fabric as the body of my bag. Next, I folded each side panel inward (face side up) in a fan shape, and stitched the top edge of each side to the front and back of the bag, as well as sitching the side seams together.

I wanted a bit of subtle edge to my bag, so I added studs to my bag and glued them to the leather. I also made this version not as tall as a regular lunch bag, that way it looks more like a clutch.


Extras:
I created a tab out of the leftover scraps of leather pieces and used a d-ring to hold keys, etc. This ring extension can also fold inside to stay hidden. Lastly, I then added heavy duty magnets for closure. You may add velcro, snaps, or nothing at all, especially since you roll the top edge of the bag to open and close, but I wanted an actual closure. Here's the result!

Of course, there's always more to come, so stay tuned!


Materials used: Leather cut 3 pcs. (body-1, and side panels-2), Studded trim, Metal d-ring (1), Magnets (1 pair), Scissors, Clear fabric glue, Needle and thread or sewing machine.

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