How to make a briefcase

A briefcase is a must-have companion for every schoolchild or business person. It helps keep essential items together and is spacious and versatile. The modern market offers a wide range of briefcases that are suitable for any occasion and style. The big advantage of such products is that you can make a briefcase yourself.

Suitable materials

To sew this accessory, manufacturers use various materials and technologies. Thanks to this, they differ in appearance, resistance to aggressive environmental influences and pricing policy.

Material for making:

1. Leather is one of the most popular options. It is used for sewing both classic and sports items. Such portfolios are highly durable and attractive in appearance.
2. Suede is also the most popular material. Accessories made of suede have a special impregnation, which protects documents and things inside from moisture.A briefcase made of suede has a neat and expensive appearance and is highly durable.
3. Textile materials are most often used for sewing sports and casual items. There is a wide range of textile briefcases on the market.

Addition: many manufacturers also use velvet to create a stylish accessory.

Types of portfolios

Modern manufacturers divide this accessory according to several parameters. The main difference is their affiliation: men's and women's. Men's are distinguished by a clear, strict silhouette, restrained tones and spaciousness. Women's ones have a rich range of colors and greater volume.

The next point is type of rigidity. There are 3 main directions. Hard is most often used when sewing men's accessories. The semi-rigid type is used for sewing both male and female versions. Soft, as a manufacturing technology, is used for women's products.

The final section in the types of portfolios is method of making them. Manufacturers use stitching, adhesive method and a combined option in production.

Reference: The variety of products also includes the types of locks used.

DIY leather briefcase

With a little effort and personal time, you can make a leather briefcase yourself. Such a product will have a unique appearance and meet all the needs of its owner.

First of all, it is recommended to make a sketch according to which we will act. This will allow you to quickly decide on the design of the briefcase itself, its size and capacity, and the location of fastenings and locks.If necessary, you may need to work on several sketches to perfect the design of the accessory.

Now let's move on to working with leather material. If the roll needs painting, it is better to use powder dyes. We make the solution following the established instructions. Using a sponge, paint the skin and leave until completely dry.

Important: When working with paint, you must use gloves.

When the paint has dried, the surface should be treated with a dense soft cloth. This will allow you to remove excess dyes from the surfaces of the future portfolio.

We cut out blanks from cardboard, retreating 1-2 centimeters for allowances. They are spent on seams. We place the finished patterns on the surface of the material. Using a knife, being careful, we cut out the patterns. The main parts are ready.

The next step is processing the wrong sides of the material. It is necessary to make the edges of the skin thinner. This will make the process of laying seams easier. When working, you can use a regular razor. Carefully process the edges, removing one layer. Fold in the centimeter left for allowances and stitch. To do this, use a sewing machine, skipping a line.

Let's move on to the design of handles and fasteners. We fold a small strip of leather in half and place two fasteners at the edges. Fasten with rivets. Excess rivet legs can be bitten off with pliers. The resulting handle can be left as is, or it can be wrapped again in a small piece of leather. We sew the ends on a sewing machine. Place the stitch as close to the strap as possible. Remove the excess using a knife.

Let's start attaching the handle. The strap is attached with rivets, then the handle itself is inserted.The edges are finished with small stitches. Using a similar method, we place the remaining fasteners - belts, holders.

Important: external parts are attached before direct assembly of the product.

Let's move on to working with the lining. We cut out the material, following the patterns for the briefcase. We sew on the necessary pockets and additional compartments using a sewing machine. After preparation, we sew the lining to each part of the briefcase separately.

Finally, we begin to assemble all the components of the accessory. We sew the side parts to the back by hand. It is recommended to work with 2 needles for precise fixation. Carefully ensure that all seams and parts are at the same level. If everything is done correctly, you can sew the front part. We carefully cut off the excess material left for allowances. The briefcase is ready.

Finally, you can treat the product with natural leather wax. Apply the product to a clean rag and treat the surface from all sides. Leave until completely dry, then treat again with a clean, dry cloth.

Tools and materials

Preparatory process:

• a piece of leather (size depends on the size of the briefcase itself);
• cardboard;
• pencil;
• ruler;
• needle;
• threads;
• dye for leather materials;
• soft sponge;
• latex gloves;
• pliers;
• carabiners for attaching a shoulder strap;
• rivets;
• knife;
• textile material for lining;
• natural high quality wax;
• soft thick towel;
• screwdriver (may be required when making holes for fastenings);
• sewing machine.

Conclusion

With an active lifestyle, you cannot do without an accessory in which you can place the necessary documents and personal items. A briefcase made of genuine leather will be a smart and spacious attribute in any wardrobe. It will allow you to have the necessary things at hand and protect important papers from rain or snow. Using a few skills and following the recommendations, it is easy to sew a leather briefcase yourself.