Making a Purse Part 2 - Pattern Layout to Final Assembly

Ready to build a leather purse? In this tutorial, Chuck Dorsett walks you through every step of constructing a multi-piece bag — from laying out and cutting your pattern to punching holes, setting hardware, and hand sewing the final assembly.

If you haven't created your pattern yet, check out Part 1 for step-by -step instructions on creating the perfect purse pattern.

Follow along as Chuck shares practical tips on:

• Marking and cutting leather accurately, including working with curves and clean corners
• Punching consistent holes for straps, rivets, and a Segma snap
• Grooving and chiseling stitch lines for clean alignment
• Setting snaps, double cap rivets, O rings, and a center bar buckle
• Hand sewing a gusset with a saddle stitch for strength and control

This project is ideal for confident beginners and intermediate makers who want to better understand pattern-based builds with multiple components like a flap, pocket, gusset, straps, and billets. Along the way, you’ll work with chrome oil tanned leather and essential tools such as punches, chisels, a stitch groover, snap and rivet setters, harness needles, waxed polyester thread, and a stitching pony to complete a structured, functional leather purse.