The Lighthouse Bag

This is a PDF printable pattern to create a medium size leather tote bag - The Lighthouse Bag. It employs a classic 3-piece gusset construction where the depth of the bag is created by joining three separate leather panels - the side gusset, the bottom panel and the front (or back) panel at the corner of the bag. While the final bag dimensions remain the same, there are two pattern and build variations included:

The Harbor Edition

This is the simpler, more approachable build where non-stitched edges are left open for your preferred treatment whether you burnish, paint, or leave them raw. For those seeking the quickest sail the internal pocket can be skipped for one spacious main compartment.

The Landfall Edition

This is the more luxurious version of the bag. This variation features leather-wrapped (bound) edges throughout, including the internal pocket edge. The handles and closure strap are fully lined for added durability and a high-end feel. It’s a labor of love that adds significant time to the bench, but the result is a sophisticated, "next-level" piece.

I had a few goals in mind when I designed the pattern and I hope everyone finds something for themselves to pursue when crafting the bag:

1. The Functionality: medium capacity daily tote bag that will fit even a small tablet or laptop ~ 30 x 20 cm in size. “Throw-it-all-in & go” experience.

2. The Aesthetics: no curves in sight, balanced symmetrical shapes with minimal variation in size/ratios. Possibility to elevate the looks with wrapped edges while keeping the overall feel stylish and minimal.

3. The Craft: an opportunity to learn about a 3-piece gusset construction if you haven’t done that before with comprehensive step-by-step instructions with in-progress photos. And no hardware needed! :)

4. The “Husband” Factor - gain massive amounts of “wife” points by making the luxurious Landfall Edition of the bag for your significant other. :)

Happy crafting,

Deyan :)

=====

THE LIGHTHOUSE BAG

=====

Dimensions: 34 x 23 x 8 cm (~13.3" x 9" x 3.1")

Internal Pocket: 19 x 12.5 cm (~7.5" x 5")

Handle Drop: 26.5 cm (~10.4")

Skill level: Advanced

Stitching holes spacing: 4mm

Pattern specific tools/materials: a 2mm hole punch

The Landfall Edition

Leather:

> For the Body & Handles: 2-2.2mm thickness (5-5.5oz), medium to stiff temper.

> The patterns will fit on a panel that is 80 x 40cm (32" x 16"), including the closure strap and the two handles. This is approximately 3.5 square feet of leather (0.32 square meters).

> The biggest pattern will fit on a 35 x 25cm panel (13.5" x 10") in case you don’t have a 80 x 40cm one. Just note there are two of those - The Front & The Back of the bag.

> The two handles are 20mm wide & 68cm (~27") long in case you will use a pre-cut strap or a different leather for those.

> For the wrapped edges & the lining: 0.6-0.8mm thickness (1.5-2oz) - should be soft temper at that thickness. All those patterns will fit on a 73 x 12.5cm (29" x 5") panel:

> For the Internal Pocket: 0.8-1.2mm thickness (2-3oz), medium to soft temper.

> Given the pocket’s open edge will be bound with leather you can use the same leather as the one for the lining/wrapped edges as long as the leather is not too stretchy. For example, for the bag shown in the assembly instructions I used the same pigskin leather at 0.8mm (2oz) thickness.

> The Internal Pocket pattern will fit on a 29 x 20cm (12" x 8") panel.

The Harbor Edition

Leather:

> For the Body: 2-2.2mm thickness (5-5.5oz), medium to stiff temper.

> The patterns will fit on a panel that is 80 x 35cm (32" x 14"), including the closure strap. This is approximately 3 square feet of leather (0.28 square meters).

> The biggest pattern will fit on a 35 x 25cm panel (13.5" x 10") in case you don’t have a 80 x 35cm one. Just note there are two of those - The Front & The Back of the bag.

> For the handles: 2.8-3.5mm thickness (7-8.5oz), medium to stiff temper.

> You need two straps that are 20mm wide and 68cm (~27") long. Given the handles will not be lined in this edition of the bag, making them from the same thickness leather as the body may result in the handles being too flimsy and thin for such a big bag.

> For the Internal Pocket: 0.8-1.2mm thickness (2-3oz), medium to soft temper.

> The Internal Pocket pattern will fit on a 29 x 20cm (12" x 8") panel.

IMPORTANT NOTE on the Closure Strap, Closure Bridge & Closure Bridge Feet: If you decide to make the Closure Strap from the same leather as the Handles, then make sure that the Closure Bridge Feet are from that same thicker leather that you used for the Handles. If they are thinner, the Closure Strap may not be able to slide under the Bridge. :)

Basic Instructions

> Measure and cut on the outside edge of the lines.

> Stitching holes in the pattern are spaced at 4mm.

> Please review the step-by-step Assembly Instructions before commencing the build.

=====

USES

=====

> If you are a 1-person small leather crafting business you can sell as many products as you want that you made using this pattern, otherwise please consider the pattern for personal use only.

> Selling or distributing this pattern via any means for commercial or non-commercial purposes is forbidden.

> Cutting dies (clicker dies) are allowed only through my licensed partner - Bradshaw Steel Rule Dies in Canada. Contact them on Instagram @bradshawsteelruledies and mention the pattern name to request a quote. They have all the files needed.

> Mass production of Lighthouse Bag via any means is not allowed.

> If you have any questions regarding the pattern or the build, feel free to reach out to me via www.instagram.com/dsleathergoods

> If you post The Lighthouse Bag you have created on social media, please always credit my Instagram account and/or my Etsy shop

=====

YOU WILL RECEIVE

=====

1. The Lighthouse Bag digital pattern in PDF format: A4 size

2. The Lighthouse Bag digital pattern in PDF format: Letter size

3. Step-by-step assembly instructions PDF including in-progress pictures to guide you through the build

4. Whenever possible and on a best effort basis, I will re-share via IG stories your Instagram posts featuring The Lighthouse Bag you made and that you tagged me on to a 80K+ global audience.

=====
IMPORTANT
=====
This product is a digital PDF pattern designed by DS Leather Goods and not a physical item. Since this is a digital download product, returns, refunds and exchanges are not accepted. PDF files are intended for printing and cannot be opened in PDF editing software. Laser cutting is not possible.