Making a Template for a Leather Messenger Bag
Template Making
A Daily Dispatch
Finalizing a design is something I’m notorious for. There is always one little tweak to get in before it’s done. Then another….
I’ve offered the Mercer briefcase for a couple of years now. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that up until now I’ve been making them by reconstructing them from my notes and taking measurements off mine when the notes fail me. It’s no way to act like a professional.
The actual process of template making is very satisfying. It’s the termination of the design process where everything comes together and gets a little polish. Once a nice, crisp template is finished on the bench I can finally start to let go of the project a little.
I have a few rules for making a template:
Never assume anything is a 90* angle or square. Start by making two sides at 90* to each other.
Once you have your squared sides EVERYTHING gets measured from those sides.
Templates are marked in pencil. When the template is complete I’ll go back over the marks with a Micron.
Any holes that need to be punched will get a red X over them.
Notes about things to look out for or mistakes to not repeat get written in pencil in the middle of the template and will be added to as things evolve.
Take pictures of the finished template when it’s done.
The first time through with a new template I’ll open a word doc and write out all the steps I’m taking. I’ll go back and edit this every time I make that design. The benefits of doing it this way are threefold.
I’ll pay much closer attention to what I’m doing. I’ll be less likely to repeat any mistakes. If I ever need someone else to make this bag I’ll have the instructions on hand.
Finally, snacks. Studio snacks are key.
My custom and housemade scratch awl and a bowl of pretzels.