Tokyo Shoulder Bag - Handbag Making Guide

Tokyo Shoulder Bag Guide

Welcome to the guide for your Tokyo Shoulder Bag Kit. We're so excited to have you here!

This guide will take you through the process of making your bag from beginning to end - from getting familiar with your kits contents, learning saddle stitch and finally, assembling your bag.

No leatherworking experience needed. Every piece comes pre-cut and pre-punched, so all that's left is the satisfying part: stitching it together by hand. 👜

Craft Club Co WINE RED TOKYO - Shoulder Bag Kit

👜 Your Bag Kit Includes:

🤎 Pre-cut PU leather bag pieces

🤎 Pre-sewn zipper piece

🤎 Pre-sewn shoulder strap piece

🤎 Metal buckles x2

🤎 Bulldog clips x2

🤎 Waxed thread spool

🤎 Sewing needles x4

🤎 Craft Club nameplate

Watch the below video for a deep dive into your kit contents.

What's Inside Your Tokyo Bag Kit

🧵 Getting Started

Now you know what's inside your kit - it's time to get started! In this section we'll be teaching you the foundational skills behind your handbag kit. We'll be going through how to thread your needles and how to saddle stitch confidently.

Threading Your Needle

How to Saddle Stitch

🪡 Assembling Your Tokyo Shoulder Bag

Now you've nailed the technique, its time for the best part - assembling your bag!

In the below videos we'll be taking you step-by-step through each element of your bag kit.

We'll begin with the easiest stitching, then level up your skills by stitching layers of your leather together. Take it slow and steady, and make sure to watch the videos in full if you get stuck along the way.

Part 1 - Simple Sections

Part 2 - Pockets & Buckles

Part 3 - First Side Panel

🧰 Quick Tips!

Before you continue sewing your bag, here's a few tips & tricks to help you along your way.

📎 Use your bulldog clips to keep your pieces lined up while you sew. It's normal to move these frequently as you stitch and move the placement of you leather pieces.

🧵 Pull each stitch snug, but not too tight, so your seams stay neat without puckering.

🪡 Below you'll find a bonus tip for stitching edge stitches on the top of your side panels. These are an optional extra.

⏳ Take your time! Most makers finish their bag in around 3-4 hours, so feel free to spread it over a few sessions. Remember crafting is all about enjoying the journey!

⚡ If taking it slow is not for you, remember you can try the speedy stitching method mentioned in the later half of our 'How to Saddle Stitch' tutorial.