# designing a bag

posted on September 8, 2025 by Lee Cattarin

- leather
- software

## begin by testing

the first step in any design is small tests. For leatherwork, this usually means working with paper - cheaper than leather, but with some of the same inflexibility.

## build up from basic facts

my grommets, laid out on paper, spaced out cleanly at 1/2" away from edges and 1" apart. My tablet is ~10"x8". I started with these facts.

## template, template, template

don't measure out the same spacing any more than you have to. Templating is your friend for both ease of use and regularity.

## mind the order of your work

the corners should be stitched before lacing in order to get into tight spaces easily. Grommets are set most easily before the work is 3-dimensional. It's cleanest to cut before grommets are installed so as to work on a smooth and level surface. Hold all this in your mind when choosing your next move, and ensure you don't step on your own toes.

## consider v2

even if you won't be making one, what would you do differently? Where does your design fail? Where does it succeed?

## take notes

easier said than done.

## related posts

1. ## fishhook pride keychains

   - leather
   - gender

2. ## accessible image modals

   - software

3. ## visual site builders and accessibility

   - software