Patterns or plans for possible bag

[RickD]

I`m not crafty and was wondering if any of y`all know of any patterns to make possible bags from..I have some buffalo and elk hide and wanted to try making my own bag..

 

[ladysmithtrading]

Rick, I make my own patterns, not real tuff, most bags are 6 to8 inches wide and 7 to 9 inches deep, some have a side gusset of up to 2 inches, and some are flat sewn, front panel to back with no gusset, you can add a pocket or 2 if desired, look around the web and see if you like a bag , download the pic, and sit down with a pencil, paper and ruler and have at it!( a word of warning, the first couple bags I made were way too big, seems like the more room you have in it the more jumk you wind up stuffing in it and really dont need it! :haha: )

 

The question has been asked and answered here before - do a search...for bag, shooting bag, hunting bag, etc - which BTW are the historically documented terms for what you wish. Also see Book of Buckskinning 6, it has an excellent article by Steve Lalioff on making period shooting bags.
FWIW - as originally used the term possibles bag was used for a container of various types (in the west it was often a large leather bag or a parfleche) for carrying ones clothing and other gear, not ones shooting gear.......

 

[ladysmithtrading]

If you have a library close by, see if they have a copy of "The Kentucky Rifle Hunting Pouch" by Madson Grant, great resource and lots of pics and styles.

 

[Gary]

Master Ken Scott, who makes bags professionally, told us the same as what Beaverman & Gray Wolf said. Find something you like and then cut out a pattern. Remember, hunting bags weren't made at factories and subject to approval by the Royal Armoury or Inspector General.

 

[RickD]

Thanks,I suppose it would be better to come up with a design that will fit my needs

 

[hobbles]

Mornin rickd
pattern
a start
inside
done
an idea
darn I'm good :rotf:

 

[bob1961]

i just made my first bag from my own pattern it's 7" wide x 9" tall....here the link to my post :v .............bob

my first bag.............

 

[Gary]

BTW, Ken Scott uses material akin to manila folders to cut his pattern out on. He buys it at some art store. It's better than paper in that it is more rigid and when you transfer your pattern onto the leather, it won't move as easily as paper does.

 

[RickD]

Thank you..after seeing these I dont feel so challenged..Simple is better,for the first bag anyways

 

[flintlockmdj]

Suggestion, Sew or lace the bag together inside out and turn stitches, lacing will be inside. Keeps stitching lacing from rubbing on everything and wearing out as fast.

 

[Okwaho]

The question has been asked and answered here before - do a search...for bag, shooting bag, hunting bag, etc - which BTW are the historically documented terms for what you wish. Also see Book of Buckskinning 6, it has an excellent article by Steve Lalioff on making period shooting bags.
FWIW - as originally used the term possibles bag was used for a container of various types (in the west it was often a large leather bag or a parfleche) for carrying ones clothing and other gear, not ones shooting gear.......

I agree with Chuck here especially the term "possibles bag" which originated in the 19th century Western Mountains as an all purpose storage bag.Its use as another term for a hunting bag is a 20th century one.Another 20th century term which sticks out is the term "Hawk"for an axe.

18th century-bag,hunting bag,shot bag
20th century-possibles bag

18th century axe,hatchet,tomahawk
20th century-hawk
That's my soap box message for today.Have at it.
Tom Patton

 

[hobbles]

afternoon whitebear
I didn't want my "possibles bag" built that way,, :v

 

[rich pierce]

18th century-bag,hunting bag,shot bag
20th century-possibles bag

18th century axe,hatchet,tomahawk
20th century-hawk
That's my soap box message for today.Have at it.
Tom Patton

C'mon, preacher, you're just warming up!

 

[RickD]

Sorry but as bad as it sounds I really dont care if its historically correct..Bag, pouch..Just something to carry my things in..Nothing fancy but I`ll give her a go..Thank you all for your ideas and plans..

 

[Goldhunter]

Here is another hint that works well for me.
If you decide to turn the pouch so the stitches are on the inside, get the pouch wet. I usually get the water hot then fill up the pouch and let it sit for a bit till the leather is soaked alittle. This will make the turning much easier. I also use an old baseball bat to help push from the inside to get the seams to pop out. Then after turning, stuff the inside with newspaper. It will soak up some of the water from the leather and help it dry "open" a little.

Good luck.

 

[Gary]

Suggestion, Sew or lace the bag together inside out and turn stitches, lacing will be inside. Keeps stitching lacing from rubbing on everything and wearing out as fast.

That's what Ken Scott taught us to do. We sewed our bags inside-out and then turned them outside-out.

 

[RickD]

Heres a thought I had..Would it look ok to use artifical sinew as a waxed thread?I`ve used it making quivers and it holds up real well..

 

[Twisted_1in66]

Heres a thought I had..Would it look ok to use artifical sinew as a waxed thread?I`ve used it making quivers and it holds up real well..

The artificial sinew is really just a flat waxed nylon thread, so it will hold plenty well. Problem is that on some of the lighter weight leathers it will sometimes tear through the holes. I used it on some 8-9 oz. leather and it holds great, but 4 oz. leather is another story.

Real sinew won't tear through but is a little harder to find and then you have to separate the fibers out to use it (doesn't come on a spool). That's a fine choice, just more trouble to get and more work once you have it.

I think waxed linen cord is a better choice for stitching on most leather. It won't tear the leather like the artificial sinew, it's easy to work with, historically correct (if that's a concern), and you can get enough to do a bag for less than $2 at Wally World by their beading supplies.

Hope that helps,

Twisted_1in66 :thumbsup:

 

[Capt. Jas.]

Since authenticity is not a goal, artificial sinew would be very good for your project.