Attache case

Projects
1

hi all. i am likely going to be making a leather attache case (briefcase) for a short film and i wanted to ask whether we have leather working tools here and also if anyone has any advice as this is very out of my comfort zone! i was looking into adapting an existing attache case but my designer wants something more specific than i can find anywhere. it also needs to have a functional lock and key mechanism (not combi lock), which i’m planning on buying and fitting in.

any and all advice is appreciated <3

2

Hey! Currently in the process of making a leather bag atm, happy to help draft a pattern if you have any examples of what you want it to look like!

We have a box of leather tools in the textiles room, 2nd drawer in the set of drawers on the back right

Happy to share the learning resources I used on YouTube if you have any questions!

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3

Interesting project!
Can you post the designer’s specifications so that we can make suggestions that meet the brief?

We definitely have members who work with leather - e.g. @Martyn_Thomas.
We have several members who are prop builders - e.g. @platinumnqueen22.

You could probably achieve the effects you need without actually building a leather briefcase - e.g. using leather-effect vinyl.

Vegetable-dyed leathers can be laser cut.
We don’t have a sewing machine that does leather (I did see us talking about a donated machine that would).

I’m looking forward to seeing the project take shape!

4

image
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this is the reference image i’ve been given. it needs to be about 40x30x10cm. for the action in the short film, it needs to be very durable, able to be slid across the table, dropped, slammed shut, etc.
i’m happy to hand sew it together - i know how leather can destroy a sewing machine!

5

We do have several hand tools for leather in the textile area.

6

My first thoughts are structure, would you want leather bound to a thin plywood box? if so you could some cheapish sheepskin and staple it to the inside, if its being opened up in the short film youd have to consider an inner lining and what you’d want it to look like

There are youtube guides that can help with hand sewing handles like in the image, and screw down closures can be ordered online, J. T. Batchelor in Dalston is also great for hardware, tools and the like.

7

I suggest buckleguy.com as a resource for Hardware and tools if you need something specific. Not sure it ships UK but it could be a good starting point for searching. I used that site a lot when I was working on projects in the states. Good luck!

8

Also Corterleatherandcloth (search on Instagram & YouTube) for all sorts of tutorials to fill in the gaps of your knowledge.

9

Hi, :smiley: If you,re stuck on anything on the case please feel free to drop me a line (or pop in on Sunday/Monday when im around. Keep well . Brian D=

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