How to Make Leather Saddle Bags

Ride with style by making your own leather saddlebag.

It's a hassle to store your things in pockets and other places, especially while riding on a motorbike. Adding a leather saddlebag to your motorbike not only enhances your style, but also provides you with maximum convenience. While other trends come and go, leather never loses its sophisticated demeanor. Leather accessories, especially bags, are an ideal addition to your look and your motorbike. Leather bags are quite expensive, however you can make one of your own easily.

Things You'll Need

• Leather bag
• Measuring tape
• Crafting knife
• Strong holding glue
• Black marker
• Pencil
• 2 buckles
• Empty soda can
• 2 toe straps, 3 to 4 inches in length
• 2 cable ties

Instructions

1. Calculate the distance of the strap holders located on the seat of your motorbike, using measuring tape. On the back of a bag, use a black marker to make prominent dots in the location of each of the strap holders. This is where you will attach your bag to the bike.

2. Slash openings with a crafting knife into the bag where you have marked. Make the openings equal to the width of the straps.

3. Weave two toe straps between the openings you have made in the bag. Overlie the straps to form two small hoops inside the bag. To ensure a proper balance between the opposite sides of the bag and the width of the bag, put a pencil into each hoop.

4. Cut down your pencils to an insertable length with your crafting knife. Exercise caution when performing this task. Knot cable ties to the center of the pencils, then bind the ties securely with the bag by using strong holding glue.

5. Utilize strong holding glue to attach buckles on the outer area below the straps of the bag. Weave the straps between the buckles. The hoops of the bag were made to easily attach the bag to the motorbike.

6. Weigh the contents of the bag after you fill it with your possessions to ensure the bag is not too bulky and does not touch your rear motorbike wheel. If it does, reduce the dimensions of the bag, as it should never touch the rear wheel.

Tips & Warnings

• Use fine leather for your bag; not only is it more stylish, it also lasts a long time.

• Do not let your bag make contact with the wheels of your motorbike, as it can be seriously dangerous while riding.

References

• Virginia Wind: Saddlebags - Choose your Leather with Care
• Lightning Customs: Motorcycle Boots, Jackets, Leather Chaps, and Saddle Bags