variations on gussets for a satchel design

First there is the CONCAVE gusset variation. The flesh side surfaces of the leather are stitched together to create the inward curve of the gusset.

The concave gusset creates a nice tucked-in look. Less interior room then the following convex gusset designs but is better suited for laptops or tablets that would benefit from the snug fit.

With a concave gusset, I can put in an extended gusset that stiches up along the flap which creates a extra secure closure. The extended gusset may make the bag a bit of a fuss to quickly get items in and out.

So that leads me to try the “reverse option”….. CONVEX gusset with extended flap.

hmmm, yeah. This is like orthopedic shoes to me.

It’s very functional and comfortable to use but frumpy.

I’m really trying to keep that “secure closure” action going but this “messenger bag” flap?…not feeling it.

Maybe something else….maybe not.

Next up is the CONVEX gusset without the extension to the flap.

I removed the gusset extension and the flap fully flop-able….

(not sure how I feel about that either...)

Both single gussets are made in three segments.

Here you can see it on the pocket gusset.

A close up of gusset tabs which can be cinched together with elastic….(which is not happening in picture)

There is one other flap variation to show.

This example is a work in progress. It is a small pouch that is also an example of a

single-cover (in two parts) and a double gusset bag.

A convex gusset with a concave flap extension.

In order to successfully do this, I need to make the flap wider.

The wider flap allows the gusset extension to be concave while also allowing access to the full width of the bag interior.

and there’s that.

an alternative bookbinding concept

A proper sewn-bound book is a beautiful piece of work when crafted properly.

This is not one of those finely crafted works.

It is a “quicky” sewn bound journal that, lays flat, not too costly,

and a fraction of the effort and tools that a classic sewn bound book involves.

No sewing frame involved (as in coptic binding but this is even more efficient…at least for me).

The first “short- cut” is using a staple-bound “booklet” notebook such as the ones Rhodia or Fabriano makes.

The second “short- cut” is stitching in portions.

Samples of Rhodia and Fabriano booklets.

I then take it apart….

After I remove the staples, I separate the full sheets into “signatures” (sets of page groups in a book).

4 folded papers per signature = 8 sheets per signature / 16 pages.

I will give them a pressing before assembling.

I have skipped the process of punching holes in the paper since I will use the staple holes.

Booklets are assembled with three staples.

I will be stitching 3 separate areas instead of continuous stitching

back and fourth throughout the whole book.

My thread has a needle on each end.

The signatures lined up with two heavier weight papers as covers.

I will secure one end with a binding clip.

Working from the middle portion first then the ends.

I stitched this portion…then decided maybe I should document this situation….so the stitching instruction starts with an end portion.

enter through the cover

…and out.

(pay no attention to that extra hole under the needle.

I am using a cover from another booklet…Fabriano ecoqua.)

The thread is now looped behind the cover.

Both needles go directly into the next signature, cross on the inside and come back out

to repeat process in the following signatures.

The image above shows the stitched book without glue and will hold together fine enough but I am going to spread a very thin layer of tacky glue on the spine

and secure it with binding clips till set.

Lays flat….and done.