![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/1.jpg?resize=675%2C900&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2.jpg?resize=675%2C900&ssl=1)
This is a “half of a belly” leather cut.
I will use a portion of it to make the straps for this tote.
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/3.jpg?resize=375%2C500&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/4.jpg?resize=375%2C500&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/5.jpg?resize=375%2C500&ssl=1)
I use a long wood slat for a straight edge to make my first guide line.
I use a t-square that is 2″ wide as my template to mark out cuts.
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/5-1.jpg?resize=375%2C500&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/6.jpg?resize=764%2C523&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/6-1.jpg?resize=764%2C523&ssl=1)
I transfer the full piece up to my work table to cut the straps out.
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/7-1.jpg?resize=675%2C900&ssl=1)
I use a standard ruler and put a new blade in my utility knife.
I cut about 8″-10″ of length at a time.
I work very carefully.
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/8.jpg?resize=764%2C573&ssl=1)
I bevel the edges of the removeable shoulder strap.
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/10-1.jpg?resize=764%2C573&ssl=1)
I measure out roughly 24″ lengths of strap for the handles.
I measure out one of them and mark stitching holes.
I replicate those measurements on the second strap.
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/12.jpg?resize=675%2C900&ssl=1)
I am showing how the handles will be folded when stitched.
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/13.jpg?resize=675%2C900&ssl=1)
After I stitch the handle, I bevel then sand to even the edge.
I use a rougher grit then a very fine grit.
I do this over my tub, then wipe out the dust.
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/14-2.jpg?resize=675%2C900&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/15-1.jpg?resize=675%2C900&ssl=1)
The edge after sanding and before burnishing.
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/16.jpg?resize=675%2C900&ssl=1)
Edge after burnishing
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/17.jpg?resize=675%2C900&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/18.jpg?resize=675%2C900&ssl=1)
The handle connectors are trimmed, punched and burnished.
The second picture shows how they will join the handle.
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/19.jpg?resize=764%2C573&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20.jpg?resize=675%2C900&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/21.jpg?resize=675%2C900&ssl=1)
Stitching the handles to the tote.
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/22.jpg?resize=675%2C900&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/23.jpg?resize=675%2C900&ssl=1)
For the most part, this tote is finished , just some small separate features to complete.
![](https://i0.wp.com/susyandrews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/24.jpg?resize=675%2C900&ssl=1)
The shoulder strap is removeable.
I will make a slim shoulder pad to slip onto it.