Here are my steps to create my new sporran.

I decided to try the Rob Roy model based on the pdf that is floating around. I've seen many different styles, mostly ones made with soft leather all around. For mine, I decided to use some 6-7 oz shoulder for the front and back. The gusset will be a piece of scrap upholstery that is well worn with some felt on the back. The lining will be pig skin.





Step 1: Pattern

I had to adjust the measurements some. I decided to go with 1/4" extra on each side to allow for stitching. Here is a picture of the back w/flap drawn out on the flesh side. As I plan to glue some pig skin here, I can draw all I want. I found the calipers essential on this step.

Note: There are few scars on the section of leather I plan to use. I've had good luck getting an "old" look out of new materials when I do this. I wonder how the dying will look on it . . . ?





Step 2: Cutting

Cut it out. I was careful to put skin to skin while tracing out the front. I shot myself in the foot a couple of time in the past by stacking my pieces all facing the same way. When it comes to putting them together, any flaws I have in my cutouts don't line up.



I also decided to put my stitching groove in now, before dying the leather.

I also debated on whether I would carve/stamp a design along the edge, inside the groove, before dying. I decided against it at the last minute -- I've actually had good luck with stamping after dying (it really depends on the amount of dye and quality of the leather). I'll experiment with that later and if I like the design, I'll add it before stitching. It's not a show-stopper for me in either case.



Step 3: Dying

I picked up some Dark Mahogany from Tandy's today. I usually stick with Range Tan or Black when dying but I've always loved the Mahogany antique. It came out a little more purple than I would liked at this stage. I may put a few more coats on after this dries to darken it up some.

Note I cut the dye 10:1 with water. Cutting it that much tends to stiffen the leather when you are done but I find you get a much more even coating.

The scars look good believe it or not and fat lines look really good.

And as it is drying, the edges are getting lighter. I definitely need more coats. I hope my fat lines done get too dark. Tomorrow . . .



Step 4: Gusset/Tassels

I cut a 4" by 22" strip. I only need 17.5" to go around but I want an inch or two of seam on the inside tops.

The tassel are 7.5" by 2". I wanted more tassel than suggested in the pdf. 20 didn't look good enough. I have around 40 on each.





Leaning Point: When you tie knots in double lacing, you need about 3" extra in length. Luckily, this is the center one which hangs down lower. If it doesn't look right, I'll redo this one.

To be continued . . .