First DIY Sporran

**12stones** · 3rd August 08, 02:05 PM

I've always wanted to try working with leather since I was a kid since it was a major hobby of my grandfather. So, this is my first attempt. I kept it a basic sporran pattern, and the celtic knot (which, trust me, looks better in the picture than irl, if you can believe that) was my first ever tooling attempt. I probably should have practiced tooling more before putting it on my sporran, but I'm not the patient sort.

Anyway, this is the first of many (after I practice my tooling)... I loved being able to work with my hands in this manner and I have some ideas for patterns and designs...

**ardchoille** · 3rd August 08, 02:07 PM

That is beautiful. And it sounds like you found yourself another addiction

**Panache** · 3rd August 08, 02:09 PM

Well done!

It is a simple but handsome sporran. My only suggestion for improvement would be to make your tooling design smaller next time (so it isn't so close to the edges). To me the tooling looks really nice, would you mind describing how you went about doing it? I have yet to even try that with leather.

Cheers

Jamie

**ChattanCat** · 3rd August 08, 02:14 PM

Nice work on that celtic knot, one of my favorites.

**Drillagent** · 3rd August 08, 02:56 PM

I'd also like to know how you did it. Specifically the sewing. Did you do it by hand or machine? What kind of tools did you use? It really looks great. Can't wait to make one of my own. (just got to learn how and come up with the money first)

**BobsYourUncle** · 3rd August 08, 03:06 PM

Great job! To add to the requests by others, please give us the blow by blow. Having ordered leatherworking books, I will learn about leatherworking, and I will join my fellow DIYers, but in the meantime, how about a little more detailed guidance. Thanks for the post.

**12stones** · 3rd August 08, 04:32 PM

Thanks all. Gotta busy night of studying tonight, but I'll give a play-by-play tomorrow for sure.

**hospitaller** · 3rd August 08, 05:31 PM

That is a handsome sporran!

And in brown to boot!

Who decided to change from brown to black for day sporrans?

agast!

**Carolina Kiltman** · 3rd August 08, 05:46 PM

Well done. You should rightly be proud of your work. I am waiting to see more!

Originally Posted by hospitaller

That is a handsome sporran!

And in brown to boot!

Who decided to change from brown to black for day sporrans?

agast!

Most likely a bit of 19th century snobbery. The working man's shoes were usually brown leather, the "upper crust" usually wore black. Tanned leather is brown, it has to be dyed to make it black, and that cost more when everything had to be done by hand.