How a luxury bag is made. Craftsmanship behind the scenes
Creating a luxury leather bag is a process that combines artistry, precision, and time-honored techniques. At PEVRI, every bag we produce is a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of our artisans. From selecting the finest leather to adding the final touches, each step in the process is carefully executed to ensure that our bags are not just accessories, but pieces of art. Here’s an inside look at the meticulous steps we take to create our luxury leather bags.
1. Selecting the Finest Leather
The journey of crafting a luxury leather bag begins with the selection of the highest quality leather. We source full-grain leather from the best tanneries, known for their rich history and expertise in leather production. Full-grain leather is chosen for its durability, natural beauty, and ability to develop a unique patina over time.
Quality Check: Every hide is carefully inspected for imperfections. Only the best pieces, free from scars or blemishes, are chosen for our bags.
Sustainability: We are committed to using ethically sourced leather, ensuring that our materials are not only luxurious but also responsibly obtained.
2. Pattern Making and Leather Cutting
Once the leather has been selected, the next step is to create the patterns that will form the bag’s structure. Precision is key here, as even the slightest deviation can affect the final product.
Pattern Creation: Our designers draft detailed patterns that outline each component of the bag. These patterns are then transferred onto the leather.
Cutting: Using sharp blades and expert hands, our artisans cut the leather into precise shapes, ensuring that each piece matches the pattern exactly. This step requires a steady hand and an eye for detail, as the cut pieces must be flawless.
3. Skiving the Leather
Skiving is the process of thinning the edges of the leather pieces to create a seamless and professional finish. This step is essential for reducing bulk and ensuring that the bag’s edges come together smoothly.
Precision Skiving: Our artisans use specialized skiving tools to thin the leather where it will be folded or stitched. This process requires great skill, as too much pressure can ruin the leather, while too little won’t achieve the desired effect.
Consistency: Every piece of leather is skived to a consistent thickness, ensuring uniformity across the entire bag.
4. Assembling and Preparing for Stitching
With the leather pieces cut and skived, the next step is to assemble the bag. This involves aligning the pieces together, readying them for stitching.
Gluing: Before stitching, the leather pieces are temporarily glued together to hold them in place. This step ensures that the pieces don’t shift during the stitching process.
Marking Stitch Lines: Our artisans use special tools to mark the stitching lines on the leather, ensuring that the stitches will be perfectly aligned and evenly spaced.
5. Saddle Stitching by Hand
Saddle stitching is the hallmark of luxury leather goods. Unlike machine stitching, saddle stitching is done entirely by hand and involves two needles passing through each hole from opposite sides, creating a durable and aesthetically pleasing stitch.
Handcrafted Precision: Our artisans use two needles and waxed linen thread to create the saddle stitch. This technique, though time-consuming, results in a stitch that is stronger and more resilient than machine stitching.
Attention to Detail: Every stitch is made with care, ensuring that the thread tension is perfect and the stitches are evenly spaced. This not only adds to the bag’s durability but also gives it a distinctive handmade look.
6. Edge Painting and Finishing
The edges of the leather are an important aspect of the bag’s overall appearance and durability. Edge painting is the process of sealing and protecting these edges to ensure they are smooth, polished, and resistant to wear.
Edge Sealing: First, the edges are carefully sanded to remove any roughness. Then, a special edge paint is applied in multiple layers, with each layer being allowed to dry and then sanded smooth before the next is applied.
Polishing: Once the final layer of edge paint is applied and dried, the edges are polished to a high sheen. This gives the bag a professional finish and ensures that the edges will remain intact over time.
7. Final Inspection and Packaging
Before a bag is ready to be sold, it undergoes a thorough inspection to ensure it meets our high standards. Every detail, from the stitching to the hardware, is carefully examined.
Quality Check: Any imperfections or inconsistencies are addressed, and the bag is polished and prepared for packaging.
Luxury Packaging: The final product is carefully wrapped in a dust bag and placed in a custom box, ready to be delivered to its new owner. Our packaging reflects the same level of luxury and attention to detail as the bag itself.
Conclusion
Creating a luxury leather bag is a labour of love that requires skill, precision, and a deep respect for the craft. At PEVRI, we take pride in every step of the process, from selecting the finest materials to hand-stitching each piece with care. The result is a product that not only looks beautiful but also stands the test of time. When you carry one of our bags, you’re not just carrying an accessory — you’re carrying a piece of art, crafted with passion and dedication.