Waxno

Bags & Leather Goods

What to Tell Your Leather Artisan

Specify dimensions, load, carry, hardware, organization and material before decoration.

Contents · Sections
  1. Use and dimensions
  2. Expected load
  3. Opening and carry preference
  4. Handles and straps
  5. Hardware
  6. Organisation
  7. Leather and lining
  8. Finish and personalization
  9. Questions
Artisan-client consultation; Sketches and dimensions; Hide and hardware samples; Scale and load demonstration

Key takeaways

  • Provide device dimensions, paper format, travel context and any storage constraints rather than asking for a generic medium bag.
  • Give a typical and maximum load in kilograms, including dense items such as devices, books or shoes.
  • Explain whether the bag is opened on a desk, suitcase stand, vehicle seat or while standing, and whether privacy or one-handed use matters.
  • Mention coats, tailored shoulders, hand size, cross-body use and whether a strap must detach without leaving obtrusive fittings.
01

Use and dimensions

Begin with the real setting and the exact dimensions of the objects the piece must carry.

Highlighted detail from the visual atlas. Begin with the real setting and the exact dimensions of the objects the piece must carry.

Name objects and tolerances

Provide device dimensions, paper format, travel context and any storage constraints rather than asking for a generic medium bag.

What to noticeUse the scale-and-dimensions panel to place each object inside the proposed outline with closure clearance.
Why it mattersConcrete dimensions let the artisan design proportion and structure instead of guessing from product labels.
What to say“It must hold this sleeved laptop, A4 folder and charger; here are their measured dimensions.”
02

Expected load

Expected weight affects base reinforcement, handle anchors, strap width and hardware choice.

State the working load

Give a typical and maximum load in kilograms, including dense items such as devices, books or shoes.

What to noticeIn the load demonstration, compare the empty shape with typical and maximum weight at the handles and base.
Why it mattersA volume-only brief can produce a bag that fits everything but cannot carry it safely.
What to say“My normal load is four kilograms and the occasional maximum is six; please design the anchors for that range.”
03

Opening and carry preference

Opening preference should reflect where and how the user reaches the contents.

Describe the access moment

Explain whether the bag is opened on a desk, suitcase stand, vehicle seat or while standing, and whether privacy or one-handed use matters.

What to noticeUse the opening sequence to test reach, visibility and stability in the stated position.
Why it mattersThe same capacity can feel efficient or frustrating depending on access geometry.
What to say“I often retrieve a notebook while standing, but need the main compartment secured on public transport.”
04

Handles and straps

Handles and straps need defined drop, width, attachment and wearing position.

Highlighted detail from the visual atlas. Handles and straps need defined drop, width, attachment and wearing position.

Fit the carry system to body and clothing

Mention coats, tailored shoulders, hand size, cross-body use and whether a strap must detach without leaving obtrusive fittings.

What to noticeIn the carried-scale panels, test the handle with a coat and trace the strap across the shoulder and torso.
Why it mattersCarry geometry controls comfort, garment abrasion and the bag’s visual proportion.
What to say“Please set the handle drop for a gloved hand and keep the shoulder strap from cutting across a structured jacket shoulder.”
05

Hardware

Hardware should be chosen for function, finish durability, weight and future replacement.

Highlighted detail from the visual atlas. Hardware should be chosen for function, finish durability, weight and future replacement.

Specify behaviour, not a metal colour alone

Describe whether a zip, lock, magnetic closure or buckle is needed and how quietly, securely or quickly it must operate.

What to noticeUse the hardware samples to operate each option and compare size, plating, edges and replacement access.
Why it mattersDecorative hardware can add weight or fail early if it does not match the load and frequency of use.
What to say“I need a quiet secure closure; which replaceable hardware will withstand daily opening?”
06

Organisation

Organisation begins with a short priority list and leaves adaptable space around it.

Prioritise essential compartments

Name objects that truly need restraint—documents, device, keys or pen—and avoid designing fixed pockets for every temporary accessory.

What to noticePlace the priority objects in the interior-layout panel and test visibility, reach and unused residual space.
Why it mattersA disciplined interior protects essentials without turning future equipment changes into a problem.
What to say“Please include a document divider, removable device sleeve and secure key point, then leave the remaining space open.”
07

Leather and lining

Leather and lining should be selected together for structure, abrasion, climate and repairability.

Highlighted detail from the visual atlas. Leather and lining should be selected together for structure, abrasion, climate and repairability.

Pair surfaces with the load

A soft leather may need hidden reinforcement; a pale delicate lining may expose dirt, while a rough interior can abrade devices and papers.

What to noticeCompare hide and lining samples folded over the proposed reinforcement in the material plate.
Why it mattersThe exterior and interior work as one composite construction, not two decorative choices.
What to say“Show me the leather and lining over the intended reinforcement so I can judge weight, feel and abrasion.”
08

Finish and personalization

Finish and personalisation should support use and age gracefully rather than overwhelm the object.

Keep permanent marks proportionate

Choose edge finish, surface sheen, initials and hardware tone at actual size, and confirm placement before cutting or stamping.

What to noticeUse the full-scale sample panel to compare blind, foil and no personalisation beside the proposed edge finish.
Why it mattersPermanent details affect resale, repair and visual restraint long after novelty fades.
What to say“Please show the initials at full size and position before stamping; I prefer the quietest option that remains legible.”
09

Questions

Close the brief by asking how construction, lead time, care and remedies will be documented.

Confirm the complete service

Clarify prototype or mock-up stages, approval points, deposit, delivery, repair access and what happens if agreed dimensions are missed.

What to noticeUse the annotated decision checklist to mark every choice, dimension and responsibility before production begins.
Why it mattersA shared written brief protects both client and artisan from memory-based misunderstandings.
What to say“Can we record the approved dimensions, materials, load, delivery window and correction policy in the order?”

Related guides

Leather Types & FinishesChoose tanning, grain and finish by use, climate and the way the leather should age.Care, Storage & TravelMaintain leather, hardware and bag shape at home and while moving between professional settings.Bag Anatomy & ConstructionSee how panels, gusset, base, lining, handles, anchors, stitching and hardware carry a load.

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