The Modus Operandi: Cutting the Angle Tote

This week in the Lotuff studio, production is beginning on a batch of Angle Totes. We'd retired this bag with the introduction of our similar Sling Backpack, but due to popular demand, this style is back and here to stay. As a piece designed with performance and style in mind, it’s important that the Angle Tote be made perfectly so as to reflect these traits. That all starts by cutting the leather with our clicker press. 

Totes are easier to cut than some of our other bags as a result of the simple fact that they comprise fewer pieces, but this doesn’t mean it’s a process that we speed through- every bag deserves the same level of care and precision in its making. Before the leather can be cut, it must be inspected for marks and imperfections, which will be avoided while still making use of the rest of the hide. It’s almost like figuring out a puzzle; every die needs to be placed in exactly the right position so as not to create too much scrap. 

As all of the pieces are cut, they’re laid out as if about to be stitched so that correct sizing and grain can be confirmed. But before that can happen, the Angle Tote’s components need to be split to establish consistent thickness and weight. That’s a step for a different day, so read on next week to hear about what else is going on in the workshop.