Okay, so, I got this idea to try and make my own version of the PRADA Medium Galleria Saffiano Leather Bag. Yeah, the real one’s super expensive, and I thought, why not give it a shot myself? I’ve been watching videos and reading up on how people make these kinds of bags, and it looked like something I could maybe handle.
First off, I needed to get the stuff to make the bag. I found some Saffiano leather, which isn’t too hard to find if you search around a bit. It’s the same kind that Prada uses, which has a sort of cross-hatch pattern on it. I also picked up some strong thread, needles, and a few other tools like a leather cutter and some edge paint. Oh, and I got some metal hardware – zippers and little metal feet for the bottom of the bag.
Next, I had to figure out the pattern. Now, I’m no expert, but I managed to find some patterns online that were kind of similar to the Galleria. I tweaked them a bit to match the size and the look I wanted. I carefully drew the pattern onto some thick paper and then placed them on my leather. It was time to cut! Cutting the leather was a bit nerve-wracking, to be honest. You gotta be real precise, or else the whole thing will look wonky. I took my time and followed the lines I had drawn.
After I had all the leather pieces cut out, I started the fun part. First I stitched the main body of the bag together. I used a saddle stitch, which is like, the strongest stitch you can do by hand, or so I’ve read. Then I sewed on the lining, which is the fabric inside the bag. I chose a nice, smooth fabric that felt kind of luxurious.
The handles were a bit tricky. I had to roll the edges of the leather and stitch them together to make them round. Then I attached them to the top of the bag. I also added a detachable strap, which is about 110 cm when it’s at its shortest, and can extend up to 120 cm. The strap drop length is around 55 to 60cm, give or take. This was probably the most difficult part because you have to get the placement just right so the bag hangs properly.
Finally, I added the zipper pockets on the outside and the little metal details, like the PRADA logo, which I managed to find a pretty decent looking one, and the leather triangle thingy on the side. And I can’t forget the removable leather key ring, a neat little addition.
My Results:
- Shape and Size: It turned out pretty close to the real thing, I think. The dimensions are almost spot on.
- Leather Quality: The Saffiano leather I used feels pretty good. It’s got that signature texture, and it seems durable.
- Stitching: Most of the stitching looks okay, but there are a few places where it’s not perfect. I’m still learning, you know?
- Hardware: The zippers and metal bits look alright. They’re not as high-quality as the real Prada ones, but they do the job.
So there you have it. My very own “Remake” PRADA Medium Galleria Saffiano Leather Bag. Now, it’s not perfect, mind you. There are a few wonky stitches here and there, and the hardware isn’t exactly top-notch. But hey, I made it myself! And that’s pretty cool, right? It was a fun project, and I learned a ton about working with leather. Plus, I saved a bunch of money by not buying the real deal. Would I do it again? Maybe. It was definitely a challenge, but a fun one.
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