ProtoType8: Seven Squares

ProtoType8: Seven Squares | Handle Parts

A beautiful handmade piece with a diamond pattern made from Store.Alaudae.JP's original Foru-ami. Two pieces of material measuring 15mm wide x 27m long are used to weave the Body Parts and Handle Parts. Here, we will explain how to make the Handle Parts in a detailed step-by-step manner so that even beginners can easily make them.

How to Make an Accent Bag with a HISHIGATAKOSHI Pattern and Two-Tone Border Stitch Handle Using Fortuna Pearl 15mm Wide x 27M Rolls x 2

- Prologue -

This is a prototype that uses two 15mm wide Fortuna pearls to pursue the maximum size of weaving. By incorporating the HISHIGATAKOSHI pattern and a newly invented two-tone edge stitch, we were able to create a beautiful piece without wasting any material. The main body of the Fortuna Ami will be explained in detail in Body Parts, so please use it to create your own pieces.

Repurposing Leftover Materials and Handle Creation for PROTOTYPE8: SEVEN SQUARES

- Use leftover materials -

After completing the main body of PROTOTYPE8: SEVEN SQUARES, you can use the remaining materials to create a handle.
This prototype is designed to use two 15mm wide, 27m long Fortuna Pearls for both the body and handle. While the amount of leftover material will vary depending on the individual, it is generally designed so that enough material remains to create only the handle portion after completing the main body.
If you only want to create the handle parts, you can prepare two Fortuna Pearls, each in a different color, with a width of 15mm to create a new handle.

New Handle Parts Creation Method Inspired by Leather Crafting

- About Tools -

This Handle Parts is finished using a unique manufacturing method that references leather crafting processes. Therefore, several tools commonly used in leather crafting are required.
Required Tools
・Cutting mat: Protects the work surface and improves work efficiency.
・Masking tape: Used for protecting and fixing materials, as well as marking.
・Double-sided tape: Used for bonding materials. A type that is easier to cut than general double-sided tape is recommended.
・Diamond awl: A tool used to punch holes in materials. For efficiency, a diamond punch with 3mm intervals is used.
・Round awl: Used for positioning holes and widening holes.
・Double-cap rivets: Metal fittings for fixing parts.
・Needlenose pliers: Useful for pulling materials out of holes.
About Tools
It is not necessary to prepare dedicated tools. In some cases, you can use household items as substitutes. For example, you can use curing tape instead of masking tape.
About 2-6mm Wide Tearing and Splitting
Currently, there are no dedicated tools that can accurately tear and split 2-6mm widths. Therefore, you need to devise your own method for this process. In the future, we plan to develop and sell our own jig for tearing and splitting at Store.Alaudae.JP.
Summary
This Handle Parts is a new attempt that applies leather crafting techniques. Most of the required tools can be found at general stationery stores and craft stores. Please try making it yourself while making your own adjustments.

Creating Beautiful and Durable Handle Parts

Handle core: Part 1

Material Preparation
・Fortuna Pearl 15mm Width: Please prepare 2 pieces of each color, each 600mm long. This will allow for more unique handle parts.
・Double-sided tape: Used to bond the Fortuna Pearls together.
・Masking tape: Used to protect the material and improve work efficiency.
Creating the Main Body of the Handle Part
・Bonding the Materials: Bond two Fortuna Pearls together, using different colors. Secure them using double-sided tape. This will add thickness and strength to the handle part.
・Rounding the Corners: Cut the ends of the handle part into a rounded shape. Adjust the roundness to your preference.
Applying Masking Tape
・Protection and Marking: Apply masking tape to both sides of the handle part. Initially, applying a narrow masking tape (less than 8mm wide) in the center will allow you to remove the masking tape from the ends later while protecting the center, improving work efficiency.
・Work Support: Masking tape prevents damage to the material and serves as a guide for drilling holes. It can also be used as a straight-line guide for awl work.
Purpose and Precautions for Each Step
・Bonding Different Colored Materials: Adds design and strength to the handle part, resulting in a more attractive finish.
・Rounding the Corners: Softens the appearance of the handle part.
・Applying Masking Tape: Protects the material, improves work efficiency, and enhances the quality of the finished product.
When applying masking tape, be careful to protect the material as much as possible. When using an awl, refer to the masking tape marks to drill holes in the correct position.
By carefully following these steps, you can create beautiful handle parts.

Handle core process

Apply double-sided tape

Attaching materials -1-

Attaching materials -2-

Total length of handle -1-

Total length of handle -2-

Total length of handle -3-

Cut the ends rounded -1-

Cut the ends rounded -2-

Cut the ends rounded -3-

Apply masking tape -1-

Apply masking tape -2-

Apply masking tape -3-

About diamond punching and double-sided rivet marking

Handle core: Part 2

Punching holes and setting double cap rivets is a crucial step in material crafting. Directly marking the material, however, can lead to irreversible mistakes.
Tips for a Beautiful Finish
・Use Masking Tape: Protect the material's surface and prevent scratches during marking.
・Punch Placement: Punch holes approximately 3-4mm from the edge for both aesthetics and strength.
・Use a Leather Punch: More efficient than a traditional awl for punching holes.
・Position Double Cap Rivets: Determine the exact placement based on the rivet size to prevent misalignment.
Cautions
・Removing Masking Tape: Peel slowly to avoid damaging the material. Leave the central part intact until the process is complete.
・Punching: Apply force perpendicularly to the material.
・Riveting: Use a punch of the appropriate size for the rivets.
For More Information
・Refer to leathercraft books or videos for detailed instructions.
Summary
・Using masking tape allows you to safely punch and rivet without damaging the material. By following these tips, you can create beautiful handmade material goods.

Marking and hole punching process

After marking and drilling holes -1-

After marking and drilling holes -2-

Comparison of front and back -1-

Comparison of front and back -2-

Comparison of front and back -3-

Protect center of front with masking tape -1-

Protect center of front with masking tape -2-

Protect center of front with masking tape -3-

Protect center of back with masking tape -1-

Protect center of back with masking tape -2-

Leftover Materials and Stitch Width

Two-Tone Edge Stitch: Part 1

Once you've finished the main body of the handle, let's add a colorful finishing touch with a two-tone edge stitch. To minimize waste, we'll be using any leftover materials.
・Length of Leftovers: For beginners, it can be hard to visualize how much leftover material is needed for a certain length of stitch. The initial image shows how we used 330-340mm lengths of leftover material.
・Stitch Width: For a 15mm wide handle, a 2mm wide stitch looks balanced. If you prefer a 3-4mm wide stitch, you might need to adjust the handle width to 21mm.
・Adjusting Width: You can adjust the stitch width to your preference. Experiment to find the width you like best.
Working with Fortuna Pearls
The strength and tension of a Fortuna pearl depends on where you tear it.
・21mm Width: Since both ends are thin, tearing the ends into narrower strips will weaken them and make them more prone to breaking.
・15mm Width: Tearing from the thicker part will maintain its strength. Store.Alaudae.JP sells 21mm wide Fortuna pearls that have been pre-torn to 15mm for Japanese crafters. We recommend tearing further from this pre-torn edge.
Summary
Creating a two-tone edge stitch is a process of trial and error, involving using leftover materials and adjusting the stitch width. By paying attention to how you handle Fortuna pearls, you can create your own unique piece.

Handle body and stitching 2mm wide

Handle body and stitching 2mm wide -1-

Handle body and stitching 2mm wide -2-

Stitch Process Slideshow

Two-Tone Edge Stitch: Part 2

Created to help even novice stitchers easily understand the process.
Features:
・Visual Explanations: Each step is clearly illustrated in a single image. You can easily visualize the next step just by looking at the image.
・Front and Back Confirmation: Images of the front and back sides are shown from the same perspective as in actual work. This makes it easy to check your work.
・Minimal Text: Unnecessary explanations are omitted so that you can understand intuitively by looking at the image.
・Visual Aids: Visual aids, such as using an awl to indicate the next work area or location, are also included.
・Slide Images: Abundant images covering the entire stitching process are provided.
Slide Image Content:
This slideshow provides a detailed explanation of the content described in "Effective Use of Leftovers and Stitch Width" in 79 images. In other words, you can visually confirm how many two-tone edge stitches can be made with a 330mm to 340mm long leftover piece, along with the procedure.
How to read the slide image:
・Material A: KONJIKI material, 2mm wide.
・Material B: GINNEZU material, 2mm wide.
・Front side: GINNEZU material is on the front side.
・Back side: KONJIKI material is on the back side.
・Overall: The stitched state is magnified.
・First hole location: Choose the hole location that is easiest for you and follow the steps from that location.
・View the images in order: Follow the procedure shown in each image.
・Refer to the awl: Refer to the location indicated by the awl to move on to the next step.
Summary
With so many images, it is easier to understand the procedure points by visually imagining them than by reading text descriptions. Now, let's enjoy the process while experimenting.

Slideshow -Part 1- 79 pieces in total

1. First, insert an awl into the hole through which material A will pass.

2. Position of the hole through which material A is passed first.

3. Material A. (2mm wide)

4. Cut the end of material A diagonally.

5. Pass material A through the hole first.

6. State where material A is passed through.

7. Insert an awl from the first hole to the seventh hole.

8. Thread material A through the seventh hole.

9. State where material A is passed through the two holes.

10. Insert the awl into the hole five holes back from the first hole.

11. State where material A is passed through the five holes. (entire)

12. Material A passed through the five holes.

13. The state where material A has been passed through the five holes.

14. State where material A has been passed through the five holes (back side)

15. First, insert an awl into the hole through which material B will pass.

16. State where material B is passed through the first hole.

17. State where material B has been passed through the first hole.

18. State where material B is passed through the seventh hole.(entire)

19. State where material B is passed through the seventh hole.

20. State where material B has been passed through the seventh hole.

21. State where material B has been passed through the seventh hole. (back side)

22. Insert the awl five holes back from the previous hole.

23. State where material B is passed through the five holes. (entire)

24. State where material B is passed through the five holes.

25. State where material B has been passed through the five holes.

26. State where material B has been passed through the five holes.(back side)

27. Insert the awl into the hole through which material A will pass.

28. State where material A is passed through the hole. (overall)

29. State where material A is passed through the hole.

30. State where material A has been passed through the hole.

31. State where material A has been passed through the hole. (back side)

32. Insert the awl into the hole through which material A will pass.

33. Pre-process of material A is shown with an awl.

34. State of pre-processed material A. (overall)

35. State of material A after pre-processing.

36. State where material A is passed through the hole after the previous process.

37. State after passing material A through the hole after the previous step.

38. State where material A has been passed through the hole after the previous process. (back side)

39. Using an awl to show the previous process of material B. (back side)

40. State where material B has undergone pre-processing. (entire back side)

41. Material B after previous process. (back side)

42. State of material B after previous process. (back side)

43. Inserting an awl into the hole through which material B passes.

44. State after material B has been passed through the hole.

45. State after material B has been passed through the hole. (back side)

46. Inserting an awl into the hole through which material B passes. (back side)

47. Position of the hole through which material B passes.

48. Showing the previous process of material B with an awl.

49. State of material B after previous process. (whole)

50. State of material B after previous process.

51. State of material B after previous process.

52. State of material B being passed through the hole after previous process. (whole)

53. State of material B being passed through the hole after previous process.

54. State of material B being passed through the hole.

55. State of material B being passed through the hole. (back side)

56. Showing the previous process of material A with an awl. (back side)

57. State of material A after previous process. (whole back)

58. State of material A after previous process. (back)

59. Inserting an awl into the hole through which material A will pass.

60. State of material A being passed through the hole.

61. Showing the previous process of material A with an awl.

62. Condition of pre-processed material A. (overall)

63. State of material A after the previous process.

64. Use an awl to show the hole through which material A will pass.

65. Material A passed through the hole.

66. After passing material A through the hole.

67. State after passing material A through the hole. (back side)

68. The previous process of material B is shown with an awl. (back side)

69. Condition of pre-processed material B. (entire back side)

70. State of material B after the previous process. (back side)

71. The state of material B before the previous process.

72. Pre-processing of material B is shown with an awl.

73. State of pre-processed material B. (overall)

74. Condition of material B after the previous process.

75. Position of hole for passing material B through.

76. State where material B is passed through the hole.

77. Material B has been passed through the hole.

78. State where material B has been passed through the hole. (back side)

79. Width that can be stitched at a length of 33mm to 34mm. (back side)

Material Length Calculation for Stitching

Two-Tone Edge Stitch: Part 3

As seen in 'Slideshow - Part 1 - 79 pieces in total,' we've used materials measuring 330mm to 340mm to create stitches approximately 20mm to 30mm long. This means we can produce about 10mm of stitching with 100mm of material.
Calculating Required Material Length
Let's apply this ratio to a 600mm handle.
・Stitching for both ends: Since the handle has two ends, we need 600mm × 2 = 1200mm.
・Stitching for corners: Considering the corners, we need an additional 60mm × 2 = 120mm.
・Total: 1200mm + 120mm = 1320mm. Based on these calculations, we estimate that we'll need approximately 1400mm to 1500mm of material for a single color, and at least 3000mm for two colors.
Actual Material Length
However, it's not guaranteed that 100mm of material will always produce 10mm of stitching. Especially when joining leftover material, there's often wastage at the seams. Therefore, the calculated length might be insufficient.
In reality, we anticipate needing about 2.5 times the calculated length, meaning around 3500mm to 3750mm for a single color.
Summary
For this project, where we aim to minimize material waste, it's crucial to prepare slightly more material than calculated, especially when joining pieces.
With this in mind, let's refer to 'Slideshow - Part 2 - All 34 Pieces' for the next stitching steps.
Note: Due to my limited experience with stitching joins, the final result might not be perfect. Please use this as a reference only.

Slideshow - Part 2 - All 34 Pieces

1. Pass the remaining material A through the hole once. (back side)

2. With the remaining material A passed through the hole.

3. State where the remaining material A is passed through the hole. (back side)

4. Hole to add new material A.

5. Newly added material A. (whole)

6. Additional material A passed through the hole.

7. After passing additional material A through the hole.

8. State after passing additional material A through the hole. (back side)

9. The previous process of additional material A is shown with an awl.

10. Condition of additional material A that was pre-processed. (overall)

11. State of additional material A after previous process.

12. State of additional material A after previous process. (back side)

13. State of additional material A after previous process and threading through hole. (back side)

14. Showing the previous process of remaining material B with an awl. (back side)

15. State of remaining material B threaded through hole.

16. State of additional material B threaded through hole.

17. State after additional material B has been threaded through hole.

18. State after additional material B has been threaded through hole. (back side)

19. State of additional material B after previous process. (whole)

20. State of additional material B after previous process.

21. Hole through which additional material B has been passed in the previous process.

22. The state after additional material B has been passed through the hole. (back side)

23. 'After work has progressed' The previous process of additional material B is shown with an awl. (back side)

24. Excess material A is cut before the previous process of additional material B. (back side)

25. The state after excess material A has been cut. (back side)

26. The state of additional material B after the previous process after material A has been cut.

27. Hole through which additional material B has been passed. (back side)

28. The previous process of additional material A is shown with an awl. (back side)

29. Excess material B is cut before the previous process of additional material A. (back side)

30. The state after excess material B has been cut. (back side)

31. The state before additional material A is passed through the hole after cutting material B.

32. The state after additional material A has been passed through the hole.

33. The state after additional material A has been passed through the hole. (back side)

34. Explanation of additional materials completed.

Detailed Information on the 340mm Stitching Process

Two-Tone Edge Stitch: Part 4

This image shows approximately 340mm of the stitching process completed.
As it's been more than three years since the manufacturing process was completed and detailed records have been lost, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact length of material used for the 340mm stitching process.
Information Regarding Material Splicing
・Splice Length: To avoid inefficiency, we typically used remaining materials longer than 250mm for splicing as splicing with shorter materials less than 200mm was time-consuming.
・Material Consumption: Since the material was pulled out from the hole using pliers, the material's tip was damaged and needed to be cut each time.
Challenges in the Stitching Process
・Stitch Quality: Due to a lack of experience in stitching, the stitches were uneven as shown in the image, resulting in an imperfect finish.
・Material Shape Changes: Perhaps due to the narrow width of the main body, ranging from 15mm to 21mm, the material did not remain straight as the stitching progressed but instead curved and undulated.
・Remaining Material: The material in the lower right corner is the leftover scraps from the previous stitching processes.
Summary
More than three years have passed, and without detailed records, the exact material length for the 340mm stitching process is unknown. Several challenges were also encountered during material splicing and the stitching process.
However, this is a common occurrence in the first attempt at stitching, and by continuing to practice and improve our stitching skills, we should be able to find solutions.

Final Stitching: The Culmination of Your Project

Two-Tone Edge Stitch: Part 5

The final stitching step is the culmination of all your previous work and significantly impacts the overall appearance of your finished piece.
Key Considerations for Final Stitching
・Material Length: Ensure you have enough material to complete the project without needing to add more in the middle. Running out of material at the final stitch can be frustrating and may compromise the finished look.
・Avoiding Splices: Adding material mid-project can be time-consumin
g and lead to inconsistencies in the finished piece.
Why Avoid Splices?
As you may have experienced, adding material mid-project can be tedious and impact the quality of your work. Avoid adding material during the final stitching to maintain efficiency and the overall quality of your project.
Tips for Successful Final Stitching
・Planning: Pre-calculate the required material length to avoid last-minute adjustments.
・Precision: Pay close attention to each stitch, as this is the final step.
・Focus: Maintain concentration throughout the process to achieve the best possible outcome.
In Summary
Final stitching is a crucial step that brings your project to life. By carefully considering material length, avoiding splices, and working meticulously, you can create a beautiful finished piece.
Important Notes
・Reference Slideshow: Please refer to the attached slideshow "Slideshow - Part 3 - All 69 Pieces" for a visual guide to the final stitching process.
・Material Wrinkles: The wrinkles in the material shown in the slideshow occurred due to an error by the creator, who had to undo and redo a portion of the work.
A Lesson Learned: Store.Alaudae.JP has experienced the frustration of making a mistake at the very end and having to redo a section. This highlights the importance of final stitching and the potential consequences of errors.
Advice
Final stitching requires focus and precision. Take your time, work carefully, and enjoy the process of completing your project.