Fixing structure of a [vintage] bag...

Charmeh

Member
Oct 29, 2011
73
0
You could attempt to glue it yourself (go to Joann, get some glue that is specified as a bonding agent for leather.)

If it were my purse, I would take it to cobbler, they will be able to fix it properly, and who knows, they may even clean/buff it as well.

I love shoe repair places....highly underrated!
 
I'm sorry, your pictures are terrible. Too dark and blurry. I can't see what the problem you're explaining is. I take it the strap of the bag is damaged somehow? What brand/style is it?

If it's leather a good cobbler should be able to help you if the problem is loose stitching or damaged leather.
 
I've had 2 bags repaired by a cobbler because the stitching had separated. I've used fabric glue that can also be used on leather to re-attach both parts of hangtags when they have dried out and separated.

You can find fabric glue at hobby and fabric stores and possibly even at hardware stores. Good luck!
 
http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd449/charmeh/SSPX0050.jpg
^ Brighter picture of interior strap which keeps the bag structured

http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd449/charmeh/SSPX0053.jpg
^ Brighter picture of interior strap being pulled to the right

How would I be able to glue this back?
Would I need professional help or just buy local glue?

What is the bag that has the problem? It would be easier top advise you if we could see the big picture!

From what I can tell it doesn't like it was stitched so a fabric glue that claims that it works on leather should be fine. Below is a link for a glue I have used on leather, I got it at JoAnn's Fabrics. You can probably find a fabric glue at any hobby store. I use a sturdy toothpick to smear the glue onto the surface.
http://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/6/...-Vinyl-Fabric-&-Plastic-Flexible-Adhesive.htm
 
What is the bag that has the problem? It would be easier top advise you if we could see the big picture!

From what I can tell it doesn't like it was stitched so a fabric glue that claims that it works on leather should be fine. Below is a link for a glue I have used on leather, I got it at JoAnn's Fabrics. You can probably find a fabric glue at any hobby store. I use a sturdy toothpick to smear the glue onto the surface.
http://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/6/...-Vinyl-Fabric-&-Plastic-Flexible-Adhesive.htm
http://imgs.inkfrog.com/pix/debgirl/harperbluejeanspants_001.jpg
That bag. Do you see the round lining of the body? This is how the bag is supposed to look like The strap was still intact and glued to the bag.

http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd449/charmeh/SSPX0055.jpg
The body of the
bag under the flap has flattened due to the strap being unglued and I guess me wearing it out.​
 
http://imgs.inkfrog.com/pix/debgirl/harperbluejeanspants_001.jpg
That bag. Do you see the round lining of the body? This is how the bag is supposed to look like The strap was still intact and glued to the bag.

http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd449/charmeh/SSPX0055.jpg
The body of the
bag under the flap has flattened due to the strap being unglued and I guess me wearing it out.​


I have reshaped unlined vintage bags by giving them a bath in mild soap (Ivory or Woolite) and warm water, rinsing well, and then stuffing them with towels before placing them on a towel to dry.

After a day or two remove the towels and continue turning it over every now and then until it dries completely. Then you can try to reglue the area or have the strap attachment stitched by a cobbler. To finish the restoration use a good quality leather conditioner and metal polish on the hardware.

See the Rehab and Rescue thread for more information about restoring a vintage bag:
http://forum.purseblog.com/coach/coach-rehab-and-rescue-club-624452.html