Bag Making Question

[Spotted Bull]

OK, I got some 3 to 4 oz veg tan and wanna make a nice old looking bag out of it...actually I got a lot and wanna make a lot of bag, but anyway...

A series of questions:

1.What is the best procedure for working this leather into something nice and soft and dyed?  I know to get it wet and work in and wrinkle it and all that but is that all?

2. Best method to dye, say a nice dark brown or really really dark reddish brown?  Should I dye then sew or other way around?

3. Is there a book that gives really good info on dyes and so forth that don't come out of a plastic bottle bought at Tandy?

4. How about oiling the leather after its dyed and what type of oil?

I have a copy of TC Albert's book on the way, so if most of the answers are in there just tell me and I can try to wait patiently for the bok to arrive.

Thanks a bunch in advance for all of the help...I do really appreciate it!!

[Bigsmoke]

Bull,
We always used 5-6 oz (HH) oil tan leather for all the bags we made.  It's also called re-tanned leather, or in some circled blacksmith sides.
Never did make any out of veg tan, so I guess I just cannot answer your question.  Sorry.

[rickevans]

Free advise and worth every penny:

 I use veg tanned cow leather, because that is what I had. Also some elk and deer professionally tanned, not sure how.  

Cut, sew, stain/dye/age. I have used the alcohol analine dyes with good success. I get them from Three Rivers Archer.  They can be blended and over dyed (try red over brown over black) to give a worn mottled color. Someone here turned me onto White's Heavy Duty Leather Dressing and I have been very happy with the results.

Best of luck!