Plastic top boxes are practical, but they often look out of place on a classic scooter. This leather top case was designed for riders who want useful helmet storage without losing the look of the machine.
The shape is compact, structured, and clean, with a rigid leather body, a large opening lid, a LOXX closure, a buckle strap, and a reinforced base designed to be attached to a scooter rack with screws. It is large enough to hold a helmet or other items of similar volume, while still keeping the elegant proportions of a retro scooter.
This pattern teaches you to build a structured leather scooter top case by hand. The black and yellow version shown has a bold, sporty look, but the design also works beautifully in classic brown, black, tan, racing colors, or two-tone leather combinations.
Companion project: This top case was designed to work beautifully alongside our Leather Scooter Rack Bag Pattern. Together, they can create a matching front-and-rear leather luggage set for a classic or retro scooter.
What's in the pattern
PDF — Full-size templates
Print at home on A4 or US Letter, or use the A0 file for large-format printing. No scaling, no recalculating. Every piece is labeled and ready to cut.
Video tutorial — The complete build, filmed
DXF files — For laser cutters and cutting machines
Compatible with LightBurn, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Inkscape, AutoCAD, and most vector software.
Digital download — available immediately after purchase.
The finished top case
| Imperial | Metric | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10.4" | 26.5 cm |
| Width | 9.8" | 25 cm |
| Depth | 12.6" | 32 cm |
- Structured leather body — rigid, clean, and practical
- Large opening lid — easy access for helmet storage
- Designed to hold a helmet or items of similar volume
- Reinforced base — made so the case can be attached to a scooter rack with screws
- LOXX closure — secure and easy to use
- Buckle strap — functional detail with a classic leather look
- Black and yellow version shown — bold, sporty, and scooter-friendly
- Designed for Lambretta-style, Vespa-style, and other retro or classic scooters
Materials you'll need
| Part | Weight / Thickness | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Body leather — black & yellow | Stiff leather, approx. 2.8 mm total thickness after lining | Around 12 sq ft / 1.1 m² |
| Lining | 0.6 oz pigskin | Around 11 sq ft / 1 m² |
| Thread | 1 mm waxed thread | As needed |
| Edge finish | Edge dye | As needed |
| Glue | Leather contact cement / leather glue | As needed |
Hardware & consumables:
- 1 × LOXX closure
- 1 × buckle — 1.2" / 30 mm
- 1 mm waxed thread
- Edge dye
- Leather contact cement / glue
- Screws or bolts for attaching the finished top case to your scooter rack
Tools:
- Leather cutter or sharp knife
- Stitching needles
- 1/16" / 1.5 mm hole punch
- Cutting mat
- Mallet or maul
- Ruler
- Scratch awl
- Edge beveler
- Edge slicker or burnishing tool
Who is this for?
This is a good project for leatherworkers who already have some experience with hand stitching, lining, gluing, and building structured pieces. The shape is clean, but the case is large, stiff, and requires careful alignment.
If you have already made a leather bag, motorcycle bag, belt, pouch, or structured case, this is a very satisfying next project. The video tutorial will guide you through the full build, but take your time, check your print scale, and test the fit on your scooter rack before final installation.
Skill level: Intermediate
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell top cases I make using this pattern?
Yes — you can sell the finished leather top cases you make. You cannot resell, share, copy, or redistribute the digital pattern files themselves.
What format is the PDF?
The pattern includes A4, US Letter, and A0 formats. Print at 100% — do not use “fit to page”.
What software do I need for the DXF?
Any vector software works — LightBurn, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Inkscape, AutoCAD, and similar programs.
Is this a finished top case?
No. This is a digital leathercraft pattern. No physical top case, leather, tools, or hardware are included.
Can I mount this on any scooter?
The top case is designed for rack mounting, but scooter racks vary in shape and size. Check the finished dimensions and your rack before making the case. You may need to adapt the mounting holes or screws to your own scooter rack.
Does it fit a helmet?
The finished case is designed to hold a helmet or other items of similar volume. Helmet shapes and sizes vary, so please compare your helmet with the finished dimensions before starting the build.
Can I make it in different colors?
Yes. The black and yellow version shown is just one option. The pattern works well in classic brown, black, tan, racing colors, or two-tone combinations.
Is this pattern related to the Leather Scooter Rack Bag?
Yes. This top case is a complementary project to our Leather Scooter Rack Bag Pattern. The rack bag works well as a smaller front or auxiliary bag, while this top case is designed as larger helmet storage for the rear rack.
All digital files are for the buyer’s use only. Redistribution, resale, sharing, or copying of the pattern files is not permitted.
