Most saddle bags are made for serious packing, long rides, and heavy gear. These leather horn bags are different. They are small, practical, and made to sit beautifully at the front of the saddle, close to the horn, where you can keep the things you want within easy reach.
The shape is compact, structured, and classic, with two matching leather bags joined by a shaped bridge that slips over the saddle horn / pommel area. Each bag has a rounded flap, buckle closure, hand-stitched edges, and enough room for small essentials without overwhelming the look of the saddle.
This pattern teaches you to build a pair of traditional-style leather horn bags by hand. The brown leather version shown has a warm western look, but the design also works beautifully in dark brown, black, tan, distressed leather, crazy horse leather, or two-tone combinations.
Designed for saddle use: These horn bags are made to sit at the front of the saddle, over the horn / pommel area. Saddle shapes vary, so always test the fit on your own saddle before final use.
What's in the pattern
PDF — Full-size templates
Print at home on A4 or US Letter. 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 horn bags
| Imperial | Metric | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 8.3" | 21 cm |
| Width | 6.7" | 17 cm |
| Depth | 2.8" | 7 cm |
Measurements are for each individual bag.
- Pair of leather horn bags — one bag on each side of the saddle horn
- Compact size — useful for small riding essentials
- Structured leather body — clean shape with a traditional saddle look
- Rounded flap design — classic and elegant
- Buckle closure — simple, strong, and easy to use
- Bridge piece designed to sit over the saddle horn / pommel area
- Works well in brown, tan, black, crazy horse, distressed, or two-tone leather
- Good project for western, trail, costume, historical, or decorative tack work
Materials you'll need
| Part | Weight / Thickness | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Body leather | Medium-firm leather, 6 oz / 2.4 mm | Around 7 sq ft / 0.6 m² |
| Bridge | Firmer leather, approx. 9 oz / 3.6 mm | Can be cut and lined from the same leather or a stronger strap leather |
| Thread | 1 mm waxed thread | As needed |
| Edge finish | Edge dye / burnishing finish | As needed |
| Glue | Leather contact cement / leather glue | As needed |
Hardware & consumables:
- 2 × buckles — 1" / 25 mm
- 4 Chicago screws
- 1 mm waxed thread
- Edge dye or edge finish
- Leather contact cement / glue
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, cutting accurately, gluing, and assembling shaped leather pieces. The bags are not large, but the build requires careful alignment so both sides look even and sit properly on the saddle.
If you have already made a belt, pouch, small bag, motorcycle bag, saddle accessory, or structured leather case, this is a very satisfying next project. The video tutorial will guide you through the build, but take your time, check your print scale, and test the fit on your saddle before final use.
Skill level: Intermediate
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell horn bags I make using this pattern?
Yes — you can sell the finished leather horn bags you make. You cannot resell, share, copy, or redistribute the digital pattern files themselves.
What format is the PDF?
The pattern includes A4 and US Letter 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 leather bag?
No. This is a digital leathercraft pattern. No physical horn bag, leather, tools, saddle, or hardware are included.
Does this pattern make one bag or two?
The pattern is designed to make a pair of horn bags, one on each side of the saddle horn / pommel area.
Will it fit my saddle?
The bags are designed to sit over the horn / pommel area, but saddle shapes vary. Check the finished dimensions and test the fit on your saddle before final use. You may need to adapt the bridge or attachment area depending on your saddle.
Can I use this for riding?
The finished bags can be used for light items and small essentials, but always test the attachment, balance, and safety before riding. Do not overload the bags, and make sure nothing interferes with the horse, reins, saddle, or rider.
Can I make it in different colors?
Yes. The brown version shown is just one option. The pattern works well in classic brown, black, tan, distressed leather, crazy horse leather, or two-tone combinations.
What leather should I use?
A medium-firm leather around 6 oz / 2.4 mm works well for the main body. For the straps and closure parts, you can use the same leather or a slightly firmer strap leather.
All digital files are for the buyer’s use only. Redistribution, resale, sharing, or copying of the pattern files is not permitted.
FAQ
Immediately after payment you'll receive an email with your download link. Files include a PDF pattern in A0, A4 and Letter size, a DXF vector file for laser cutting, and a QR code linking directly to the full video tutorial on YouTube. Access is instant — no waiting time.
Yes. Patterns come in A4 and Letter size for home printing, and A0 for a print shop or plotter. Files include printing instructions and a separate video tutorial showing exactly how to assemble the sheets after printing.
Yes, you are free to sell finished products made with Vasile and Pavel patterns. Credit for the design is appreciated but not required.
A cutter, round hole punch, hand stitching needles, rubber mallet and cutting pad. No sewing machine required — all our bags are hand stitched.
Each pattern page clearly states the difficulty level — Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced. We recommend starting with a Beginner pattern if you are new to leatherwork. For Advanced patterns, prior experience with at least 2-3 bag projects is recommended.
Each pattern includes a full materials list with leather thickness, weight in ounces, and quantity needed. We recommend vegetable tanned leather for best results. Specific recommendations are included in every pattern.
As these are digital downloadable products, we do not accept returns after download. If you experience any technical issues with your files, contact us and we will resolve it immediately.
Yes. After purchase you can join our Facebook group with 14,000+ leatherworkers from around the world — sharing projects, tips and help. Click on this LINK. The link is also included in your confirmation email.
Yes. We have patterns for all skill levels — from simple wallets and pouches to advanced travel bags and backpacks. Browse our full collection at vasileandpavel.com.
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