Build a compact pair of leather horn bags designed to keep small essentials close at hand while riding. This pattern combines traditional western styling with a clean, structured construction that looks great on a wide range of saddles.
The set consists of two matching leather compartments connected through the center and positioned on either side of the saddle horn. Each side features a shaped front flap, buckle fastening, reinforced leather construction, and hand-stitched edges.
The finished bags measure approximately 9.8" tall, 7.9" wide, and 2.8" deep (25 × 20 × 7 cm) each. Their size makes them useful for carrying smaller riding items without adding the bulk of full-size saddlebags.
The pattern is designed for vegetable-tanned leather and includes the pieces needed to create the complete pair. You can keep the natural western appearance shown in the photos or personalize the project with darker leather, contrasting straps, antique finishes, or your own dye combination.
Please note: Saddle horns and pommel areas can differ in size and shape. We recommend checking the dimensions and testing the positioning on your saddle before completing the final assembly.
Files included
Printable PDF pattern
Full-size pattern pieces are provided for easy printing and cutting. The templates are prepared for A4 and US Letter paper.
Step-by-step video tutorial
Follow the construction process visually and see how the individual leather parts are assembled into the finished horn bags.
DXF cutting files
DXF files are also included for makers who prefer to prepare their leather using a laser cutter or compatible cutting system. They can be opened in programs such as LightBurn, Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Inkscape, AutoCAD, and other vector-based software.
This listing is for a digital pattern. No physical product will be shipped.
Finished dimensions
| Size | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Tall | 9.8" | 25 cm |
| Wide | 7.9" | 20 cm |
| Deep | 2.8" | 7 cm |
Dimensions refer to one individual bag.
Materials
| Main body | 4–4.5 oz / 1.6–1.8 mm vegetable-tanned leather |
| Leather required | Approx. 8 sq ft / 0.7 m² |
| Straps | 7 oz / 2.8 mm leather |
| Thread | 1 mm waxed thread |
| Edge finish | Edge dye or your preferred leather edge finish |
| Adhesive | Leather glue / contact cement |
Stitching hole spacing: 5 mm / 0.2"
Hardware
- 1 × 15 mm / 0.6" buckle
- 5 × 20 mm / 3/4" buckles
Tools required
- Sharp leather cutter or utility knife
- Hand-stitching needles
- 1/16" / 1.5 mm hole punch
- Cutting mat
- Leather mallet or maul
About the construction
This project uses a combination of shaped leather panels, gussets, straps, and buckle closures. The 5 mm stitching-hole spacing gives the finished piece a balanced handmade appearance while keeping the stitching consistent around the curved sections.
The relatively firm vegetable-tanned leather helps the bags maintain their shape, while the heavier strap leather adds strength to the fastening and attachment areas.
Because the project includes several curved sections and mirrored pieces, accurate cutting and careful alignment are important. Taking time during assembly will help both sides sit evenly and create a cleaner finished result.
Recommended experience level
Intermediate
This pattern is a good choice for leatherworkers who are already comfortable with basic hand stitching, punching holes, cutting leather accurately, gluing parts together, and installing buckles.
If you have previously made wallets, pouches, belts, structured bags, motorcycle bags, or other leather accessories, this project is a natural next step.
Frequently asked questions
Is this listing for the finished horn bags?
No. You are purchasing digital pattern files that allow you to make the horn bags yourself. Leather, hardware, tools, saddle, and finished bags are not included.
How many bags does the pattern make?
The pattern is designed for a complete pair, with one leather bag positioned on each side of the saddle horn.
Can I print the pattern at home?
Yes. Printable versions are supplied for A4 and US Letter paper. Print the files at 100% scale and avoid using “Fit to Page”.
Are laser cutting files included?
Yes. DXF files are included for compatible laser cutters and vector-based cutting workflows.
What type of leather is recommended?
For the main body, we recommend vegetable-tanned leather around 4–4.5 oz / 1.6–1.8 mm. The straps should be made from heavier leather around 7 oz / 2.8 mm.
Can I change the leather color?
Absolutely. Natural tan, cognac, dark brown, black, distressed finishes, antique finishes, and contrasting strap colors can all give the pattern a different character.
Will these horn bags fit every saddle?
Not necessarily. Saddles vary considerably in horn shape, width, and construction. Compare the pattern dimensions with your saddle and test the positioning before final assembly.
Can the finished bags be used while riding?
They are designed as saddle horn bags for carrying small, lightweight essentials. Before riding, always make sure the bags are properly secured and do not interfere with the horse, reins, rider, or other saddle components.
Can I sell items made from this pattern?
Yes, you may sell physical horn bags that you personally make from the pattern. The digital files themselves may not be copied, shared, resold, distributed, or uploaded elsewhere.
Digital pattern files are licensed for use by the original purchaser. Redistribution, resale, sharing, or reproduction of the digital files is not permitted.
