Uilleann Pipe Bag Making

David Daye's Method

Copyright 1998 David C. Daye
Feel free to copy any and all portions for individual desktop use and/or your individual study of piping. You may not republish all or portions of this collection in any form, or distribute it in any form, without permission. You must obtain permission for each item you wish to use even if I have already permitted any use in the past. You may establish electronic pointers or links to this page.

For info, problem reports, etc. email CLICK HERE

Table of Contents

Styles of Bag

There are 2 main types of bag designs. The "P" shape bag has a body that is nearly round. One or two sizes of bag can fit most any piper. To customize, merely attach the mainstock (if used) farther forward the smaller the piper and shorter his/her arms, farther back for larger pipers. The "Box" shape is a simpler shape especially for forming and for making efficient use of material. The size of the main part of the bag must be more closely matched to the piper's preference.

Click here for a diagram.

In both cases the neck is cut to suit the comfort of the piper.

Styles of Seam

A long seam joins the two sides of the bag and neck along the bottom. There are 2 main ways to create this seam, a "welt" type of seam and a "lap" type of seam.

Click here for a diagram.

The welt is easier to make but more problematic in use. The outer edges are glued together (this step skipped traditionally) and a narrow covering layer of leather is wrapped around. The entire assembly is carefully hand-stitched or (sometimes now) riveted.

Patterns for Bags

Click here for diagram of patterns.

Dimensional Guidelines:

  1. Neck should extend about to bag-side knee when seated
  2. Body depths inside seam
  3. Body length 15"-20" from rear to neck

Bottom of Uilleann Pipe Bag Making Page - a work newly in progress 04 1998