Prangerpung - Make Your Own Leather Coffee Bag

Pranger pouch or Coffee bag in leather - Anyone can make one!

What is a pranger pouch?
In this case, a pranger pouch is a simple leather storage pouch, which I think is really nice to have on outdoor trips.
I have several, one where I carry coffee, one for fire-starting material, in this case tinder fungus (amadou), one where I have small containers with spices and herbs for when I cook, and so on.
There’s definitely something much more practical than an old-fashioned leather pranger pouch, but I think they’re cozy to have with you, they’re easy to make, and I enjoy every time I take it out.
It’s incredibly easy to make your own, I don’t even need to show you how (but I will anyway just to be safe), and it doesn’t cost a fortune, but it lasts for years.

In the old days, a pranger might have been someone to be a bit cautious of; he was a merchant with a nose for a good deal.
I imagine his pouch was big and heavy, if he was a good pranger, of course 💰😉

Today, of course, there are still 'prangers', we just call them something else, and there probably aren’t many who carry their valuables in a leather pouch like this anymore.

But when you’re an outdoor person, and maybe even appreciate the slightly old-fashioned gear that you can make yourself, a pranger pouch like this is not to be underestimated.
So when I head out into nature, with my homemade tinder fungus fire-starting material in my pocket, or with some good coffee beans in the bag, I still feel like I’m carrying great value in my leather pouch.

How do I make my own?

It's very simple - in fact, it can hardly go wrong.

You will need the following:

1 piece of leather in a not too heavy quality
1 meter of leather cord or other string - about 1 meter - preferably round.
1 bead, which can be made of wood, stone, horn, clay, glass, etc.
1 pair of scissors & a hole punch.

Additionally, I have treated the leather (on the outside) with leather grease, using a leather grease like the one you can find here.

First and foremost, you need to draw a large circle on your leather, it should be at least 30 cm in diameter, preferably larger.
The easiest way is to find a large cake plate or a basin and draw around it.
I use chalk because it’s easy to wipe away again.
Then you cut out your circle.
The drawstring pouch I’m making here is about 33 cm in diameter – it will be a leather bag that isn’t very large, it fits coffee beans really well.


After I have cut the leather to the size I want, I treat it with leather grease on the outside.
As mentioned, it’s a leather bag we want to be able to take outdoors, so it’s good to give it a good coat of grease.
I ONLY apply it on the outside, as I don’t want, for example, my coffee beans to be contaminated with substances from the leather grease.


It makes the leather look a bit darker, but I think it looks nice.

Next, you need to start making holes in your leather for the cord.
You need to make an EVEN number of holes, for example 16 as I have done here. 
They should be made symmetrically, and at least 1 cm inside the leather. 
They shouldn’t be too far apart, about 5 cm.
The easiest thing is definitely to use a hole punch. You can get them at most hardware stores, and they usually cost under 100 DKK.


Last but not least, you need to pull the cord through.
The 2 loose ends should face outward. 

And then all that’s left is to gather your leather bag together, and you have your drawstring pouch. Easy, right?

I usually put a bead on the cords before tying a knot at the end. 
Whether you think it looks nice is debatable, but it makes it easier to tighten the leather bag when closing it.

Depending on the leather you use, it may be a bit stiff at first, but the more you use it, the softer it becomes.


Have fun making your own drawstring pouch, or leather bag if you prefer.
It's an easy little cozy project, and I hope that, like me, you will enjoy taking it with you on your trip 🏕

Many kind regards
Christence.

Survivalstore.dk

Do you have an idea, tips, hints, or tricks?

We would love to hear from you 😊
Please feel free to send me an email at christence@survivalstore.dk
Knowledge is best when shared 🤓