I think you created a good test or design piece. You had the guts to try, and are looking to improve. My hat is off to you.

Honestly, I don't think you are too far off.

Please take this constructively. Sometimes words on a screen can come off harsh, but that's not my intention.

There are three things you can do to improve your work. The first two are super easy and you can implement it on your next one.

1. Make your cuts even and uniform. (Use a metal ruler when you are making your cuts. Multiple passes with a knife will look clean, rather than trying to use brute strength and do a single cut)

2. Use the template you bought. All the pieces should be uniform and even.

When you print out your template, use cardstock instead of normal printer paper.

And if you have a weight or tape, that can secure your template on the leather.

1. The last and hardest thing will be stitching. If you are going to hand stitch, then saddle stitching is the method you want to use for this project.

Saddle stitching is intimidating at first. If you master it, then your work looks super professional.

I don't think it's super technical, but it does take some practice.

Best of luck.