You may be well versed in garment-making techniques, but maybe not so much for things like bag making. While some techniques can cross over, others are specific to bags and totes. Let’s explore a few of those.
Structure is key to bag making. You need to create a firmness not found in any garment, as the project has to support not only its own weight, but the weight of the contents as well, all without buckling or sagging.
Inner support is key. Firm interfacings, battings, fleeces and foams are ideal candidates to create the inner structure. Your bag pattern will likely make recommendations pertinent to the style, so be sure to read those before selecting the innards. All of these structural materials come in both fusible and sew-in varieties, depending on the fabric you’re using, and a bit of testing will help you determine the right option to get the feel and stability you need. Note that some bag materials like vinyls, some faux leathers and furs cannot be used with fusible products.
Whatever you use for the inner support, it’s a good idea to keep it out of the bag seams, so trim the outer edges either before fusing, or after basting in place. Trimming reduces bulk and makes smoother seams. Topstitching bag seams can help to keep them flat and crisp.
Choose the appropriate hardware for the bag design. There are hundreds of types of hardware items available for bag making, in a variety of colors and finishes. Eyelets and grommets are a popular choice. They can be used alone, or in combination with snap hooks, drawstrings, laces, etc.
Most bags have some type of closure for security—either a zipper, drawstring, buckle, slip lock or magnetic snap. A single bag can have more than one closing mechanism for added safety.
Chances are if you’re making a tailored bag, you’ll need hooks of some sort to hold a strap on. If you make detachable straps, you can get myriad looks for a single bag. Just look for snap hooks in a style and size compatible with your bag. Making detachable straps is your chance to embellish to your heart’s desire using appliqués, decorative stitching, trims or embroidery stitches.
Those straps can attach to the bag with D-rings or rectangular rings.
The company that designed your bag pattern may offer hardware kits like this kit from Amazon by Sallie Tomato (affiliate link), so you’re sure to have everything you need to complete the project, from hooks and D-rings to buckle sliders.
Super Stitching
Handbags and totes are a great place to showcase some of the decorative stitches in your machine that you might not use on a garment. A flap or strap can be embellished with a single stitch, or multiple rows of different stitches. Just be sure to stabilize the area behind your stitching lines before you sew to keep things flat.
Or use a portion of the bag to showcase a favorite embroidery motif.
So, whatever bag pattern you select for your project, be sure to read through the directions before starting it, as there may be some new techniques you’re not familiar with, and for the best results, use the products suggested by the designer.
Unless otherwise noted, all images courtesy of Bernina of America, with permission.
~Linda Griepentrog is the owner of G Wiz Creative Services and she does writing, editing and designing for companies in the sewing, crafting and quilting industries. In addition, she escorts fabric shopping tours to Hong Kong. She lives at the Oregon Coast with her husband Keith, and three dogs, Yohnuh, Abby, and Lizzie. Contact her at .
