So many sewists love bag-making! Whether they’re creating beautiful handbags, fun beach totes, or designing team bags, this is a fun project any sewist can start doing, no matter their skill level. From simple tote bags to more complex purses, bag-making is an excellent project for those who want to learn new skills and up their sewing game. Today’s blog covers five different types of bags you can create! We cover the basics of starting your bag-making journey, from their level of expertise to the sewing feet and notions you’ll need.
Tote Bag
Level: Beginner
If you’re new to bag making and want to try your hand at a fun and easy project, look into patterns for tote bags! Whether they’re simple with a few panels or a little more fun with optional pockets and different handle styles, the tote bag is one of the best projects for beginners. Tote bags are great for their versatility as well! Use this project for the beach, grocery shopping, farmers’ markets, etc.
If you’re making tote bags, we recommend checking out these fabrics for the outside: canvas, denim, and twill, and for your bag’s lining, cotton, all-purpose muslin, and broadcloth all work. Use firmer fabrics to add the structure and shape you want your bag to take. For a lighter feel, use fabrics like cotton.
You can either use leftover fabric from which your bag was created or webbing for a firmer handle to create a handle.
Electronic Carrier Case
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Here is where we start testing our skills! You’ll want to add zippers for storage and safety for an electronic carrier case. You’ll need to learn how to use specific feet to attach zipper closures for this bag, like an invisible zipper foot. We recommend using online resources like YouTube to learn your new skill and purchasing a pattern to learn the process and understand the pieces it takes to create your project.
For electronic cases, we recommend looking into soft padding options to place inside to keep your electronics from hitting one another. The case can be created from any fabric, making this a fun project to personalize to your style! From vinyl leather to cotton, you can get creative with the design of your carrier.
Features you can add to your project are:
• Pockets for your electronic chargers
• Different closures like magnetic buttons or velcro
• A strap as a wristlet or bag
Level up: Test your skill with mesh netting fabric! The best way to sew and attach this fabric piece to your projects is to use a ballpoint needle or Universal machine needle size 70/10-80/12 with a strong polyester thread. These are great for the outside of carrier cases and add more storage space for details like headphones, iPad pens, and more.
Wristlet Wallet
Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Fun and perfect for those family day trips or nights out, a wristlet is a great way to raise those sewing skills and try something new! Some skills you can pick up while creating wristlets are adding in pockets, attaching zippers, and creating straps. You can also learn to attach closures like buttons, clasps, and velcro.
For outside fabric options, we recommend leather, cotton, or synthetic. If you want to add durability to your projects, attach inner linings using fabric like polyester or nylon to reinforce the structure.
Level up: A fun way to add to your skill set is using clear vinyl! Placed in wallets to make certain pockets visible, like your ID, you can sew this in to add that professional touch. When using clear vinyl, make sure you have a clean and free workspace; this will reduce the chances of your vinyl smudging or scratching. Use a non-stick foot, a leather needle size 90/14 or denim needle size 90/14, and if you can, a strong, 100% polyester thread. Slow and steady wins the race with clear vinyl, so keep that in mind when creating!
Hand Bags
Level: Intermediate – Expert
If you’re ready for a fun and more challenging project, try your hand at creating a handbag! Think of those purses you love seeing for events and going out. These bags come in many styles, from large to small and extravagant to everyday use. Research different patterns and see what options out there catch your eye.
Fabrics for handbags vary depending on their use. Creating for everyday use? Look into fabrics like leather and vinyl for a classic and long-lasting look! These fabrics offer a protective layer that won’t allow liquids to fall through, longer-lasting color, and durability from usage. On the other hand, if your handbag is for travel use, look into fabrics like tweed and canvas! These fabrics are easy to use, come in various colors, and offer that stability when placing some weight in your bag.
Put your skills to the test and add in features like organizational pockets, zipper closures for the bag and pockets, and placing a flat bottom. Look into interfacings and stabilizers to stiffen your bag and create structure. Some interfacing we recommend are woven, non-woven, decovil, fusible fleece, foam, or felt.
Duffle Bag
Level: Intermediate – Expert
Are you a gym-goer? Is your child in sports? Then, try your hand at a duffle bag for your traveling needs! Perfect for those weekend trips and sports games, you can design your duffle bag specifically for your needs. Add pockets for sports equipment, a water bottle pocket, space for your travel-size toiletries, and more.
You want to keep in mind bag weight, usage, and durability when selecting fabrics. Choices like leather, vinyl, nylon, and cotton are standard picks for duffle bags. Look into webbing fabric for creating the handles, as this will help handle the weight. Don’t forget to purchase lining fabric to structure your duffle bag and create shape!
Features you can include are inner and outer pockets, zipper closures, and zippered pockets. Focus on what you need and create pockets for your cleats, toiletries, snacks, books, electronics, and chargers.
Level up: Add bag hardware pieces like D-Rings and Hooks to your duffle bag handles to adjust the strap depending on the user comfortably. This is great for bags that will be shared with family members and friends, making it comfortable for everyone to use. We recommend using basting tape to keep the D-rings and hooks in place while stitching.
Don’t Forget to Personalize!
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, adding a personal touch to any bag is easy by using an embroidery machine or direct-to-garment printer. Embellish bags with your name, team names and logos, and art designs. Using a machine like the Tajima Sai, you can easily embroider up to 8 color designs at once with a touch of a button.
Using a direct-to-garment printer like the RICOH Ri 100, you can create your fabric and use this for your next bag project. Then, add your artwork, Photoshop designs, family and memory photos, and more, quickly making something uniquely ‘you!’
Get Started Today!
We hope this gave you some ideas you can implement on your next bag project! Whether you’re new to sewing bags and starting small with a tote or wristlet, or an advanced sewer looking for ideas, these projects are great for challenging yourself and building up your skills. So which bag would you create first? Let us know down below!
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