Zooliabags Handmade Blog

Tips and techniques for the bag maker As a beginner bag maker you will need all the tips and tricks of the game to get your bags looking like it came out of a store. Once equipped with this knowledge all you need to produce a quality bag is the right materials, tools and sewing equipment.  Check out my three-part series on bag making below. Basic bag making tools and equipment . Fabric, interfacing and patterns Hardware and closures  Bag Bottom Shapes The bottom of a bag is shaped according to its purpose. If you are making an evening bag you may not require a great deal of space, just enough for your essentials such as a phone, cash or makeup. So a square bottom might be more suitable. Square  Boxed Corners Darts Gussets Three methods for boxing the corners of a bag. This video is by So sew easy. Straps and Handles Straps and handle can be made from different materials such as: Fabric Webbing Wood Leather/Faux Leather Metal Types

Bag making for beginners This is the final instalment for this series for beginners at fabric bag construction. Today we will cover the various types of hardware and their purpose in bag making. If you did not read the first two series you can find them here: Tools and Equipment Fabrics, Interfacings and Patterns Please Subscribe Hardware and Closures Hardware Chain handles  These are used mostly on clutch purses and other evening bags. How to choose the perfect size for your strap handle. This article by Karin Yuen gives you two methods on how to derive your strap length. Basically, use a bag that you own and like how it fits a measure from the peak of the strap to the top of the body of the bag and use that measurement to make your strap. Follow the link for the full articles. Snap/lobster hooks and sliders Snap/lobster hooks are used to attach a shoulder or wrist strap to a bag. Sliders are necessary for the making of an adjustable shoulder strap

Make quality bags Do you admire the works of other bag makers but can't seem to achieve that professional look that they seem to do so effortlessly? Do you wish you could pick the brain of these bag making angels? Well, have I got news for you. This question was asked in one of my facebook groups and I thought that I should share the answer to that burning question with you. Take your bags to the high-end status now! Answers: 10 Tips for pro bags 1) Match thread to fabric    Always use thread that matches the most prominent colour on a print fabric and the same as the single colour fabric. If you can you may also use an invisible thread. 2) Microtex needles   Use these if you have an industrial sewing machine. 3) Walking foot  Invest in a walking foot for your machine. It will handle the thick layers of fabric including vinyl like a hot knife through butter. 4) Buy good patterns  A well-written pattern with lots of quality photos and maybe e

DIY wallet patterns for women They are quick and easy to make and is suitable for bag makers at all skills levels. Some of the wallet patterns are free and a few are paid. Follow the instructions on the site and choose the ones that you prefer. If you are looking for some cool projects to share with your friends or children, check out this list. Attention: I am not affiliated with Bluprint or these designers as such I will NOT receive any remuneration if you choose to make a purchase. 10 Wallet pattern downloads  to sew over the weekend I am sure that you will enjoy making these wallets, they are very useful in carrying just your essentials when you don't want to fetch around a larger bag.  All scrap busting friendly, easy to sew with leftover fabrics from your larger projects. You can find these pattern downloads on the Bluprint website. Click the link above for access. Just follow the instructions to your pattern downloads. Fabric wallet list Super simp

bag basics by Jo Gra The Fundamentals of bag making part two This is the continuation from a previous post which looked at the bag making  Tools and Equipment. Today we are going to discuss the Fabrics, Interfacing and Bag Patterns. If you didn't read the first series you can find it here. Without further ado let's get into it. Remember to Subscribe for the final instalment of this series Fabrics, Interfacing/Stabilizers and bag Patterns Array of Colours Fabrics Types: Quilting cotton Home Decor fabrics Wool Velvet Corduroy Satin Leather/faux leather/Vinyl Cork Oil Cloth Denim Canvas Choose your fabrics to suit the purpose of the types of bag you intend to make. Example: Use denim/leather to make bags for men, this material can take regular wear. Canvas for backpacks because this material is very durable and is sometimes waterproof. Simply great for outdoor activities. Interfacings/Stabilizers These are adhered to fabric to cr

Basic Bag Making for beginners If you like sewing then you will love bag making. It is very easy to become addicted to creating your own beautiful bags while expressing your personal unique style. Question : Are you tired of buying overpriced bags that you are sure you can make for yourself at less than half the price? Then, this series was written just for you. This series will cover:  The essential tools and equipment used in handmade fabric bag construction. Materials used such as the types of fabrics, Interfacing and bag Patterns. The various types of Hardware and Closures As a bag maker, there are some basic tool and equipment needed for the construction of a bag. It is imperative that you familiarize yourself with their uses. In order to assemble a bag, you have to sew it. Sewing is the craft of fastening or attaching objects using stitches made with a needle and thread. Source: Wikipedia.org Basic bag sewing Tools and Equipment: Sewing Machine