Bag Making Tips and Techniques for Beginners

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.

1. Basic bag making tools and equipment.
2. Fabric, interfacing and patterns
3. 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.

1. Square 
2. Boxed Corners
3. Darts
4. 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 of handles

Top handles - Are usually seen on vintage style bags, the handles are attached to the flap of the bag. These can be of varying shapes and made of metal.

Braided handles - Are made of leather or fabric.

Shoulder handles - As the name implies they go over the shoulder and may or may not be adjustable.

Wrist straps/handles - These are also known as a bracelet strap and are made to go around the wrist. they are usually attached to clutches and wallets.

Crossbody strap/handles - These are found on the messenger type bags, and are adjustable and long enough to go across one shoulder with the body of the bag hanging on the hip on the opposite side.
More info. on bag handles here.

Chain crossbody bag

Bag Pockets

Pockets are used in bags to provide compartments to store your things such as keys, cash, cell phone, laptop and wallets etc.

Pockets can be made to suit the items you wish to carry in them. It also makes it easier to find what you are looking for in your bag.

Go to Debbie Shore on YouTube to learn how to make a tote bag with pockets.

Types

• Flap pockets
• Pleated pockets
• Slip pockets
• Rounded pocket
• zipper pockets
• Elastic pockets

Bag Flaps

These flaps can take on various shapes and sizes and are found on clutches, wallets, messenger bags and backpacks and satchels.

Types/shapes

Triangle

Rounded
Square
Trapeze

Purse Frames

Metal purse frames add structure to a bag and are used as closures as well. Some frames are Sewn in and others are glued or screwed on. The also add aesthetic value to a bag.

Below is a video tutorial showing you how to make a metal framed bag.

Bag making is a wonderful skill that you can use to earn a living. It is an extremely satisfying hobby if you love creating and working with your hands. It is also something fun that you can share with your friends and children.

I hope that you found these bag making tips and techniques useful and that it helps you in some way.

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