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| 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:
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.
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| A swivel hook |
These are for connecting a removable strap to a bag or wallet. Also known as strap anchors.
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| A D-ring and swivel hook in use |
They are placed at the bottom of a bag( usually the larger handbags) to prevent it from making contact with a surface that may cause the bag to become dirty or damaged. This increases the durability of the bottom of a bag.
Metal frames
These are used to make coin purses (vintage style) and small wallets.
These two are used for decorative purposes on a bag.
The grommets can be used as a strap anchor or area to connect a strap.
May be used instead of stitches to hold the parts of a bag or wallet together.
eg. when making the very popular and celebrated NCW wallet by Janelle Mckay.
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| Screws are used to connect handles to strap anchors |
Closures
Magnetic snaps
These are very popular and inexpensive closures for constructing a handbag or wallet.
They add a nice touch to a finished product.
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| Cute wallet with zips and magnetic snaps |
Similar to magnetic snaps in purpose, they are both closures that are readily available on Amazon and other online shopping websites.
Various colours to choose from, great for small fabric wallets and pouches.
Velcro
Also known as hook and loop tape.
Great for men's wallets for easy access and a more masculine appearance.
Also perfect for kids wallets or pouches.
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| Belt fastened with velcro |
These are the most readily available and common closures to use. They come in various colours and lengths and are suitable for most bag types.
Tuck and twist locks
Download a free tutorial on how to install a tuck lock from Sally Tomato
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| Lots of buttons |
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| Buckles in use on a bag |
Hardware and closures play an integral role in bag making. They can be used for decoration to increase the quality and overall appearance of a piece, as well as for holding all the parts of a project together.
Women love shiny sparkly things so if you are catering to the female demographic then add a bit of hardware to raise the quality and look of your bags.
If I missed anything that you feel should be added to this list, then please make mention in the comments. Thanks.
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