Introduction: Bag making is an incredibly rewarding craft, but it can feel a bit intimidating when you're just getting started. The good news? With the right supplies, you'll be creating beautiful, functional bags in no time. Whether you're making your first tote or venturing into more advanced designs, these five tools are absolute must-haves.
Why You Need Them: Precision is key when cutting fabric, and a good pair of fabric scissors will make your life so much easier. They're specifically designed to give you clean, crisp cuts without fraying your fabric.
Product Recommendation: These are the fabric scissors I use every day in my sewing studio.
Why You Need Them: If you're working with larger pieces of fabric or need super straight lines, a rotary cutter paired with a cutting mat is your best friend.
Product Recommendation: These are my favourite rotary cutters and the ones I use in my sewing room and in my teaching every day they come in sizing 18mm to 60mm which make them suitable for every situation. You can find them here.
Pro Tip: Keep your blades sharp for the cleanest cuts!
Community: Join our Facebook group to see how other bag makers use these tools in creative ways.
3. Nylon Thread
Why You Need It: Nylon bonded thread is strong and durable, perfect for bags that need to withstand some wear and tear.
Product Recommendation: This is the tex 70 thread that I use every day in my sewing studio to make my bags and it is also what I us in my sewing tutorials on my YouTube channel.
Tip: Match your thread colour to your fabric for a professional finish.
Club: Want to learn how to sew like a pro? The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety Club has tutorials and advice from experienced makers.
Why You Need Them: Regular needles won't cut it for bag making, especially when working with thicker fabrics like canvas or leather. Heavy-duty needles are designed to handle tougher materials without breaking.
Product Recommendation: Needles like these super universal needles from Schmetz are perfect in my Janome JD9 the come in variety of size and 100/16 are perfect for sewing thicker projects.
Podcast: Listen to the The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety Podcast for inspiration for other makers for how the over come challenges and what their favourite bag making tools are.
Why You Need Them: The right bag making hardware can take your bag from "homemade" to "store-bought" quality. Zippers, clasps, and D-rings are the finishing touches that give your bag a professional look.
Product Recommendation: I use all the bag making hardware from my own website in my bag making, you can be sure that you are getting quality items as I would never sell anything I wouldn't use myself.
Sewcial: Don’t forget to book in to our next sewcial if you are near enough to attend we would love to have you there, they run every month except August and if you are ever unsure on fitting bag hardware there will be someone there who will lend a helping hand as well as plenty tea, coffee and cake to enjoy. for more details on where the sewcials are held, the dates and how to book visit the page here.
With these five essential tools, you'll be well on your way to making beautiful bags that are both stylish and durable. Remember, the key to a successful project is starting with the right supplies. Ready to get started? Check out our full range of amazing bag making products here.
Want more tips and tricks? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly tutorials, or join our Facebook group to connect with fellow bag makers. And don’t forget to check out our upcoming Sewcial event for hands-on learning as well as my low cost Bag making club with its amazing community weekly sew along, monthly masterclasses and online sewcials and so much more find our more here.
Until next time, happy sewing and may your bobbin always be full.
Deb x
Comments