What do you need to sew bags? Just a sewing machine and pretty fabric? or not? If you make bags as a hobby or it is your whole career – By the time you have made the first few bags, you would have come to know that sewing bags is awesome and habit forming. And that the right material and hardware play very important roles with almost equal importance in making your bag beautiful and functionally appropriate.
Here are the most important bag materials as a list. Equipped with these bag making materials you are sure to continue making many many beautiful bags.
Essential Bag making materials
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1. Bag fabric
The material with which a bag is made can make or break the appearance of the bag. In fact, as you know, it is almost the whole bag. So choose wisely. The important criteria in choosing the fabric for making bags is that it is sturdy and durable, has the appropriate structure, and looks attractive. The most frequently used materials are canvas, vinyl, leather, pleather, etc
You can checkout this post on fabrics for bag making for a more detailed write-up on this.
Also check out the related posts List of bag names ; How to make and sell bags
2. Interfacing
There are only a few bag fabrics that do not need interfacing (like leather, fake leather, vinyl, thick canvas). All other fabrics need some interfacing to make them look good enough and with enough structure for making bags.
Fusible / sew-in interfacing is added to the bag fabric to give it body and strength. Choosing the right one is mostly dependent on your choice of fabric for the bag. Fusible interfacing is attached to the fabric (both exterior and the lining) with heat to the backside of the fabric and is available in different thicknesses, even as thick as canvas fabric. Sew-in interfacing is usually thicker and is used similar to underlining in garments. Use woven interfacing for cotton fabrics.
3. Sewing machine
Even though a sewing machine is not a material but an equipment, I have included it here because an appropriate sewing machine is essential for the success of making professional looking bags. If you are making bags as a profession or with passion you cannot do so for long with the regular home sewing machine – especially if you want to work with beautiful fabrics like leather, canvas, etc.
It is simply going to frustrate you to no end and you will get only substandard results even with all the sewing expertise in the world or the best of sewing materials. An industrial sewing machine which will sew through all the layers you want is an asset in making bags
Check out this post to know whether you need to buy an industrial sewing machine or not.
4. Webbing
Bag handles are usually made of the bag exterior fabric itself. But webbing made of nylon/cotton fibers makes it very convenient and easy to make handles. They just need to be cut and attached. The side edges of webbing are already neatly finished and they are quite strong. Webbing is available in various widths and many colors.
Check out this post on the 7 different types of Bag handles.
5. D rings & other ringsÂ
A D shaped ring is the most commonly used hardware in bags to hang the straps.
Rectangle rings, oval shaped rings, square ones are all used, depending on the straps/handles.
6. Sliders
These plastic or metal rings with a divider in between helps to increase or decrease the length of the straps.
7. Zippers
Zippers are commonly used for openings in bags /purses and bag pockets. Long zippers with two zipper pulls, one with metal zipper teeth, plastic ones, all are used to make bags.
Here is a post elaborating on the different types of zippers available.
Zipper pulls
You can personalize the regular zipper pulls with pretty accessories or making customized zipper pulls like in the picture.
8. Rivets
When you want to attach something on bags like handles , without sewing, you have no substitute for these. Learn how to attach metal rivets here.
9. Swivel Snap hooks
These are used to attach the straps – the straps can be conveniently removed and used when needed with the help of this hardware.
10. Magnetic snaps
Another popular opening used in bag making- this consists of two parts, like the regular snaps but because of the magnet used in these snaps they are suitable to close even the thickest of fabric flaps of your bag.
11. Purse locks
This refers to the locks placed as closures on bag/purse flaps by the front.
12. Bag bottoms & feet
Bag feet are small buttons placed on the bottom of bags on all four corners of bags so that the bag material would not touch ground.
13. Purse chains
This is a type of handle made of metal chains. Check out this post on Bag handles for learning more about the 18 different kinds used in bags.
14. Frames for purses
The frames give structure to a purse and serve as the closure as well and at the same time give an elegant look. Frames are available in many styles, colors, shapes, and sizes. The clutch frames may be rectangle-shaped or arch-shaped, made of plastic or metal. The metal frames come in different colors – silver, gold, antique brass, rose gold, and gunmetal finish.
Very simple ones to the most ornate purse frames – we have seen it all.
Some purse frames come with a ball closure, some do not have this – they just snap close. This is also called kiss clasp.
Check out this post to know how to make a purse with a metal frame.
15. Embellishments
Different decorative elements are used to embellish bags – including embroidery, applique.
Metal studs are also used regularly on vinyl and leather bags as accents.
Charms can be added to the bags to decorate them and personalize them. Metal labels can be added to the bag front to give your bag a highly professional look.
A buckle is mostly used as an accent.
16. Lining / Interlining
Interlining is added to give a padded feeling to your bag and gives a slight 3 D effect. Think a quilted fabric. Other than the usual padded interlining fabric, other materials like foam, fusible fleece and batting are added as interlining. Check out this post on the best lining fabric
17. Grommets and setting tool
If you want to add eyelets /grommets on leather or pleather you need not buy any special tool – but if you have it, it can make a whole lot of difference; especially if you have to make a lot of them.
18. Fabric protective sprays
There are sprays available which act similar to fabric finishes in creating a protective layer on top, even make the fabric waterproof, scratch proof, soil/stain proof. You may want to add it to protect your bag exterior from scratches and other damages.
19. Liquid starch
Liquid starch sprays are used to make fabric stiff and crisp looking.You can dilute the liquid starch in a ratio of 2 parts water and 1 part liquid starch and use it in a spray bottle to use on the bag exterior fabric to make it stiff. But ensure the bag would not be washed – then this will wash out and you have floppiness unlimited.
20. Velcro
The usual fasteners like magnetic snaps are alright but sometimes a length of Velcro makes a lot of sense to close openings on bags – you just need to sew the tape on your bag.Â
Miscellaneous Sewing tools
All the above are mostly specific to bags. All the sewing tools needed for sewing bags remain the same as those used for general sewing. Check out the post on the different types of sewing tools and equipment you need to start your sewing. And the different sewing techniques used here.
Leather sewing kit
If you want to make bags with leather you need appropriate tools to sew leather. There are sewing kits available with needles and thread and other tools needed to sew leather. You can have a look at the 30+ tools/materials used for hand sewing leather.
Aside from the sewing tools like special needles and thread you may also need a tool to make holes on leather, a Leather edge coat to seal the leather edges etc.
Related posts : Sewing techniques for making bags; How to make a tote bag with zippered opening; How to make a phone purse
so interesting
So educative
You are the best. Thanks
Thnx .. it is quite helping write up
This is very helpful, thank you ma’am
Thanks
Beautiful, pls address on where to get it here Nigeria
Thanks for knowing more about bags material
This really helped me alot
Bags making is the must easier way to make money
my name is Marseille fuqua I just put in a leather making shop in my home I’m looking for a company that I can buy supplies from can someone call me I’ll leave my number 856-378-6297 I want to stock myself with things I need to make bags appreciate it thank you
bag banane vale karigar(Mistri) chahiye , kisi ko jarurat hoto call kare 7726812286
Is there any professional training available for bags making?? If not
Then where it will be available training?
Well explained… Very helpful
thanks for the article, please I need where to get leather from in port Harcourt.
Hi
Please, what is it use to tape the outer part of the bag
I mean the tip part when sow outwardly,
Is it gum or what???
What is the name for it and where can I get it?.
Thanks in anticipation.
Can I join your group please
Hi,pls there’s is this thing (gum like) used in taping the edges of bag if you’re not sewing it inward,maybe it’s a gum or not I don’t know but pls do you know the name and how can I get it ..mostly used on all this bags we buy online or in stores
I train people for different types of bag including travel bag, 08163978433
Ilorin
Hi sir.
Hi there! I am an aspiring bag designer hoping to just start it as a passion project (exploring other hobbies). Though this article is helpful, may I ask 1) what type of cloth is used to soften the insides of a bag but easy to wash and 2) the board or cardboard that helps maintain the shape of the bag or sometimes used as a solid base? I can’t seem to find an exact word to search it in stores online.
Thank you!
This is so useful, but what size of needle is appropriate when making bags with strawboard
I am interested
Precioso, quiero dedicarme a hacer bolsos para mi tienda
Best wishes
I want to buy the leather and the synthetic leather. Then the tools for making leather bags. How do I get it
you can get all these items in amazon but i suggest you to buy leather in shops where you can check the defects and then buy.
How much will it cost me to buy those tools?… I need them.
Please I need your advice am into bag making now but friends are confusing me that I can not end a living with bag making is it possible
Have you read this article How to sell bags ; Selling successfully depends on oneself – you can sell anything so long as you have the right kind of attitude. That is my take. Best wishes Emelda
Yes, you can easily live with by making bag only by simple calculation and low target with wide range, just think locally and act globally ‘_’
Thank you for such great information. Do you have a favorite online place to buy the hardware like d-rings and swivel hooks and even zippers?
Hi Pam
You can check out these websites serialbagmakers .com ; www. blingyourbag .com ; soyouneedhardware . com ; www. sewdakine.com ; I have seen them recommended by bag makers. (I have no personal experience of shopping with any of them though)
Best wishes
Useful info
Mushin
I need more knowledge in adding lining please
I want to know how to put rings without using leather, please help me
Hi, I need online training on bag making, can you help me
Hi Veronica
I do not have any online training for bag making.There are many free online tutorials on the net through which you can learn including on this site – start by making simple bags like this tote bag tutorial and then go on to learn complicated bags. Best wishes
i train people on shoe and bag making. whatsapp contact is 08133685928
I need all the materials for making Ladies Bag Pls. how can I get them now
ashfaq1912@gmail. com
For all types of bag materials
Call 08060993548
I need all the materials for making ladies Bag
I tried buying interfacing but they done get me
go to bagshop
I want to go for bag making how do I star plsss
Hi Imran Maryam
If you are new to sewing bags maybe you would like start with simple bag making tutorials like this – Make a shopping tote bag ; or Make a grocery bag
Kindly confirm that I can make bags with denims material. What lining can I use for denim?
_joy
Hi, thanks for the break down it goes a long way. Pls I would like to know more about already made plans purse and where I can get it because I see a lot of bridal Clutch been stoned or decorated from a plain purse
I make pure handcrafted leather bags and wish to sell them in the UK. Can we partner
I want to buy all the necessory machin to make leather bags
Please will appreciate contact of bag making material dealers for buying materials .
I am trying to get leather bag making machines too
Where can I buy all these stuffs
Hi Tracy
You will only get all these in shops dedicated to making bags or check with bag repair shops
Nice one
Where can I get good materials and leather for making bag around Sheffield
Mavellous! Will like to know more..
Nice work. Please can I get a PDF format of this bag making essential materials for download. Thanks
Hi Agomoh
I am afraid i do not have a pdf format. You can browse the site whenever you want : )
Please what is the hard cardboard in the base of a bag called
Bag Bottom
Hello. Where can we find store that sell webbing
Hi Amil
The Haberdashery store ( the kind which sells sewing related items like interfacing, chalk, thread, needle, ribbons etc) near you will have webbing. At least mine does : )
Beautiful, i want to go into bag making , how can I start nd what can I do.
do u av free tutorial classes
Hi Domingo
I have some simple bag making tutorials – tutorial for a small and easy to make phone purse ; tutorial for making a grocery bag ; tutorial for a reversible bag ; tutorial for a purse
Hope they are what you are looking for
Nice one…I want to go into bag making…how do I start
Hi
Are you asking about tips for selling bags – you can check out this post on bag making/selling business
I want to joinbag manufacturers industry or company in Mumbai and Thane area to join there without salary.so pls send there address.