Contents
Basic Equipment The Sewing Machine Using Patterns Modifying Patterns Understanding Patterns Fabric Types Fabric Preparation and Cutting
Flush Zip Pocket Top Edge Zip Slimline Concealed Top Edge Zip Magnetic Snaps Open-End Straps Closed-End Straps
Adjustable Straps Bound Edges Piped Edges
Inserting Linings: Pull Through and Turn Out Method
The 3-in-1 Convertible Backpack Templates
The Fashionista Changing Mat The Fashionista Shoulder Strap Pad
Projects
Getting Started
Basic Equipment
Marking, measuring
and pinning
If you sew as a hobby, the chances are
you already have most of the essential
equipment for bag making. As with
most things you get what you pay for,
so buy the best you can afford and
you’ll need to replace items less often.
Cutting
Rotary cutter – a rotary cutter greatly increases
the speed and accuracy of fabric cutting. Also
look out for rotary blade sharpeners, which will
save you money on replacing dull blades.
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Cutting mat – for use with a rotary cutter.
Choose one that has both imperial and metric
gridlines (inches and centimetres). The gridlines
are also really helpful when drafting your own
bag patterns.
Dressmaking scissors – choose scissors that cut
all the way through to the tip, are as heavy as is
comfortable (as the weight aids cutting stability),
and are angled with the handles raised upwards.
Embroidery scissors – small, fine-pointed
scissors are essential for precision snipping.
Seam ripper – for unpicking seams and perfect
for making tiny incisions for magnetic snaps and
buttonholes. Always replace dull seam rippers to
prevent you from having to push too hard, which
could result in slipping and tearing the fabric.
Disappearing marker – this is my favourite
type of marker because it is more precise than
chalk. Make your marks as desired and they will
disappear within 48 hours. Always do a test on a
small swatch of fabric to check suitability first.
Hera marker (or bone folder) – this useful tool
makes an indent in your fabric from pressure
only, so it’s perfect if your fabric is unsuitable for
a disappearing marker. It is also great for pre-
creasing fabric when making folds or pleats.
Tape measure – to make measurement
conversions easier, choose a tape measure with
both metric and imperial measurements printed
on the same side.
Sewing pins – I love flower flathead pins because
they are pretty and they prevent sore fingertips,
sometimes caused by pushing pins through lots
of layers.
Hand-sewing needle – although you will be
mostly sewing by machine, there are times when
hand sewing is unavoidable – such as when the
sewing machine can’t reach the areas you need
to stitch, or when sewing on buttons for example.
Getting Started
Sharpen up ...
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Keep blades on all cutting
equipment sharp for safer and
more precise cutting.
Bag-making tools
None of these tools are exotic or hard to
obtain. They are all simple items, which I have
collected over the years. To make life easier
and to get the best results from your bag
making, try adding these items to your tool kit.
Bodkin