Getting started as a beginner bag maker
Are you new to bag making, and wondering where to start? This post will guide you through some things to consider before you embark on your first bag making project, and offer some ideas about good patterns and fabrics to get you started.
First things first, let’s think about hardware. Often, bags have hardware and zips and this can be a little daunting when you’re first starting out. So, looking at patterns which don’t need you to install a zip or hardware are usually a little easier.
You might be thinking “aha, so a basic tote bag is a good first bag”. Well, it could be. I’m hoping to share some slightly more adventurous and exciting first bag ideas too.
The second thing to think about is how you bag seams will be neatened or finished. Will you make a lined bag (slightly trickier, but not unachievable for a beginner) or will you make an unlined bag, and neaten the seams with an overlocker, bias binding or even French seams?
The next thing we want to think about is the type of fabric you’re going to pick. The sturdier the fabric, usually the easier it will be to work with. But it’s also worth remembering that the heavier weight fabric will be tougher to turn through if you do line your bag. A mediumweight canvas is probably the best option. It’s hardwearing, easy to work with and works for many bag patterns.
Talking of patterns. It’s important to read through the instructions from start to finish before you embark on your sewing project. If there is terminology you’re unfamiliar with, or steps you’ve not practiced before, you might find it helpful to give it a go on some scrap fabric first. Try it out, see what happens. Sometimes, you simply need to get your head around how a specific pattern designer describes the steps. You might find some easier to follow than others, simply because their logic is more similar to yours.
So, to recap. You’re going to be thinking about what sort of bag pattern you’d like to make, and possibly pick one without hardware or zips for your first bag. You’re going to think about whether the bag will be lined or not. Then you’re thinking about the fabric choice. Once you’ve got an idea, you’re going to find the pattern and read it through fully before you get going.
My top 5 patterns for beginners are:
This is suitable for an absolute beginner. The bag is a simple, unlined tote bag which is great to take shopping.
You can make this with quilting weight cotton or canvas.
Fabric recommendations:
This Cloud9 Fabrics cotton canvas is from the Easy Weekend range.
This is a medium weight cotton canvas, ideal for bag making.
The pale green/blue background and black and white geometric accents combine beautifully with other fabrics from the range.
Part of our core range, this mid weight cotton canvas is perfect for all types of bag making.
Plain colours leave you to add the creative flourish to make your bag truly unique.
This Art Gallery Fabrics quilting cotton is from the Flower Bloom range.
Swing into spring with bold florals and groovy prints in Flower Bloom. In warm saturated yellows, moss greens and energetic pinks this collection is blooming with colour. Express your inner flower child with vintage inspired prints and playful designs.
It is a medium weight cotton; ideal for lining bags, or using with wadding to make a quilted bag too .
The sweet repeating patten of flowers in a pink and cream grid give this a retro feel. Why hide it as a bag lining - make it a feature on the outside of your bags too!
This Cloud9 Fabrics quilting cotton is from the Happy Days Range by Brook Gossen.
This gorgeous quilting cotton weight fabric features colourful monstera leaves in greens, purples and pinks against white background.
This fabric is ideal for bag linings, or to use with wadding for a quilted bag.
HAPPY DAYS is a fun and colorful collection inspired by the beauty inside of us and all around us. The happiest days are when we celebrate our love and our diversity and take the time to reflect on the little things in life that bring us moments of joy. Happy days ahead!
This is a lined and reversible bag, which can be made with quilting weight cotton or canvas. The pattern comes with a couple of size options, and the instructions explain how you can lengthen the strap if you’d like to make this work as sa crossbody rather than a shoulder bag.
Great as an everyday bag. I promise you will come back to this bag for every occasion.
Fabric recommendations:
This is a medium weight cotton canvas, ideal for bag making.
The light background, along with various hues of pink and yellow irregular lines creating angular shapes make this a fun fabric which is both interesting and simple at the same time.
A conversation between the art-covered streets visited daily by hundreds of people, and the imagination of an innocent and colorful mind. Chalk & Paint depicts theartists thoughts & observations of her surroundings, with a brush soaked in warm soothing colors in one palette and calming dusty marks in the other.
Part of our core range, this mid weight cotton canvas is perfect for all types of bag making.
Plain colours leave you to add the creative flourish to make your bag truly unique.
This Cloud9 Fabrics quilting cotton is from the Comforts of Home Range. It features pet dogs against a turquoise background.
This fabric is ideal for bag linings, or to use with wadding for a quilted bag.
Comforts of Home is a collection inspired by the simple things that can soothe one's soul. Mood boosting pets and greenery to vibrant citrus scents and healthy foods. This collection is a celebration of creating a calming space for self-care.
Nocturne is a beautiful range of fabric from Fableism Supply Co.
This set of fabrics come in dark and moody hues, and blend well with the Everday Chambray range too.
This wonderfully soft fabric is 60% cotton and 40 % bamboo.
Similar in style to the Staple Sling, but with bias binding around the edges, and gentle gathers to provide shaping.
These skills tip over into a slightly more advanced beginner, but one I’m sure you can tackle!
Fabric recommendations:
The Runaround Bag is a perfect beginner sewing pattern.
Use the Runaround Bag to run errands, and know you’ll have everything you need to hand.
With this pattern you’ll create a lined bag with bias bound edges, two interior pocketss and a magentic snap closure.
Who’s ready for a long, hot, lazy summer?
This AGF collection from Suzy Quilts has beautiful muted tones, bringing a calm and mellow feeling.
We’re stocking coordinating cottons from this range, as well as complementary pure solids too.
This is a Cloud9 solid cotton canvas.
It is a medium weight cotton canvas, ideal for bag making.
The solid colour works well alongside many other solids or patterned canvas.
AGF Studio: Signature Pure Solids are made using 100% premium cotton and environmentally safe dyes, making them a great choice for your next sewing project.
We have a growing range of colours available, to match your projects. If you’re looking for a particular colour which we don’t currently stock please let us know.
Who’s ready for a long, hot, lazy summer?
This fabric has a pale cream/pearl background with tiny colourful shells and snails scattered.
This AGF collection from Suzy Quilts has beautiful muted tones, bringing a calm and mellow feeling.
We’re stocking coordinating canvas and cottons from this range, as well as complementary pure solids too.
This is a unique shaped bag, with interesting internal pockets - but simple to make none-the-less.
It works well with canvas and is fully lined. I would recommend lining with quilting weight cotton.
Farbic reommendations:
This Cloud9 Fabrics cotton canvas is from the Imprint (canvas) range, designed by Eloise Renouf.
This is a medium weight cotton canvas, ideal for bag making.
The repeating geometric design of this print is both engaging and interesting. It would work well for both small and large bag projects.
Part of our core range, this mid weight cotton canvas is perfect for all types of bag making.
Plain colours leave you to add the creative flourish to make your bag truly unique.
This Cloud9 Fabrics quilting cotton is from ‘The Easy Life range’ by Di Ujdi.
The Easy Life range is about finding joy in the simple things.
This fabric has a lovely blue background with white circles. This is interesting, yet simple and would be perfect for a bag lining.
This Art Gallery Fabrics quilting cotton is from the Timberline range by Jessica Swift.
It is a medium weight cotton; ideal for lining bags, or using with wadding to make a quilted bag too .
The pale orange background, with darker orange random spots give visual interest whilst not distracting the eye for a bag lining.
If you’re looking for something little fancier, this is ideal. There’s no hardware to install, but it does use elastic to cinch in the top of the bag to keep the contents secure.
A pretty bag to use for fancy occasions, and feel proud to say “Thanks, I made it”.
Fabric recommendations:
This Cloud9 Fabrics cotton canvas is from the Easy Weekend range.
This is a medium weight cotton canvas, ideal for bag making.
The black background with moons and clouds create a stunning summer night image, and work beautifully with other fabrics from the range.
This is a Cloud9 solid cotton canvas.
It is a medium weight cotton canvas, ideal for bag making.
The solid colour works well alongside many other solids or patterned canvas.
This Cloud9 Fabrics quilting cottong is from the Easy Weekend range.
This fabric is ideal for bag linings, or to use with wadding for a quilted bag.
The dark background withfloral designs is a great accompaniment to other fabrics in the range.
This Cloud9 Fabrics quilting cotton is from the Happy Days Range by Brook Gossen.
This gorgeous quilting cotton weight fabric features colourful sun doodles in yellows, purples and pinks against white background.
This fabric is ideal for bag linings, or to use with wadding for a quilted bag.
HAPPY DAYS is a fun and colorful collection inspired by the beauty inside of us and all around us. The happiest days are when we celebrate our love and our diversity and take the time to reflect on the little things in life that bring us moments of joy. Happy days ahead!
I’d love to know what bag you decide to make, and how you get on with it. One thing I know for sure is that once you get started you’ll find it hard to stop. 😊
Happy Sewing!
