Bag Making: 8 Accessories and Supplies

by DoItYourself Staff

You can spend a lot of money on tote bags, purses and insulated bags, but bag making is not difficult. Bag making is a fun craft and hobby that anyone can do. Bag making craft kits are just one option. You can save a lot of money by essentially creating your own bag making kit. Everything used in bag making is equally important as the next item. The article below will show you what you need in order to enter the world of bag making and what these components are used for.

Fabric

This is an obvious must when you are starting a bag making project. The kind of fabric you use is only left to your imagination as well as your needs for whichever project you are working on at any given time. You can make use of denim for very strong and durable bags or you can use vinyl to create bright and artistic bags. Leather can create some very nice bags with brilliant earth tones. The only fabrics that you may want to avoid are sheer and thin fabrics like silk.

Pins

Safety and fabric pins are often used in any sewing project including bag making. You pin the pattern to the fabric so when you are cutting the fabric out the pattern will not move causing a slip of the scissors.

Scissors

Scissors are an invaluable tool in bag making. You will use them to first cut out the pattern or the template you are using to make the bag. After the pattern is pinned to the fabric you will use the scissors to cut out the fabric. They will also be needed to cut the string and trim excess fabric on the inside of the completed bag.

Needle and Thread

Without either of these products you will never finish your bag. You can stitch the bag by hand but you could also use a sewing machine. The choice, in the end, is yours. Choose thread that is strong but matches the fabric you are working on.

Insulation Material

This is completely optional because you do not really need insulation fabric unless you are planning on creating some sort of freezer or refrigerator bag. The material that works best as insulation is foam batting which is stitched to the inside of the bag. On top of the batting you will stitch in place reflective material. This will help keep the cold where it belongs: in the bag.

Steam Iron

Without an iron the fabric can become wrinkled and sewing wrinkled fabric means your measurements and stitching may be off. Always iron the fabric before you cut it, after you cut it, and after each set of panels are sewn together.