Bag Making Techniques For Beginners And Beyond

Susan Dunlop of SusieDDesigns(R), and author of bag-making book Style and Swing, brings you this comprehensive new sewing guide to get you designing and creating the best bags ever! There are so many different styles of bags; the possibilities of creating a unique accessory are endless. Susan shares her vast range of knowledge throughout the book, with plenty of useful tips along the way. The techniques covered will arm you with the knowledge to adapt ready-made patterns and to design your own bags from scratch! The book begins with lots of helpful advice on choosing fabrics, how to use stabilisers and which tools to use; the basic elements for making the best bags. If you've never made a bag before, start off by making the lined tote bag project. You'll then be able to work your way through the technique sections, learning about different construction methods and how to make more complex bags, by adding a range of bases, pockets, zips, handles, flaps, hardware and so on. Get ready to be inspired by Susan's enthusiasm and love of bag-making which you're sure to find infectious! The vast range of techniques, tips and know-how, which Susan shares in this book, will enable you to make fabulous bag designs you can be truly proud of!

SusieDDesigns' Beginner Bag-making is the ideal book to refer to if you're new to bag-making or a beginner sewer. The projects are fun to make and have easy-to-follow instructions, with full-colour step images throughout. You'll be making the best bags in no time! As you work your way through the book, each project becomes a bit more complex, helping to build up your confidence and skill level. If you're an experienced sewer, jump ahead to whatever project takes your fancy. There's a good mix of beginner and intermediate projects to choose from. Susan has also included some useful information on the tools you'll need, fabric preparation, how to use stabilisers, sewing terms and a comprehensive how-to techniques section. Once you feel confident in adapting the patterns, to suit your own needs, add extra pockets, lengthen the handles, change the closure, make the bag smaller or bigger, add embellishments... the possibilities are endless, you can truly make any bag design your own!

Susan Dunlop of SusieDDesigns shows you how to sew these boutique-quality yet achievable bags and accessories, in this newly updated version of the popular bag-making book, previously named Style and Swing. Everyone from beginners to experts can create an assortment of modern, practical projects for gifts or personal use. Start with a simple, elegant handbag and progress to more challenging designs; skill-level ratings are included. Step-by-step illustrated patterns for 12 attractive projects in a variety of shapes and styles Stylish accessories include a pleated clutch, market bag, satchel, and wallet. Includes resource info and comprehensive how-to techniques; learn about tools, fabric prep, interfacing, linings and purse hardware.

You'll find plenty of reasons to sit down and sew these boutique-quality yet achievable bags and accessories. Everyone from beginners to experts can create an assortment of modern, practical projects for gifts or personal use. Start with a simple, elegant handbag and progress to more challenging designs; skill-level ratings are included. Step-by-step illustrated patterns for 12 attractive projects in a variety of shapes and styles Stylish accessories include a pleated clutch, market bag, satchel, and wallet Includes resource info and comprehensive how-to techniques; learn about tools, fabric prep, interfacings, linings, and purse hardware

Handbags are hotter than ever— but so are their designer price tags. There’s never been a better time to sew your own fashionable bags, and it has never been easier with designer Megan Avery as your teacher. InBag Bazaar, Avery presents 25 bags that even a sewing newbie can handle, in a variety of styles sure to match any look. For years, Avery has hosted bag-making workshops in her boutique. Here she shares her expert advice as well as the blueprints for her most popular designs. Beginning with a guide to basic sewing techniques, Avery then features patterns for bags that range from funky to sophisticated, from a roomy backpack and an adjustable-strap messenger bag to an evening wristlet and a pleated clutch. Also included are patterns for specialty bags such as an eco-friendly grocery tote, a laptop sleeve, and a garment bag. Need extra pockets or longer handles? All of the patterns are completely customizable. Every design is accompanied by a hip, modern illustration, and—best of all—Avery offers all the encouragement and know-how you need to invent your own unique creations. With patterns for everything from clutches and hobos to cosmetic bags and beach totes,Bag Bazaarshows you how to create the perfect, custom accessory—in less time than it would take to shop for one.

Beginner's guide to making classic design bags in beautiful materials. This easy-to-use beginner's sewing book contains 20 stylish and contemporary bag designs, from tote bags and box bags, to a courier bag, a sports bag and a bowling bag. A range of technique, styles, fabrics and finishes is used, to ensure that you can create exactly the bag you want. The projects are interspersed with 20 step-by-step techniques so that you can treat the book as course and work through it in order, trying out the techniques as you go, or simply pick and choose your favourite styles. Each of the bags is graded 'beginner level', 'intermediate level' or 'confident' to help you. The projects and techniques are explained with a mix of photographs and illustrations to provide the clearest possible instruction. All the pattern pieces required are given at full size on the 2 pull-out template sheets at the back of the book.

If you want to make gorgeous, quality bags with the professional edge that really makes the difference between home-made and handmade—open The Better Bag Maker by Nicole Mallalieu. In this how-to book accomplished bag maker, Nicole Mallalieu, reveals her high-end techniques, shortcuts, and secrets for professional design and finishes. The 10 featured projects teach a range of expert skills from adjusting the proportion of the pattern to constructing pockets, straps, flaps, and bases.. By the end of this book, you’ll have a closetful of polished bags—and most likely sew better than you ever imagined you could.

“With its diverse selection of fabrics and designs, A Quilting Life is a fine pick for any quilter looking to produce family-oriented keepsake results.” —The Needlecraft Shelf Bring the handmade tradition home with these charming quilts and home accessories. Inspired by a grandmother who loved to sew for her family, quilter and blogger Sherri McConnell gives traditional patterns like hexagons, stars, snowballs, and Dresden Plates a new look featuring fabrics by some of today’s most popular designers. Nineteen cozy projects include pillows, tote bags, table runners, and larger quilts—quick and easy designs that make great gifts. “Sherri’s book is a treasure! It’s full of fun and straight-forward patterns for quilts, table toppers, pillows, bags and more—all the goodies to make a cozy home.” —Thimbleanna “Would you like the opportunity to make tomorrow’s heirlooms in today’s vast selection of prints? . . . If so, this could be the reference book that will get you started. There are 19 projects, mainly focusing on handmade household items but including some larger quilts too.” —Fabrications Quilting for You “Beautiful inspiration if you are a seasoned quilter, but also a great resource with clear and in some cases, simple patterns for newbies as well.” —Diary of a Quilter “Color photos of finished needlework projects accompany step-by-step diagrams and assembly patterns, while at-a-glance sidebars covering materials and cutting allow needleworkers to gauge the complexity of each project.” —The Needlecraft Shelf