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 – a bodkin is used
for speedy threading of
cord or elastic through
fabric tubes or casings.
Attach the cord/elastic
to the bodkin and thread
the bodkin through your
fabric tube.
Tailors awl – an awl is
useful for making holes
in fabric for rivets, poking
out corners in fine straps
(when turning out), or even
coaxing small parts of your
bag underneath the sewing
machine foot (to help the
feed dogs grab the fabric).
Two types are available –
one with a sharp point, the
other with a ballpoint tip.
Fabric glue – use
good-quality clear-
drying fabric glue for
when sewing isn’t an
option. Good fabric
glue can be just as
effective as stitching.
Sewing clips/mini
bulldog clips – use
these strong clips to
hold pieces of fabric
together temporarily
when sewing pins are
unsuitable, such as
when your layers are
very thick.
Getting Started
Hole punch – use a hole
punch to cut neat holes
in fabric for eyelets or
popper snaps. This hole
punch has various sized
hole-cutter attachments
and a smaller grip, which
is great for small hands.
Thread – for ease of use and
to make long-lasting bags,
use good quality all-purpose
polyester thread. It might
be tempting to buy cheaper
thread but this breaks more
easily, which makes it
unsuitable for bag making.
Loop turner – this simple
tool is used for turning
fabric tubes the right
way out for speedy
fabric strap making.
Hammer and pliers – use
a small hammer when you
are working with rivets
and eyelets (grommets).
Use two pairs of pliers for
opening and closing metal
rings and links in purse
chains. Jewellery pliers
are especially suited to
those with small hands.
The Sewing Machine
A sewing machine is the most important tool in making
bags but it doesn’t need to be a grand or costly affair.
There are only two features that I insist on: a powerful
motor and a free arm. The others listed here, while not
essential, are useful to have.
Needle up/down button – there’s
always lots of stopping and starting
in bag making and having a button
that tells the machine to stop with
the needle down is so useful. When
the needle is down your work can’t
escape and you can turn neat and
precise corners.
