rule and there are interfacing tricks that you can applyto your fabrics to override that rule. Here are some fabric
suggestions that work a treat for bag making.
Cotton/quilt fabric This
type of fabric is used both in
the lining and the exterior
of bags. Cotton is available
in many different weights,
but for bag making try to
use mid-weight cotton and
up. Quilting fabric is usually
made from cotton and
comes in a fantastic array of
colourful, beautiful and fun
prints. You can use cotton for
almost any type of bag.
Getting Started
Laminated cloth/oilcloth
Usually used for the exterior
of bags, this vinyl-coated
fabric comes in fantastic
prints and has a tough
waterproof surface, making it
perfect for swim bags, travel
bags and wash bags. The
vinyl has a tendency to stick
to the bed of your sewing
machine making sewing with
it quite awkward (see tip).
Linen This versatile,
hardwearing and natural
fabric is available in
both dress and home dec
weight. The linen that bag
makers like to use is the
natural biscuit-coloured
home dec weight fabric.
The colour of the undyed
cloth with its attractive
irregular weave makes it
a great foil for embroidery
and/or patterned fabrics.
Oilcloth know-how ...
If you plan to sew with
laminated cloth regularly, it is
worth investing in a non-stick
sewing machine foot.
Canvas/denim Usually
used for the exterior of
bags, canvas is available in
different weights. Choose
the heaviest weight that your
sewing machine can cope
with. Canvas is strong and
it has rugged good looks. Be
sure to use a jeans needle
when sewing with canvas
and denim. I think canvas
looks best on larger bags such
as shoppers, messenger bags,
travel bags and beach bags.
Velvet This is a luxury fabric
that has fabulous depth
of colour and a strokeable
texture. The nicest velvet is
made from cotton. Velvet is
available in different weights
– choose the heaviest weight
that your sewing machine can
cope with. Velvet frays easily
so it’s wise to sew with a
wider seam allowance. If your
velvet is quite thick or you
will be sewing through a few
layers use a jeans needle. Try
using velvet for handbags,
clutches and special
occasion bags. Corduroy is
similar to velvet in its uses
and material qualities.
Wool/suiting fabric Usually
used for the exterior of bags,
wool is fabulous for bag
making. Wool is available in
different weights, patterns
and textures. Its incredible
depth of colour and its yummy
texture make wool a luxurious
fabric to work with and use.
Wool is hardwearing, but for
bag making it usually requires
interfacing of some kind. Wool
has a more open weave so a
strong dressmaking needle
is sufficient. Try using wools
for handbags, clutches and
messenger bags.
Silk/satin Used both as the exterior or
lining, silks and satins are luxury fabrics
that have beautiful looks, texture and
movement. Silk looks gorgeous pleated or
gathered. Try to stick to heavier weight
silk/satin because it’s
