Lesson 1Threads, needles, and strength supplies: thread weight, topstitch thread, needle sizes for home machines, rivets, short stitches, strap bandsKnow how thread, needles, and strength parts work together for strong joins. Learn to pick thread weights, topstitch thread, needle sizes, rivets, short stitches, and strap bands for home machines and bag weights.
Comparing all-purpose and heavy threadTopstitch thread for seen joinsNeedle sizes for thick bag layersUsing rivets at high-pull pointsShort stitches for strap and pocket safetyPicking strap band types and widthsLesson 2Cloth picking: features of common outside cloths (canvas, cotton drill, denim, twill, seat cloth, leather choices) and suggested usesCompare common outside cloths for bag making and how their weight, weave, and fiber affect shape and wear. Learn when to pick canvas, denim, twill, seat cloth, or leather choices for style and work.
Canvas weights and best bag projectsCotton drill and twill for shaped carriersDenim for easy, lasting daily bagsSeat cloths for firm, nice bagsLeather choices and no-animal optionsPrewashing and direction match for outersLesson 3How to match support layer to cloth and shape: stiffness levels, stick-on match, heat settingsLearn to pair support layers with different cloths and wanted bag shapes. You will check stiffness levels, hang, stick-on match, and press heat so bags keep shape without bubbles, burns, or bends.
Reading support weight and stiffnessTesting stick-on hold on cloth bitsHeat, steam, and press time settingsMixing layers for custom shapeStop bubbles and print show-throughChange shape for bag size and useLesson 4Where to put support layer by part: body panels, straps, pocket facings, flaps, top edgesKnow where and how to place support in each bag part. You will map body panels, straps, pockets, flaps, and openings, picking which areas need shape, which need soft hang, and how to avoid thick, hard joins.
Support full vs part body panelsStrengthen strap and handle join zonesSteady pocket facings and openingsSupport flaps, closings, and coversStrengthen top edges and zipper areasLayer support without extra thicknessLesson 5Lining cloths: light vs steady linings (cotton lawn, quilting cotton, polyester lining) and good/bad pointsCompare lining cloths by weight, steady, and feel to help the outside shell. Check cotton lawn, quilting cotton, and polyester linings, thinking about fray, easy sewing, cleaning, and how they change bag shape and use.
Roles of linings in different bag stylesCotton lawn for light, bendy liningsQuilting cotton for easy, steady liningsPolyester lining for smooth insidesHandle fray and join finishesColor, print, and see-through thoughtsLesson 6Support layer types and jobs: woven stick-on, non-woven stick-on, sew-in canvas, hair canvas, foam steady, sew-in cotton duckGet a look at main support and steady types for bags. Compare woven and non-woven stick-ons, sew-in canvas, hair canvas, foam, and cotton duck, and learn when each best helps shape, corners, and fittings.
Woven stick-on for steady, natural hangNon-woven stick-on for quick steadySew-in canvas and hair canvas usesFoam steady for shaped bagsSew-in cotton duck for heavy carriersMix steady parts in one projectLesson 7Picking closing fittings: zippers (nylon vs metal, split vs closed-end), magnetic snaps, metal holds, toggles, buttonsLook at closing fitting choices and how they change safety, style, and easy use. Compare zipper types, magnetic snaps, holds, toggles, and buttons, and learn how to pick sizes and places for each bag design.
Nylon vs metal zippers and best usesSplit vs closed-end zipper pickSize and place magnetic snaps safelyUse holds, toggles, and ring gatesButtons, loops, and nice closingsStrengthen cloth under closingsLesson 8Lasting and wear thoughts: rub resistance, join strength methods, support for pull spreadLearn how cloth strength, rub resistance, and join design affect bag long life. Look at strength stitches, pull-point helps, and support plans that stop strap breaks, join splits, and bends over time.
Check rub zones on common bag stylesPick lasting cloths for high-wear areasStrengthen joins with stitches and tapeSupport straps, handles, and hold pointsSpread load at D-rings and fittingsTest lasting before full making
