Lesson 1Threads, needles, and reinforcement supplies: thread weight, topstitch thread, needle sizes for domestic machines, rivets, bartacks, webbingUnderstand how thread, needles, and strong things work together for strong joins. Learn to pick thread weights, top stitch thread, needle sizes, rivets, bartacks, and webbing wey fit home machines and bag loads.
Comparing all‑purpose and heavy threadTopstitch thread for visible seamsNeedle sizes for thick bag layersUsing rivets at high‑stress pointsBartacks for strap and pocket securitySelecting webbing types and widthsLesson 2Fabric selection: characteristics of common outer fabrics (canvas, cotton drill, denim, twill, upholstery, leather alternatives) and recommended usesCompare common outer cloths used in bag making and how their weight, weave, and fiber affect shape and wear. Learn when to pick canvas, denim, twill, seat cloth, or leather other options for style and work.
Canvas weights and ideal bag projectsCotton drill and twill for structured totesDenim for casual, durable everyday bagsUpholstery fabrics for firm, dressy bagsLeather alternatives and vegan optionsPrewashing and grain alignment for outersLesson 3How to match interfacing to fabric and structure: stiffness levels, fusible compatibility, heat settingsLearn to pair support with different cloths and wanted bag shapes. You go check stiff levels, hang, stick fit, and press heat so your bags hold shape without bubbles, burns, or bends.
Reading interfacing weight and stiffnessTesting fusible adhesion on fabric scrapsHeat, steam, and pressing time settingsCombining layers for custom structurePreventing bubbling and print show‑throughAdjusting structure for bag size and useLesson 4Where to apply interfacing by component: body panels, straps, pocket facings, flaps, top edgesUnderstand where and how to put support in each bag part. You go map body panels, straps, pockets, flaps, and opens, deciding which places need shape, which need hang, and how to avoid thick, hard joins.
Interfacing full vs partial body panelsReinforcing strap and handle attachment zonesStabilizing pocket facings and openingsSupporting flaps, closures, and lidsStrengthening top edges and zipper areasLayering interfacing without excess bulkLesson 5Lining fabrics: lightweight vs stable linings (cotton lawn, quilting cotton, polyester lining) and pros/consCompare lining cloths by weight, steady, and feel to help outer shell. Check cotton lawn, quilt cotton, and poly linings, thinking of fray, easy sew, clean, and how dem affect bag shape and use.
Roles of linings in different bag stylesCotton lawn for light, flexible liningsQuilting cotton for easy, stable liningsPolyester lining for slick interiorsManaging fraying and seam finishesColor, print, and opacity considerationsLesson 6Interfacing types and functions: woven fusible, non-woven fusible, sew-in canvas, hair canvas, foam stabilizer, sew-in cotton duckGet overview of key support and steady types used in bags. Compare woven and non-woven sticks, sew-in canvas, hair canvas, foam, and cotton duck, and learn when each best help shape, corners, and hard parts.
Woven fusible for stable, natural drapeNon‑woven fusible for quick stabilizationSew‑in canvas and hair canvas usesFoam stabilizer for structured bagsSew‑in cotton duck for heavy totesMixing stabilizers within one projectLesson 7Selecting closure hardware: zippers (nylon vs metal, separating vs closed-end), magnetic snaps, metal clasps, toggles, buttonsLook at close hard parts options and how dem affect safety, style, and easy use. Compare zipper types, magnet snaps, clasps, toggles, and buttons, and learn how to pick sizes and places fit to each bag design.
Nylon vs metal zippers and ideal usesSeparating vs closed‑end zipper selectionSizing and placing magnetic snaps safelyUsing clasps, toggles, and gate ringsButtons, loops, and decorative closuresReinforcing fabric under closuresLesson 8Durability and wear considerations: abrasion resistance, seam reinforcement methods, interfacing for stress distributionLearn how cloth strong, rub resist, and join design affect bag long life. Look at strong stitches, stress point helps, and support ways wey prevent strap fails, join splits, and bend over time.
Assessing abrasion zones on common bag stylesChoosing durable fabrics for high‑wear areasReinforcing seams with stitching and tapeInterfacing straps, handles, and anchor pointsDistributing load at D‑rings and hardwareTesting durability before full production
