Bag Making Course

Lesson 1 • Fabrics and Materials Overview

Surveys common bag fabrics, leathers, and synthetic materials with their properties. Material choice directly affects construction method and finished durability.

Lesson 2 • Essential Tools and Equipment

Covers hand tools, cutting tools, and sewing machines needed for bag making. Proper tool selection prevents errors in later construction stages.

Lesson 3 • Bag Anatomy and Terminology

Introduces structural components of bags and industry vocabulary. Establishes shared language used throughout the entire course.

Lesson 4 • Workspace Setup and Safety

Guides students in organising an efficient, safe sewing and cutting workspace. A well-organised workspace reduces errors and physical strain.

Lesson 1 • Creating Paper and Cardstock Templates

Guides production of durable, reusable templates for repeated cutting accuracy. Templates speed up production and ensure consistency across multiples.

Lesson 2 • Pattern Modification Techniques

Covers slash-and-spread, pivot, and seam manipulation to alter existing patterns. Modifications allow customisation without redrafting from scratch.

Lesson 3 • Understanding Commercial Patterns

Decodes pattern symbols, grain lines, notches, and instruction sheets. Accurate pattern reading prevents costly cutting and construction mistakes.

Lesson 4 • Taking and Recording Measurements

Teaches precise measurement techniques for bag dimensions and client specifications. Accurate measurements are the foundation of well-fitting, functional bags.

Lesson 1 • Laying Out Patterns on Fabric

Covers grain alignment, pattern placement, and nesting for efficient fabric use. Correct layout prevents distortion and maximizes material yield.

Lesson 2 • Cutting Techniques by Material

Teaches cutting methods tailored to fabric, leather, and synthetic materials. Each material requires specific tools and techniques for clean edges.

Lesson 3 • Marking Fabric Pieces

Introduces marking tools and methods for transferring pattern details to cut pieces. Accurate marks guide stitching, hardware placement, and assembly.

Lesson 1 • Sewing Curves and Corners

Addresses techniques for sewing concave, convex, and boxed corners accurately. Mastery of curves and corners defines the shape and structure of finished bags.

Lesson 2 • Seam Construction and Finishing

Teaches plain, flat-felled, and French seams and appropriate finishing methods. Seam choice affects bag durability, bulk, and interior appearance.

Lesson 3 • Topstitching and Edge Stitching

Develops consistent topstitching skills for structural reinforcement and decorative effect. Even topstitching is a hallmark of professional bag quality.

Lesson 4 • Hand Sewing for Bag Finishing

Introduces slip stitch, saddle stitch, and whip stitch for closures and repairs. Hand stitching provides clean finishes where machine access is limited.

Lesson 1 • Attaching Lining to Exterior

Covers wrong-sides-together assembly, bagging out, and slip-stitch closure methods. Clean lining attachment defines the professional finish of the completed bag.

Lesson 2 • Interior Frames and Base Supports

Introduces rigid base inserts, frame wires, and structured bottom panels for shape. Internal supports maintain bag form under load and during storage.

Lesson 3 • Lining Fabric Selection and Preparation

Covers lining fabric properties, weight matching, and preparation for insertion. A well-chosen lining complements the exterior and adds interior structure.

Lesson 4 • Slip Pockets and Patch Pockets

Teaches construction of flat slip pockets and divided patch pockets for interiors. Pockets are the most-used functional feature of any bag interior.

Lesson 1 • Decorative Hardware and Feet

Introduces bag feet, O-rings, and decorative studs for functional and aesthetic purposes. Hardware selection contributes to the bag's style identity and durability.

Lesson 2 • D-Rings, Swivel Hooks, and Sliders

Explains attaching D-rings, swivel hooks, and strap sliders for adjustable straps. Secure attachment loops are critical for load-bearing strap systems.

Lesson 3 • Magnetic Snaps and Turn Locks

Teaches installation of magnetic snaps and turn locks with reinforcing backing. Correct backing prevents hardware from tearing through bag fabric over time.

Lesson 4 • Zipper Types and Installation

Covers coil, moulded, and separating zippers and their installation methods. Proper zipper installation ensures smooth function and clean topstitching.

Lesson 1 • Attaching Handles to Bag Body

Teaches reinforced attachment methods including box-X stitch, rivets, and tabs. Handle attachment points bear the greatest stress in any bag construction.

Lesson 2 • Backpack Strap Systems

Covers padded back panel construction, sternum straps, and load-distributing harness design. Backpack systems require ergonomic engineering for safe weight distribution.

Lesson 3 • Adjustable Shoulder Straps

Guides construction of adjustable straps using sliders, swivel hooks, and webbing. Adjustability improves fit across body types and bag use contexts.

Lesson 4 • Rolled and Braided Leather Handles

Teaches rolling, gluing, and stitching leather handles and basic braiding techniques. Leather handles require edge finishing for a polished, professional result.

Lesson 1 • Clutch and Evening Bag Construction

Teaches construction of slim clutches with frame closures, wrist loops, and fine linings. Clutch construction emphasises precision finishing and decorative detail.

Lesson 2 • Structured Handbag Construction

Builds a fully structured handbag with frame, lining, hardware, and exterior panels. This project integrates all foundational and intermediate skills into one complex piece.

Lesson 3 • Quality Control and Final Finishing

Establishes inspection criteria for seams, hardware, symmetry, and overall finish. Systematic quality checks ensure every bag meets professional production standards.

Lesson 4 • Zippered Duffel Bag Construction

Guides construction of a cylindrical duffel with end panels, zipper, and handles. Duffel construction develops skills in curved seams and large-scale assembly.