Lesson 1Threads, needles, and strengthening supplies: thread thickness, topstitch thread, needle sizes for home machines, rivets, short tacks, webbingUnderstand how thread, needles, and strengtheners work together for strong joins. Learn to pick thread thicknesses, topstitch thread, needle sizes, rivets, short tacks, and webbing for home machines and bag weights.
Comparing general and heavy threadTopstitch thread for seen joinsNeedle sizes for thick bag layersUsing rivets at high-pull pointsShort tacks for strap and pocket safetyPicking webbing types and widthsLesson 2Cloth picking: features of common outer cloths (canvas, cotton drill, denim, twill, upholstery, leather options) and suggested usesCompare common outer cloths for bag making and how their weight, weave, and fibre affect shape and wear. Learn when to pick canvas, denim, twill, upholstery cloth, or leather options for style and performance.
Canvas weights and best bag projectsCotton drill and twill for shaped carriersDenim for relaxed, tough daily bagsUpholstery cloths for firm, smart bagsLeather options and plant-based choicesPrewashing and weave matching for outersLesson 3How to match stiffener to cloth and shape: firmness levels, stick-on fit, heat settingsLearn to pair stiffener with different cloths and wanted bag shapes. You'll check firmness levels, hang, stick-on fit, and iron temperatures so your bags keep shape without bubbles, burns, or twists.
Reading stiffener weight and firmnessTesting stick-on hold on cloth scrapsHeat, steam, and iron time settingsCombining layers for custom shapeStopping bubbles and pattern show-throughAdjusting shape for bag size and useLesson 4Where to put stiffener by part: body panels, straps, pocket facings, flaps, top edgesUnderstand where and how to place stiffener in each bag part. You'll map body panels, straps, pockets, flaps, and openings, deciding which spots need shape, which need hang, and how to avoid thick, stiff joins.
Stiffener full vs part body panelsStrengthening strap and handle join zonesSteadying pocket facings and openingsSupporting flaps, fastenings, and coversStrengthening top edges and zip areasLayering stiffener without extra thicknessLesson 5Lining cloths: light vs steady linings (cotton lawn, quilting cotton, polyester lining) and good/bad pointsCompare lining cloths by weight, steadiness, and feel to back the outer shell. Check cotton lawn, quilting cotton, and polyester linings, thinking about fraying, ease of sewing, cleaning, and how they affect bag shape and use.
Roles of linings in different bag stylesCotton lawn for light, bendy liningsQuilting cotton for easy, steady liningsPolyester lining for smooth insidesHandling fraying and join finishesColour, pattern, and see-through thoughtsLesson 6Stiffener types and jobs: woven stick-on, non-woven stick-on, stitch-in canvas, hair canvas, foam steadyer, stitch-in cotton duckGet an overview of main stiffener and steadyer types for bags. Compare woven and non-woven stick-ons, stitch-in canvas, hair canvas, foam, and cotton duck, and learn when each best holds shape, corners, and fittings.
Woven stick-on for steady, natural hangNon-woven stick-on for quick steadyingStitch-in canvas and hair canvas usesFoam steadyer for shaped bagsStitch-in cotton duck for heavy carriersMixing steadyers in one projectLesson 7Picking fastening fittings: zips (nylon vs metal, splitting vs closed-end), magnetic clips, metal hooks, toggles, buttonsLook at fastening fitting options and how they affect safety, style, and ease. Compare zip types, magnetic clips, hooks, toggles, and buttons, and learn how to pick sizes and spots for each bag design.
Nylon vs metal zips and best usesSplitting vs closed-end zip pickingSizing and placing magnetic clips safelyUsing hooks, toggles, and ring gatesButtons, loops, and pretty fasteningsStrengthening cloth under fasteningsLesson 8Toughness and wear thoughts: rub resistance, join strengthening ways, stiffener for pull spreadLearn how cloth strength, rub resistance, and join design affect bag life. Look at strengthening stitches, weak-spot supports, and stiffener plans that stop strap breaks, join splits, and twists over time.
Checking rub zones on usual bag stylesPicking tough cloths for high-wear spotsStrengthening joins with stitching and tapeStiffening straps, handles, and hold pointsSpreading load at D-rings and fittingsTesting toughness before full making
