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Make a bag in a day
June 3 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Course Outline
This event is for basic to intermediate machine sewers who want to have a go at making their own vinyl bags.
All hardware and materials needed to complete the bag pattern are included in the cost of this course.
The course fee also covers the cost of the pattern which will be available to you to use to make further bags at home.
We have a selection of vintage Singer hand crank and treadle sewing machines, as well as vintage and modern electric sewing machines for you to choose from on the day or you can bring your own as long as it is less than 12 months old or has been recently PAT tested. We also have a selection of industrial sewing machines but are unlikely to use them for this course.
Tea, Coffee, Squash and Biscuits will be provided. Please bring your own lunch as that will not be provided.
Lesson 1 – Choosing your vinyl, fabrics and fastenings.
When you arrive you have the opportunity to select the vinyl, hardware, zips, lining and thread you want to use for your bag.
A selection of different vinyl bag outers will already have been cut out, reinforced and marked for you to choose from on the day. A selection of bag inners will also have been cut out, interfaced and marked for you to choose from.
The bag pieces, zip colours, bag hardware finishes and threads will depend on the availability on the day.
Lesson 2 – Using Templates to mark your pieces and sewing lines.
Although you will have chosen pre-prepared pieces to help ensure you are able to complete your bag on the day we will run through how using MDF templates can make the cutting out and marking of pattern pieces easier.
Our templates include suggested stitching lines that you can mark on the lining and Decovil to help you when you come to sew up your bag.
You will have the opportunity to have a go at marking out and cutting pattern pieces using our MDF templates. These templates can be purchased for an additional fee after the course if required.
Lesson 3 – Using a heat press to interface or reinforce your pattern pieces.
Whilst Decovil or Interfacing can be ironed on using a heat press will help keep them bonded to your vinyl or lining.
During this lesson we will have a go at fusing a single vinyl pattern piece to Decovil and a single material piece to white or black interfacing.
Your bag pattern pieces will have already been prepared to this stage prior to you joining the course.
Lesson 4 – Reading your pattern and sewing your lining, outer bag and straps.
During this lesson you will join your pattern pieces including:
- Attaching any zips
- Adding any required hardware
We will supply wonder clips for you to use on the day to help you fix your bag together before sewing it.
You will also have access to our Green Machine Hand Presses and accessories to punch holes where required attach any hardware.
Lesson 5 – Birthing your bag
In this lesson we will look at the process of inserting the outside of your bag into the lining of your bag, attaching them together, then pulling the outside of your bag through the inside of your bag.
Lesson 6 – Topstitching your bag
Once you have birthed your bag we will look at the process of making sure your joints are as flat as you can get them. Once you have done this you are ready to top-stitch the top edge of your bag.
Lesson 7 – Making your bag strap
When sewing bag straps we use a pasta roller to ensure the straps are neatly pressed. This makes the sewing of straps easier and provides a nicer finish.
Again we will use one of our Green Machine Hand Presses to attach any rivets or eyelets to your straps.
Pre – Requisites
Some sewing experience. Ability to use an electric or hand crank sewing machine.
Gallery
Quilted Bags and Totes – Maker Centre Library
Beautiful Beaded Bags – Maker Centre Library