The best-selling book now in paperback!
Lisa Lam brings you a stunning collection of sewing patterns to make your own bags. The book features 12 bag designs with full photographic instructions for how to make a bag with truly professional results. The book features a link to print-at-home patterns so that you can get started right away no photocopying or enlarging required.
The book opens with Lisa's in-depth advice on all the aspects needed to get started, from the tools and equipment you need, to understanding and interpreting patterns, to choosing, preparing and cutting fabrics. A comprehensive 'Techniques' section explains some core bag-making techniques such as how to insert a zip pocket, how to use magnetic snap closures, how to sew bag straps and handles including adjustable straps, and how to bind edges and use piping for a truly professional finish. There is also guidance on how to insert a lining to your bag. All the techniques are fully explained with easy to follow photographs, so you'll be creating professional, practical and great looking bags before you know it!
The 12 projects that follow range in complexity. If you're new to sewing and bag making there are beginner bag projects such as the Compact Groceries Tote, All-Sorted Laundry Bag and Access-All-Areas Pouch to get you started before progressing to the more fully featured bags such as the Too-Cool-for-School Satchel and the 3-in-1 Convertible Backpack. You can make your own iPad case, sew a child's backpack, create a pretty purse using a metal purse frame, make your own tri-fold wallet, a baby changing bag with matching changing mat, sew your own bicycle panniers, and a vanity case for your beauty essentials. The bags all have style and substance and are designed with real-life practical uses in mind.
Within each project Lisa gives her hints and tips for success, along with advice on how you can customize the patterns to create your own version of the design.
About Lisa Lam
Lisa Lam is a London College of Fashion graduate and the founder and owner of U-Handbag.com. She is a prolific bag designer and regular contributor to craft magazines. Lisa's blog is followed by thousands of crafters who admire both her passion and the quality of her bag-making advice. Lisa lives in Brighton, UK.
British Patchwork & Quilting
Twelve different bags for all sorts of reasons including a satchel, baby accessories bag with matching change mat, iPad sleeve, folding shopping tote plus a wallet, purse and even bike panniers. The patterns need to be downloaded to print at home.
A comprehensive Getting Started section covers equipment used for bag making. An excellent section on choosing a sewing machine follows, which I would encourage anyone interested in buying a machine to read, along with a section on commonly used machine feet. Using patterns comes next with sections on understanding the patterns, resizing and a glossary of terms which are clear and perfect for those starting out in bag making.
The fabrics used for bag making are covered with lots of practical hints and tips on preparation and cutting of the different fabrics used such as laminated cotton. Techniques are well covered with carious zip methods, handles, snaps, and fasteners, bound and piped edges.
This is an excellent book for those wishing to make a variety of bags. It is my book of the month.
