Making Bags, A Field Guide: Supplies, Skills, Tips & Techniques to Sew Professional-Looking Bags; 5 Projects to Get You Started

Covers all the basics to start making bags!

Because I go from garment making, embroidery and bag making I forget somethings this is a great reference book. I can learn the vocabulary. Thus it is a good jumping off start.

I was incredibly disappointed with this book. It is very, very basic and there is as much or more, on the internet that is free. It is very self-serving, as the vast majority of bags photographed feature the author’s patterns. Sending it back.

I've been teaching sewing and quilting for over forty years. I have absolutely no connection to Jessica Barrera or her company, Sallie Tomato, other than being a big fan and recommending her products and online videos to my students. I've found that those who focus on flat items like quilts, struggle with the shift to the three dimensional construction skills that are needed for making garments and bags. Additionally, tasks like application of zippers, hardware and the use of stabilizers/interfacings is new to many quilters. High quality cork fabrics and faux leathers have become popular and available to home crafters who are striving to learn how to handle them and maximize the special characteristics of these materials. Many people I work with are looking for sources of information to begin making professional looking bags and accessories. I recommend Barrera's books, patterns and products, which are supported by very simple, practical and useful online info and videos for beginning and advanced makers. She is clearly a creative designer connected with current trends, but rooted in time-tested sewing and fabric construction skills. I'm currently planning a course on bag-making for quilters in my local community and we're using this book as our text. It's a primer on making bags that culminates with five complete patterns, featuring nice photos and illustrations. It will lead you from a simple pouch to completion of a more complex handbag in five logically sequenced bag patterns, learning techniques and developing skills along the way. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in making bags!