If you’re looking for a simple and easy way to make a bag, there are several steps that you can follow. The first thing that you will need as a bag manufacturer is some fabric. You can purchase pre-cut fabric or use your measurements to create the perfect bag size.
Other items you will need include:
- Thread and needles
- Bag sewing machine (or other suitable sewing equipment)
- Scissors
- Tough sewing thread
- Magnetic clasp
- Heavy-duty interlining
Step 1: Choose the design of your bag
You can find various possible styles and sizes on the internet. Google “free handbag pattern” and navigate through the results. Many patterns are available, and your choice should be based on several criteria.
- The style of your future bag: There are many bags, such as shoulder bags, cross-body bags, tote bags, or messenger bags. You will want to choose a style you feel comfortable carrying around daily.
- The size of your future bag: It is important to consider both the width (length) and height (depth) measurements when choosing a freehand purse pattern because most patterns come in multiple sizes.
- The materials used in your future bag: You have many options for fabrics, including cotton canvas, vinyl fabric, suede leathers, or even mesh materials like nylon or polyester. Choose a material that will complement the look and feel you desire for your new purse.
If you can’t find the bag of your dreams on the internet, go to a fabric store.
Step 2: Choose Fabric
When you’re choosing fabric for your bag, be sure to consider the following factors:
- The weight of the items you plan to carry. The heavier the item, the thicker and sturdier your fabric should be.
- The type of environment you’ll be using your bag in. Choose a waterproof fabric if you carry it around in rain or snow.
- How often you’ll use your bag. The more durable material will last longer if it’s used frequently. However, a too thick or heavy fabric can become cumbersome when carrying it around less often.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for each type of bag:
- Tote bag: Canvas, leather, or another sturdy fabric; lining; interfacing; pattern
- Messenger bag: Leather, canvas, or another sturdy fabric; lining; interfacing; pattern
- Purse: Leather, canvas, or another sturdy fabric; lining; interfacing; pattern
- Backpack: Canvas, leather, or another sturdy fabric; lining; interfacing; pattern
Step 3: Prepare your workspace
Working in a clean, organized space is much more pleasant and less stressful. As a bag manufacturer you need to clear any other ongoing projects so you can better focus on this one and set up the necessary tools and materials. Here are four tips for getting started:
- Make sure all of your supplies are easily accessible and within reach – this way, you won’t have to waste time searching for them later.
- Organize your work area by grouping similar items together (like fabrics), then storing larger items in an elevated location (like scissors).
- Use dividers or shelves if needed to create more organized spaces.
- Keep all liquids away! No matter how pretty, a coffee stain usually goes very badly together.
When you have an organized workspace, it’s much easier to work in because everything is easily accessible, and you can focus on what you’re supposed to be doing instead of wasting time looking for something.
Step 4: Sketch
When sketching your bag design, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, think about the overall shape and silhouette of the bag. Will it be a tote, a cross-body, or something else? Then, consider the details like handles, straps, and closures. What kind of hardware do you want to use? And finally, think about the materials you want to use. Will it be leather, canvas, or something else?
Once you have an idea of the overall look of your bag, it’s time to start sketching! If you’re not confident in your drawing skills, don’t worry – plenty of resources are available to help you. Pinterest is a great place to start, as you can search for “bag sketches” and find many different examples. Once you find a few sketches you like, start tweaking them to make them your own. Add your details and ensure that the overall design reflects your style.
If you’re stuck on what sketch to use as a starting point, try looking at photos of bags you love. Study the details, and then start sketching out your version.
Step 5: Cut the Fabric
When you are ready to cut the fabric for your bag, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you must decide what size bag you want to make. The bag size will determine how much fabric you need to cut.
Next, you will need to choose the type of fabric you want to use. There are many different types of fabrics available, so it is important to choose one that is durable and easy to work with.
Once you have chosen the fabric and the bag size, you will need to cut out the pieces for the bag. Be perfectly sure of your measurements before cutting.
The number of pieces will vary depending on the design of the bag. However, generally, the bags will need two pieces for the front and back, two pieces for the sides, and one piece for the bottom. After you have cut out all of the pieces for the bag, you are ready to start sewing!
Step 6: Sew the pieces
Now it’s time to start sewing! Begin by sewing the side seams of the bag altogether. Then move on to the handles. If you’re using a store-bought pattern, follow the instructions. If you’re making your pattern, use a straight stitch to sew the handles or straps.
You can stitch your bag together in many ways, but the most common stitches are zigzag and straight stitches. Zigzag stitches help reinforce the fabric while straight stitches keep it tight against the seam allowances. Make sure to backstitch at both ends of each seam so that your seams stay strong and sealed.
An experienced bag manufacturer will recommend that at the start, pin all the fabric pieces together or sew them very roughly before tackling the actual seams. This way, the assembly will be easier, and you will ensure that all the parts are in the right place.
This temporary seam can be easily removed or fixed if you are unhappy with the bag’s look. If you make a mistake somewhere, correcting the error will be much easier than if you had sewn more securely.
Step 7: Attach the handle
Assuming you have already cut and sewn your bag’s body, it is time to attach the handles. This can be done in a few different ways, but we will show you the most common method.
First, take one handle and fold it in half lengthwise. Sew a seam along the long edge, then turn the handle right. Repeat with the other handle. Next, find the center of each side of the bag body and mark it with a pin. Place a handle at each pin, ensuring that the handles’ raw edges are aligned with the raw edges of the bag body. Sew a seam around all four edges of each handle, securing it to the bag. And that’s it! Your bag now has sturdy handles that will make it easy to carry.
Step 8: Decorate
There are endless ways you can personalize your new bag. You could add a ribbon around the neckline and cuffs for a pretty finishing touch or choose fun floral prints for an extra pop of color. Or maybe you’d prefer something more subtle – like adding just a few simple stitches along the edge of each panel to create a delicate border. The possibilities are endless!
If you want to add some personality to your bag, screen printing is a great way to do it. This process can be done using paint or ink and should be chosen based on the fabric’s color palette.
For example, if you’re screen printing on a navy-blue cotton canvas, choosing colors like black and brown would work well together. You could also use yellow for accents or highlights. Once you have selected your colors, ensure they are properly mixed before starting the print job. If the color runs when applied to the fabric, it will show through during wear and tear over time.
You can use rhinestones to give your new bag that extra sparkle. You’ll need some hot glue and an assortment of rhinestone shapes. The best shapes include stars, hearts, or swirled designs because they catch light in fun ways and make your new accessory stand out from the rest.
Once you’ve collected all of your supplies, start by gluing on a star shape at the top center of the bag. Make sure it’s centered so that everything looks uniform when you’re finished. Then use a small amount of hot glue to attach another star next to it on either side. Continue this pattern until you reach the bottom of the bag. Your bag will be decked out with sparkling stars when you’re finished!
What can we do for you?
Making your bag can be a fun and rewarding experience. With a little time and effort, you can create a one-of-a-kind bag that will turn heads.
If you have a design and want to put it in bulk production, one way to make your success more certain is to leverage Bagsmakr’s expertise. Bagsmakr is a custom bag manufacturer, we are specialists in producing various types of products including leather bags, wallets, purses, briefcases, messenger bags, and backpacks. If you need help with custom bag manufacturing, then get in touch and we can help you through that process.
