A Bag for All Reasons: 12 All-New Bags and Purses to Sew for Every Occasion

by Lisa Lam

From the author of the bestselling The Bag Making Bible comes an outstanding collection of 12 inspiring bags for you to make at home.

Lisa Lam of U-Handbag brings you a stunning collection of sewing patterns to make your own bags. The book features 12 brand new bag designs with full photographic instructions for how to make a bag with truly professional results. The book features full-size patterns on three separate pull-out sheets 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, make a baby changing bag with matching changing mat, sew your own bicycle panniers, and sew 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. The book is presented in a spiral bound format, making it lay flat so you can follow the instructions with ease while sewing.

Genres: Sewing, Crafts, Reference, Nonfiction

160 pages, Spiral-bound

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Sitha]

This book is almost perfect for me. One thing that I miss: the interfacing comparison between those she used with others. For example, the substitute interfacing for Bosal 337F. Since I couldn't find Bosal, I'm always wondering if I can use Vilene S520. It's thick... and unfortunately expensive (so I'm worried to make any mistake).

[Kerry]

I need to get a copy of this book! I'm not an expert by any means and zippers baffle me, but this book is really well laid out and I've looked over the zipper instructions and I do believe that I may actually be able to put one in a project!

[Karen]

I found that the stuff in this book is a bit beyond my sewing skills at the moment, but it's nicely presented and with patterns so if you have a strong sewing machine and some patience this book is for you!

[Toni]

Whoa! It's for the pro!
I can do a bag on page 48... "The Compact Groceries Tote". I am still learning.
I really want "The 3-in-1 Convertible Backpack". My skills are not yet ready for it.
Well, I can see people using this book again and again.

[Fincalian]

In some places, insufficient instructions on project. Also, since this book was published in the UK, some materials are difficult to get here.

[Judi]

Lots of bags and patterns and instructions to make them in a handy spiral bound volume. I think almost anyone would find one or more of these designs appealing.

[Starinminutes]

this book truly lives up to its promise of providing a comprehensive guide to creating a variety of stylish and practical fabric bags. One of the first things that struck me about this book is its accessibility. Whether you're a seasoned seamstress or a complete novice, the clear and concise instructions make it easy to follow along and start creating your own beautiful bags right away. From simple totes to intricate purses, the book covers a wide range of designs, ensuring that there's something for everyone regardless of skill level or personal style. https://bit.ly/3uN62g3

[Kelley]

I love this book. I love it for the reason that it does have a lot of advanced patterns and I don't have to draft my own.

[Devindi Abeydeera Gunaratne]

features great tips for choosing the perfect fabric for any kind of bag

[Christine]

I bought this book as I was designing and making my own bags and thought it would be useful for instructions on how to do fiddly bits like zips and closures. It is brilliant for that, with step by step instructions and photographs. I also really like the patterns. At first they look a little daunting, but honestly, if you follow everything in order, you can do it. There are pull out patterns in the back which are easy to trace. The only problem I found is that some of the instructions in my edition, were missing steps. These are now included on Lisa Lam's website u-handbag, so I have just written them into my book for future reference. Also, most of the interfacings and components are all available in the shop on u-handbag which is great!

[Debra]

interesting

[Cathleen Adams]

Simple clear directions in patterns that build skills as you move through more complex bags.

[Sybil Mosely]

OK. I have been a professional stitcher. More couture stuff, but costumes, so everything really. I have some small complaints and one whopper.
I'm making adjustable backpacks. Nice design. Sewing it has not been as nice. Seam allowances are the lingua franca, they should be indicated on the pattern pieces so it's crystal clear how to cut. Crystal! At the start of sewing I have to hunt down the standard seam allowance, when it could easily be iterated at the beginning of the instructions on each bag. I find that sadistic, really. You can't stress seam allowances enough because..next point: you need to make things fit. And these pattern pieces are off.
If it were super clear--anywhere--what the sideseam and bottom edge seam allowances are meant to be, I would not waste my time second-guessing the minimal markings and puzzling out why the pieces don't fit. But OK. I was not expecting it to be the easiest thing I've ever done.
Now for the whopper. My bag pieces look great, and my snaps look great. I went suuuuper slow and followed--trusted the markings. And that was a big mistake. The snaps on the bag flaps are way off from their mates on the exterior pocket, and those snaps are not moveable. Insertion makes holes in the bag fabric, and I am furious. Lisa Lam just stole a substantial amount of my time and labor.