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What I have learned sewing mini bags

August 27, 2016 10 Comments

Tips for sewing successful mini bags

What are the craziest things you have ever sewed? And I am not talking about quilts that took you months or years to sew!

I love pretty little things, and the mini bags are among them! Of course, the size makes them so sweet, but the fabric choice is part of the sweetness too!

17 bags below, and it all started with a pretty bundle of fabric I had  a few years ago (Quite Contrary – Riley Blake Designs).

Tips for sewing successful mini bags
For all these bags I used the Amelie and Belle patterns

Tips for sewing successful mini bags

Tips for sewing successful mini bags

I used even the smallest scraps!

If the fabric is too small, piecing a few scraps is easy- we are quilters!
Isn’t the two-color yo-yo wonderful? I pieced the fabric out of necessity!

Tips for sewing successful mini bags

Three fabrics for the front of this bag- so scrappy, still sweet! The button and yo-yo definitely add a nice finishing touch.

Tips for sewing successful mini bags

Small bag- lightweight interfacing! Fusible fleece would have worked too.

Tips for sewing successful mini bags

These are the craziest miniatures! The smallest one measures 2.5″x2.75″.

I did not use interfacing, but the fabric was heavier  (a stretched denim and corduroy).
Using ric-rac or ribbon or tape for straps makes finishing the bag a breeze (to me, the straps of a bag are like the binding of a quilt –  not happy to do it!).

Tips for sewing successful mini bags

Everything was sewed by machine, with the exception of attaching the lining to the bag.  I think stitching by hand would make it easier and more fun!

mini-bags-patterns-6

Sewing mini bags- learn a few tips.

Rainbow  and polka dots!

Sewing mini bags- learn a few tips.
For these mini bags I used the Danielle pattern.

I printed the mini bag templates at 90%, 80%, 70% … 30% .

mini-bags-patterns-11mini-bags-patterns-12

Tips for sewing successful mini bags

One last thing: smaller bags- smaller seam allowances!

Tips for sewing successful mini bags

Here is a recap!
Use even the smallest scraps (piece them if necessary!).
Use lightweight interfacing.Heavyweight fabric doesn’t require interfacing.
Use smaller seam allowances.
Decorate them with yo-yos and buttons.For miniature bags
Use
ric-rac or ribbon or tape for straps.
Sewing by hand is easier than sewing by machine (at least for some steps).
To sew mini bags, print the patterns you already have (adult size) at a reduced scale (see the how-to here).

Want to learn more?
Download the free ebook below.

These are my latest mini bags, made using the patterns below.

Sewing mini bags- learn a few tips.

Do you want to sew bags that turn heads?
Stylish, comfortable, and practical?
Bags that will make you proud?
Check out my bag patterns below.

Happy sewing mini bags!

 

geta

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Filed Under: handmade bags

Comments

  1. Margaret says

    August 28, 2016 at 5:51 am

    Hello Geta

    Making bags is one of my favourite things too, and I think yours are gorgeous. I love having fun with the sewing machine and pretty fabric and it’s clear that you do too. Love receiving your posts, they really brighten my day.

    Margaret, your quilty friend from Scotland ?

    Reply
    • Geta Grama says

      August 28, 2016 at 8:14 am

      Thank you so much for the kind words, Margaret. There is not enough time in a day for all the fabric fun we could have!

      Reply
      • Mona says

        July 15, 2017 at 4:39 pm

        Yes you are right, I love to follow you

        Reply
  2. Nene says

    October 13, 2016 at 6:33 am

    Lovely!!

    Reply
  3. Lola says

    October 14, 2016 at 3:40 pm

    This blog is really interesting. I have bookmarked
    it. Do you allow guest post on your website ? I can write hi quality articles for you.
    Let me know.

    Reply
  4. Debra says

    August 15, 2017 at 12:50 pm

    are these patterns Epatterns? Thank you

    Reply
  5. Bridget says

    July 5, 2019 at 9:41 am

    Your work is absolutely delightful,as is the fabric placement and choice ,terrific!

    Reply
  6. Sherry Kurin says

    August 5, 2020 at 5:15 pm

    Loved these mini bags. Cant wait to figure out how to get the patterns.

    Reply
  7. teresa armanda says

    August 11, 2020 at 4:07 pm

    desejo aprender.tem molde?

    Reply
  8. Rs says

    March 2, 2022 at 7:32 am

    Did not receive my order. How long does it take? Is this blog up to date ? Paid for it !!!

    Reply

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