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How to sew successful bags for gifts

April 26, 2022 8 Comments

How to sew successful bags for gifts.

If you love to sew bags, you love to gift some of your bags, as well. You put your heart into your sewing projects; the bags require so much work and time and money! How to make sure that you sew successful bags for gifts?

I sew bags for friends, my sisters and their friends. When they need a special gift, they always come to me, asking for a bag. Here are some of my thoughts on this subject.

1. I don’t sew for people that I know don’t appreciate handmade goods!

2. If I don’t know the preferences of the recipient regarding bags (it happens often), I try to sew a USEFUL bag! A bag that anyone can use. I never fail when I sew a large tote bag, bigger  than the usual size of an everyday bag. This big bag is incredibly useful: from shopping, to kids stuff, to beach, sport or travel.  For new moms- it’s a MUST!**

Pattern for this bag here.

3. If it is possible, I question the person about  her favorite color.

4. I expect my bags to be used and washed and it is nice to gift a bag that can be easily ironed after washing. I did not realize this in my first years of making bags, but I have encountered myself difficulties in pressing my own bags so now I am more careful with this. You want to give a lovely gift and not a headache.

Here is how to make “iron friendly” bags:
**
a. Sew quilted bags – they need little pressing and sometimes, no pressing at all.  If you can sew a patchwork bag, the rate of your success increases exponentially!

Patchwork tote bag pattern
Pattern for this bag here.

You can turn many patchwork blocks into a bag!

How to sew successful bags for gifts.
Pattern for this block here.

How to sew successful bags for gifts.

b. Even if you use fusible interfacing, quilt through the fabric and interfacing; I do this when I use Pellon Peltex, Fast2Fuse, Decovil(the heavy stuff), or foam stabilizer.**

Pattern for this bag here.

c. One combination that I don’t quilt is heavyweight fabric (cotton canvas) paired with a medium interfacing like Decor Bond or Decovil light. The bags are gorgeous but most of them need pressing after washing- see below.
**d. It is extremely easy to care of a bag made out of faux leather or vinyl; think of a bag that will be used a lot outside, in the park, at the beach, when traveling…
**

5. I sew bags with lots of pockets. This is not hard for me, since two of my favorite bag patterns have front pockets as part of the design – so these are extra!

6. On most of my bags I sew a zippered pocket on the back of the bag (tutorial here). If the bag is large, then the pocket is large, too.

7. Many times I sew shopping bags; they are utilitarian bags, but always made with beautiful fabrics. I use my 30-Minute Shopping Bag pattern often, because it works with many types of fabric, from quilt weight to heavyweight cotton. If you have too much fabric in your stash (I know most of us are guilty of this!), this is an extraordinaire way to use up that fabric. Help others go green!

This is another shopping bag made out of heavyweight fabric- pattern here.

Easy shopping bag patternEven if I sew a beautiful large tote bag, lately I like to add inside the bag a few shopping bags. Just a little more effort that will increase immensely the meaning of your gift.

8. Laminated fabric
You can laminate the lining of bags or pouches used for baby stuff or for the beach.
Learn more about laminating fabric here.

You can use waterproof fabric to sew shoe bags – I am sure they will be appreciated.

Sew shoe bags with waterproof fabric
Pattern here.

9. If I have enough time, I sew a matching pouch or even two. I love to do this, I would love to have time to sew 10!
I use fabrics assorted with the fabrics used in bag, or even the same fabrics used for the bag. Again, it’s not that much effort, but it shows that you care!

Easy snap pouch pattern
Pouch patterns here.

10. My favorite gifts to sew? Soft and lightweight quilted bags for little girls. You can’t fail with this gift! And you really don’t need an occasion to make a little girl happy!
Four of my bag patterns includes templates for small bags, great for little girls- click here to learn more about the patterns.

How to sew successful bags for gifts.

11. One last thing that I don’t do, unfortunately, but I will try to change this. I should add instructions on how to wash and press the bag. I do this, but only verbally, but I think it is not enough.

How to choose fabrics for bags

If you have trouble in choosing fabrics for your bags, here is how I usually do this.

When I see a beautiful fabric (with a floral or geometric pattern), usually I buy 1/2 yard. If I love it immensely, I buy more! This will be the main fabric of the bag, usually for the front panel.

Most of the time I use only two fabrics for my bags, so the other fabric must complement the main fabric, but it should not draw attention to it. Usually I find this fabric in my stash (think polka dots, stripes, very small scale prints). But I always check the entire collection of the main print and if I find something beautiful, I buy that print.
I use this fabric for the remaining pieces of the bag (the back of the bag, sides, straps…), so I need more and I usually buy 1 yard.

Tips for sewing zippered pockets for bags

What color? One of the colors of the main print- no exception!  It could be a lighter or darker tone. Usually I don’t use a multicolor fabric, if the main fabric already has lots of colors. If you are in doubt – less is more! Simple fabric (like tone on tone fabric) is better then a busy print with lots of colors.

I know you love sewing bags. It is more than sewing with favorite patterns and fabrics. It’s about excitement and sharing and memories made with your loved ones!

Do you need inspiration for your next bag or pouch projects?
Check out my patterns here!

Happy sewing!

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Filed Under: bag tutorials, handmade bags

Comments

  1. Catherina says

    May 26, 2019 at 3:37 pm

    Thank you for inspiring me. I’m about to start learning to use a Walking Foot. You’ve given me the courage to get on with it. I’ve prorated long enough. Once I’ve learnt this basic technique, I’ll get back you on the Free Motion Quilting. I’m terrified about this one.

    Reply
  2. Catherina says

    May 26, 2019 at 3:39 pm

    I meant to say procrastinated. Not prorated. Predictive text again & not checking what I write.

    Reply
  3. Lillian Dooies says

    May 27, 2019 at 4:52 pm

    Hi, Your talent and imagination are amazing and inspiring. I love tote bags and after many years of not having time to sew, I’m finally enjoying it again. It’s so relaxing and as you said, for those who appreciate hand-made it’s a joy to share. May bags made from your purchased patterns be sold? I would love to make a bit of income as a retiree but do not want to infringe on anyone’s space. Also, I can’t help but put my own spin on whatever I make! I look forward to making your bags either way.
    Thank you,
    Lil

    Reply
  4. Seema Singh says

    June 13, 2019 at 5:22 am

    Hey, beautiful bags! thanks for sharing.

    I am Seema Singh from USA. I am working to providing you the trouble-free and quick solutions for your technical issues. If you get any kind of issues using HP printer, dial HP Printer Support Phone Number and get the best help support.

    Reply
  5. Judith says

    June 26, 2019 at 5:04 am

    Just finished your Belle bag. The pattern was good to follow. I am very pleased with the result.
    Your pictures as you follow the pattern were excellent. Thank you for your inspiration
    Enjoy the day

    Reply
  6. Norma Stout says

    July 30, 2019 at 11:50 am

    Wow!! Your bags and quilting are beautiful. I am just getting into quilting and with your excellent and detailed advice I hope to one day to produce items just as wonderful as yours. Thank you again.

    Reply
  7. Cindy Moore says

    April 26, 2022 at 11:47 pm

    I just complete piecing my first EPP and it’s from one of your patterns. I’d like to share the photo with you.

    Reply
  8. Elizabeth Murray says

    January 7, 2023 at 10:21 pm

    I love making market bags with soft and stable, my machine doesn’t like them much, but they come in so handy when shopping. I will take on board your point of not having to iron the bags, that is a good one, thank you.

    Reply

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