Friday, January 17, 2014

Choosing the Right Fabric for Bags

Lisa Lam's A Bag for All Reasons

Fabric selection is an important part of any sewing project, and bags are no different. Generally speaking, fabric falls into two main categories: dress-weight fabric and upholstery-weight fabric. As the names would suggest, we use dress weight for garments and upholstery weight for home décor items. To make bags, however, we can use both types. Dress-weight fabric is usually better suited to bag linings and upholstery-weight fabric is best for bag exteriors, but there are exceptions to this rule. Lisa Lam's book A Bag for All Reasons features great tips for choosing the perfect fabric for any kind of bag. We've included some below:

Cotton/quilt fabric - This fabric is used both in the lining and the exterior of bags. Cotton is available in many different weights, but for bag making try to use mid-weight cotton and up. Quilting fabric is usually made from cotton and comes in a fantastic array of colorful, beautiful and fun prints. You can use cotton for almost any type of bag.

Laminated cloth/oilcloth - Usually used for the exterior of bags, this vinyl-coated fabric comes in fantastic prints and has a tough waterproof surface, making it perfect for swim bags, travel bags and wash bags. Working and stitching with laminated cloth is a bit different from working with woven fabrics.

Canvas/denim - Usually used for the exterior of bags, canvas is available in different weights. Choose the heaviest weight your sewing machine can cope with. Canvas is strong and it has rugged good looks. Be sure to use a jeans needle when sewing with canvas and denim. I think canvas looks best on larger bags such as shoppers, messenger bags, travel bags and beach bags.

Wool/suiting fabric - Usually used for the exterior of bags, wool is fabulous for bag making. Wool is available in different weights, patterns and textures. Its incredible depth of color and its texture make wool a luxurious fabric to work with and use. Wool is hardwearing, but for bag making it usually requires interfacing of some kind. Wool has a more open weave, so a strong dressmaking needle is sufficient. Try using wool for handbags, clutches and messenger bags.

Velvet - This is a luxury fabric that has fabulous depth of color and a strokeable texture. The nicest velvet is made from cotton. Velvet is available in different weights - choose the heaviest weight your sewing machine can cope with. Velvet frays easily, so it's wise to sew with a wider seam allowance. If your velvet is quite thick or you will be sewing with a few layers, use a jeans needle. Try using velvet for handbags, clutches and special occasion bags. Corduroy is similar to velvet in its uses and material qualities.

Linen - This versatile, hardwearing and natural fabric is available in both dress and home décor weight. The linen that bag makers use is the natural biscuit-colored home décor weight fabric. The color of the undyed cloth with its attractive irregular weave makes it a great foil for embroidery and/or patterned fabrics.

Silk/satin - Used both as the exterior or lining, silks and satins are luxury fabrics that have beautiful looks, texture and movement. Silk looks gorgeous pleated or gathered. Try to stick to heavier weight silk/satin because it's more durable and easier to sew with, while fine silk and satin are very slippery. Natural dupion silk is sturdy, has a lovely soft sheen and an interesting texture from the small slubs in the fabric. Shimmery satin fabric makes a glamorous lining in an evening bag. Use a fine sewing machine needle when sewing with silk or satin. Try using silk or satin for special occasion bags and purses.

Faux/real suede - Usually used for the exterior of bags, faux suede is similar in nature to velvet. Real suede is dense and harder to sew through than woven faux suede. If you feel that suede is too fragile for your bags, it can be strengthened with interfacing. Be sure to use a leather needle for sewing suede. Try using real suede for smaller special occasion bags and small handbags. Real and faux leather are similar in their uses to suede but have a shiny surface, often requiring a non-stick sewing machine foot.

Read more about A Bag for All Reasons here!


Calypso Tote with Missy Billingsley

Check out our new DVD Calypso Tote with designer Missy Billingsley for more bag inspiration. Missy walks you through everything on this DVD -- from the supply list and cutting instructions to strip piecing and finishing!

Sew On, Sew Well, Sew Beautiful,
Cyndi and Amelia

26 comments:

  1. The woven labels are in great demand for exegerrating the grace of clothes. These tiny pieces of clothes are in great demand for conferring an identification to the business.

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  2. Aside from suede which of this materials can you recommend for handbag sewing

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  3. Dress-weight fabric is usually better suited to zipper pouches linings and upholstery-weight fabric is best for bag exteriors, but there are exceptions to this rule.

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  4. If you have a high-quality backpack then you'll be able to carry it for a long time without experiencing shoulder, neck or back pain.

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  10. Thanks for writing this interesting and informative post about handbags. And this help me to choose best designer bags. Thanks for this.

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  12. Thank you for sharing this valuable knowledge.

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  16. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  17. Vardhman has truly established itself as one of the premier suede fabric suppliers in India. Their commitment to quality and innovation is evident in every product they offer. Whether you're looking for a soft and luxurious texture or vibrant and rich colors, Vardhman's range of suede fabrics is sure to meet and exceed your expectations. With a reputation for reliability and excellence, Vardhman is undoubtedly a top choice for anyone seeking high-quality suede fabrics in India.

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  19. Vardhman Enterprises is your one-stop destination for wholesale suede fabric needs. With an extensive range of high-quality suede fabrics, they are the trusted suppliers you can rely on. Whether you're a fashion designer, upholsterer, or DIY enthusiast, Vardhman Enterprises offers a wide selection of suede fabrics in various colours and textures, ensuring you have the perfect material for your project. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is truly commendable. Regarding suede fabric, Vardhman Enterprises is the name you can trust!

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  20. Vardhman Enterprises is undoubtedly one of the top contenders when it comes to sourcing high-quality suede fabric in India. Their commitment to delivering exceptional products and services is truly commendable. With an extensive range of suede fabrics that cater to various needs, they have established themselves as a reliable and reputable supplier in the industry. Whether you're in fashion, upholstery, or any other related business, Vardhman Enterprises should be your go-to choice for all your suede fabric requirements. Their consistency in providing top-notch materials and their customer-centric approach makes them the preferred choice for many. When it comes to suitable suede fabric suppliers in India, Vardhman Enterprises stands out as a trusted name you can count on.

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  21. Vardhman Enterprises offers an exquisite collection of velvet fabric wholesale, providing top-notch quality and a diverse range of colors and textures. Their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction sets them apart in the industry. With Vardhman Enterprises, you can trust that you're not just buying fabric but a luxurious experience that adds a touch of elegance to any project. Explore their velvet fabric wholesale options and elevate your creations with the finest materials.

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  22. finding reliable wholesale suede fabric suppliers can be a game-changer for any business in the textile industry. As someone who's constantly on the lookout for high-quality materials at competitive prices, I understand the importance of having trustworthy suppliers. Suede fabric adds such a luxurious touch to various products, from fashion to home decor, and having a dependable source for it can streamline production processes and ensure consistent quality. I'd love to hear recommendations or experiences with specific suppliers if anyone has any to share! Let's support each other in sourcing the best materials for our projects.

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