Yes, we adore accessories. And we proudly admit that we’re especially fond of bags and wallets. We could have hundreds and still have a blast creating new patterns and designs. We know many of you are just as crazy about bags as we are, so we’ve gathered into one post all our ideas and tutorials: eight ways to make a bag with your sewing machine.
Let’s get to them!
8 ways to make a bag with creative sewingOf the eight designs we’re going to show you below, the first two are from our YouTube channel and the other six are from the Lulu Ferris membership. First, we want to remind you that joining Lulu Ferris costs just $10 USD per month, and in return you’ll get hundreds of video tutorials, patterns, and ideas: one new one every week.
In any case, we hope these ideas inspire you and encourage you to create. Let’s make a bag!
1. Pleated bag
A design that’s a hit in our creative sewing classes. It’s small and very easy to sew. We especially like it as a spring-summer bag because, since it’s made of thin, lightweight fabric, it isn’t the best choice for a rainy day. Unless, of course, you want to waterproof it with Odicoat.
You can find the pleated bag tutorial on our YouTube channel.
2. Tote bag
If there’s anything more comfortable to carry and easier to make than a tote bag, we certainly don’t know what it is. You can carry everything in it: books, a laptop, extra clothes, food, or use it as a shopping bag… And they’re beautiful too.
On the Lulú Ferris YouTube channel, you’ll find the tutorial for making a simple tote bag.
And if you want the upgraded version, Lulu Ferris teaches you how to make a waterproof tote bag with an inner lining and exterior pocket.
3. Flap bag
One of our favorites, and without a doubt one of the most original. We went for a colorful, hippie-inspired look, in the boho-chic style. If you prefer more understated things, imagine it with a solid fabric and without the fringe. However you make it, there’s no way this bag won’t turn out BEAUTIFUL.
How much would it cost you to buy a bag like this? With Lulu Ferris, you can learn to make it yourself (and create as many as you like) for just $10 USD.
4. Kraft-tex maxi bag
Another bag we fell in love with as soon as we finished making it. The combination of fabric and kraft-tex is wonderful, and the result in this case is fabulous. We should warn you that working with kraft-tex requires some skill, so it’s not the best choice if you’re a beginner. But it’s definitely worth it.
This is the one we like best, without a doubt! You can also access the pattern and video tutorial through Lulu Ferris.
5. Clutch handbag
We love experimenting with different textures and materials. In the case of this clutch, making it with cork fabric was a great choice, as was the nautical style. We also chose a detachable strap so it would be more comfortable to carry and could be removed and stored inside when we want it to make more of a statement.
The truth is that as we go through them all, we get the feeling that every one of them is our favorite. We just can’t choose one!
Pattern and video tutorial for this beautiful clutch, through Lulu Ferris.
6. Bag painted with fabric paint
Even if painting isn’t your thing, this bag might be. That’s precisely because we use a very easy technique with stencils to create the design: stencil. In this case, it’s a large, summery bag for taking to the beach with room for all our little things.
The most interesting part is discovering this decorative technique so you can apply it to all the clothing and accessories you want. You can see the entire process for making a bag from scratch and decorating it with this technique through Lulu Ferris.
7. Hardworking round maxi bag
As a hardworking bag, this one has everything: it’s very easy to make, very inexpensive, and can even fit the kids inside. It’s also a summery design made to be lightweight while carrying all your beach gear. And the wooden cord closure gives it a lovely attention to detail that’s very much our style :)
Here’s the video tutorial to learn how to make it.
8. Children's sheep-shaped bag
And we haven’t forgotten our little girls! Or our little boys, because this bag definitely has an irresistible shepherd’s look. For them, we imagined something sweet and very huggable. In fact, this lovely design was adapted from ideas shared by the sewing students in our in-person workshops.
Fun and customizable, just the way we like it. Pattern and video tutorial through Lulu Ferris.
Update! No. 9: Bombonera bag
And we’re adding one more to the original list of eight because we never rest at Lulu Ferris.
The bombonera bag is the star of summer 2018 and the most-seen item at BBCs (weddings, baptisms, and communions) because it has that chic touch that makes it perfect for pairing with an elegant outfit. Depending on the fabric you choose to make it, it will become your best friend for everyday life or your favorite accessory for special occasions.
Pattern and tutorial now available through Lulu Ferris!
Now you’ll have to decide whether you’re only going to make one bag or whether you’re going crazy and ordering them all. We belong to the second category, and we love it!
Happy sewing :)