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Bag-making tools

None of these tools are exotic or hard to

obtain. They are all simple items, which I have

collected over the years. To make life easier

and to get the best results from your bag

making, try adding these items to your tool kit.

Bodkin – a bodkin is used

for speedy threading of

cord or elastic through

fabric tubes or casings.

Attach the cord/elastic

to the bodkin and thread

the bodkin through your

fabric tube.

Tailors awl – an awl is

useful for making holes

in fabric for rivets, poking

out corners in fine straps

(when turning out), or even

coaxing small parts of your

bag underneath the sewing

machine foot (to help the

feed dogs grab the fabric).

Two types are available –

one with a sharp point, the

other with a ballpoint tip.

Fabric glue – use

good-quality clear-

drying fabric glue for

when sewing isn’t an

option. Good fabric

glue can be just as

effective as stitching.

Sewing clips/mini

bulldog clips – use

these strong clips to

hold pieces of fabric

together temporarily

when sewing pins are

unsuitable, such as

when your layers are

very thick.

Getting Started

Hole punch – use a hole

punch to cut neat holes

in fabric for eyelets or

popper snaps. This hole

punch has various sized

hole-cutter attachments

and a smaller grip, which

is great for small hands.

Thread – for ease of use and

to make long-lasting bags,

use good quality all-purpose

polyester thread. It might

be tempting to buy cheaper

thread but this breaks more

easily, which makes it

unsuitable for bag making.

Loop turner – this simple

tool is used for turning

fabric tubes the right

way out for speedy

fabric strap making.

Hammer and pliers – use

a small hammer when you

are working with rivets

and eyelets (grommets).

Use two pairs of pliers for

opening and closing metal

rings and links in purse

chains. Jewellery pliers

are especially suited to

those with small hands.