Bags can range from simple and useful to flashy and trendy, with numerous shades in the center. If you are going to create them, you will need to gain knowledge regarding both ends of this spectrum. Then, combine the different elements into new and original designs, born of your creativity.
Steps
Step 1. Decide if you want to design bags for hobbies or for work
Your business can also contemplate both: you can create bags in your spare time and sell them for extra income.
Step 2. Hone your sewing machine skills
- Get a sewing machine and learn how to use it.
- If you're strapped for cash, a used sewing machine can get you a good deal. You don't need sophisticated stitching or computer embroidery to learn how to sew. Ask around to find out if anyone you know has one that they can sell or lend you, perhaps in exchange for some mending. Also check out private sales of used items and second-hand shops in your city. Sewing machines are quite durable.
-
10_703 Learn how to wind a bobbin and do basic operations with a sewing machine.
- Also learn to do some hand sewing or at least sew a button, although this can be done by machine. The buttonholes can also be made by hand as well as by machine.
-
Scissor 9413 Invest in a good pair of sewing scissors.
Step 3.
Start making your bags using patterns.
Try making a denim bag, tote, and drawstring bag for some good starting projects. See how the pieces join together to shape the bags.
Step 4. Try making some less conventional bags
The recycled and reused materials give their unique character to these accessories. What other materials and objects could you turn into a purse or handbag?
-
Bra You can make a bag out of an old bra.
- It is possible to make one with an American placemat.
-
19_348 Try making a bag using a map.
-
36_455 Try your hand at a book-shaped bag.
- Try making a bag with duct tape.
- You might also think of a knitted bag.
-
Silkpleatbag Make a silk evening bag.
-
Tattedroundeveningbag You can also try making an evening one with beads.
Step 5. Take it a step further to learn more advanced sewing techniques
Learn to add zippers, tears, velcro and other types of closures. Learn to cut the bag the right way, to create bags with a rectangular bottom and to give them three-dimensional shapes. Learn to make different types of pockets and rips.
Step 6. Study bags and various types of luggage in all their forms
Analyze suitcases, backpacks, shoulder bags, handbags, lunch boxes, diaper bags, coin purses, knitted bags, and so on.
- How have they been structured?
- What fashions and styles do they reflect?
- For what purposes or needs do they serve?
- What are they missing or what is their drawback?
Step 7. Learn to make templates
Get some remnants and experiment with them until you understand how the shapes go together. Don't forget to leave allowances for the seams. Buy bags at thrift shops or second-hand stores and "take them apart" to understand what they look like once their pieces are separated from the rest of the item and spread out.
Step 8. Observe how you use the bags you own
Find out which bags you prefer and why. Ask your friends to show you their bags (this may be somewhat personal, so don't insist). Understand what people carry in their bags. Should you include a separate pocket for a cellphone? An internal pocket for personal items? A generous capacity for a book or notebooks?
Step 9. Explore fashions, designs and ornaments
At some point, most purses and handbags are structured along similar lines and what sets them apart is fashion. Note the difference in materials and colors: they change the character, style and feel of the bag. What makes it unique? Observe and experiment with the following elements.
- Form. Bags can be tall and slender or short and wide, but there are also intermediate ways. How does the shape of a bag affect handling and appearance?
- Color. Textiles and other materials are available in a wide range of colors, but you can also dye them, leave them their natural color and use matching or contrasting panels or cuts.
- Template. Again, the possibilities are limitless. You can choose between discrete, showy, abstract, linear, floral geometries or simply the pattern created by the structure and cut of the bag.
- Material. This affects the bag in multiple ways, including the look, handling (both for construction and use), weight and the feel it communicates.
Step 10. Start selling the bags you make
Get started online or at craft fairs. You will earn some money, expose yourself and know what people think about your creations. Listen to your customers and give some consideration to what they say, especially the comments you hear over and over.
Advice
- As you take a look at the bags, observe other people doing the same thing. What kind of bags do they carry? What choices do they make? What bags do they examine but then put back in their place? What comments do they make with any friends who are shopping with them?
- Don't forget to consider the look of those bags that will be used for more than one special occasion. How will they look when they get a little dirty? Will the material withstand years of use and abuse without any particular problems? Some materials, such as leather and canvas, seem to acquire character with use. Other materials, on the other hand, break, get scuffed and scratched and begin to look worn.
- Start taking your creations with you as soon as you have a few to choose from. Try to figure out what you like and what you don't like about it. If you are going to sell them, bringing one is also a way to promote your products.
- If you have the chance to go shopping for bags with your friends, see what they choose and why.
Warnings
- There are many more unknown fashion designers than known. You should have a backup source of income before pursuing this career.
- Don't be surprised if people compare (often without saying, but you can tell) the price of your bags with what they can pay for mass-produced items for large chain stores. Kindly remind them that your bags are made in your country (as opposed to being cheaply made in other places) and that, by buying them, they get something unique. Also indicate the other peculiar and different characteristics of your pieces: the design, the structure, the materials, etc. (don't give away your secrets, though: a competitor may pass themselves off as an interested customer and you may not realize it).
