Like many sewists, I once found myself wondering why handmade bags didn’t always have the same polished, professional look as store-bought ones. There had to be a secret—a formula for success. After years of experimenting, learning, and teaching, I cracked the code—and now I want to share it with you!
That’s why I’m so excited to share my newest release with C&T Publishing: the Essential Bag Making Reference Tool! This essential guide is a treasure trove of tips, tricks, and resources designed to help you create professional-quality bags with confidence. Whether you’re making your very first tote or perfecting the details on a complex crossbody, having the right reference guide at your fingertips makes all the difference. Think of it as your personal encyclopedia for bag sewing success—compact, practical, and ready to guide you through every step of your creative journey!
Turn “Homemade” Into Professional-Quality Bags
If you’ve ever wondered why handmade bags don’t always look as polished as store-bought ones, you’re not alone. I asked myself the same question when I first began sewing bags. The truth is, the secret lies in understanding the right techniques, materials, and hardware—and how to combine them effectively.
Through years of sewing, experimenting, and teaching others, I discovered that even small adjustments—like stabilizing straps correctly, choosing the best interfacing, or setting hardware securely—can completely transform the look of a bag. Those little finishing touches are what separate a “homemade” look from a handcrafted, professional finish.
The Essential Bag Making Reference Tool distills all of these insights into a single, easy-to-use guide you can keep right at your sewing station or tuck into your bag for classes and retreats.
Everything You Need in One Pocket-Sized Guide
This book is packed with the essential knowledge every bag maker needs to feel confident at their sewing machine:
Types of Bags & Bag Composition – Understand the anatomy of a bag and explore different styles.
Bag Care – Tips to keep your handmade bags looking great for years to come.
Fabrics & Interfacing – Understand the differences and best uses of specialty materials such as cork fabric, faux leather, vinyl, and Kraft-tex. Each one requires different handling, and this guide helps you choose wisely for durability and style.
Hardware – From magnetic snaps to rings, rivets to strap connectors, discover how to select and install the hardware that gives bags their polished look!
Handbag Zippers – Step-by-step help for choosing and sewing zippers that work beautifully.
Tools & Notions for Bag Making – The must-haves (and nice-to-haves) to make your sewing smoother.
Structure & Shaping – How to use stabilizers and interfacings to achieve a polished finish, along with instructions for adding depth and shape to bags.
Closures, Pockets, Straps & Handles – Learn the basic construction methods for common closures, pockets, and straps to help you create functional and stylish projects.
It’s truly like having a mentor at your side while you sew—ready to answer your questions and guide you through any project, big or small.
Portable, Practical, and Packed with Knowledge
One of my favorite features of this book is its size. Part of C&T Publishing’s popular reference series, the Essential Bag Making Reference Tool is small enough to keep in your sewing bag, right next to your machine, or in your travel tote for classes.
Unlike large sewing textbooks, this compact guide is meant to be flipped through in the middle of a project. Need to check how to install a turn lock? Reference this book! Forget the best way to create a slip pocket? It’s right there inside the book. It’s the kind of resource that saves time and prevents frustration—letting you focus on what you love most: creating beautiful bags!
Your Shortcut to Choosing the Right Materials
Bag making can feel overwhelming with so many options for fabrics and stabilizers. This guide helps you choose materials with confidence, so you’ll know when cork is best, how vinyl behaves, or why stabilizer makes such a difference in structure. No more guesswork—just clear, reliable answers!
Master Hardware, Closures, and Straps with Ease
The right hardware is what takes a bag from basic to beautiful. Inside the guide, you’ll find straightforward tips for installing rivets, snaps, strap connectors, and zippers without frustration. These little details are what make your bags look polished—and last longer, too!
Inspiration When You Need It Most
Sometimes, flipping through the book sparks fresh ideas on its own! Seeing the possibilities for straps, closures, or specialty materials can nudge you toward trying something new. Maybe you’ll finally sew that faux leather crossbody you’ve been wanting to try, or experiment with cork accents—it’s all about giving yourself permission to explore.
A Resource That Grows With Your Skills
This isn’t a one-and-done book. Beginners will find this book useful for the step-by-step support, while experienced sewists will love having a quick reference to keep projects running smoothly. Wherever you are in your sewing journey, this book is designed to grow with you!
How to Use This Book
Here are a few ways to get the most out of your new bag making guide:
Keep it by your machine – Flip to the right section when you’re mid-project.
Use it as a prep tool – Review material choices, interfacing, and hardware before cutting into your fabric.
Take it to classes – Whether you’re learning in person or virtually, this pocket guide is a handy reference for quick answers.
Gift it to a sewing friend – It’s a thoughtful, practical gift for any sewist who loves bags.
Where to Find the Essential Bag Making Reference Tool
The book is now available through C&T Publishing, at local quilt shops, online retailers, and my own shop at Sallie Tomato. If you’re ready to unlock the secrets to professional-quality bags, this guide will be your most trusted companion.
Create Confidently—Your Next Bag Awaits
At its heart, bag making is about joy—the joy of making something with your hands, the joy of personal expression, and the joy of carrying a bag that feels uniquely yours.
With the Essential Bag Making Reference Tool, you’ll have the confidence to tackle any project, no matter the size or style. From totes and backpacks to clutches and crossbodies, you’ll have the knowledge to create polished, functional, and one-of-a-kind bags.
So here’s to your next project—and the one after that. With this guide by your side, every bag you make can be your best one yet.
Ready to master every bag you make? Click here to get your copy of the Essential Bag Making Reference Tool today!
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