Emiko Takahashi - Handmade Bags In Natural Fabrics: Over 25 Easy-To-Make Purses, Totes and More (Tuttle Sewing Books)

Before You Start Equipment and Materials Youll Need (Have these easy-to-use bits and pieces on hand before you begin) Pincushion Choose one the right size for you. Automatic Threader This will thread your needle with just the touch of a button. Glass Headed Pins These extremely fine pins are the best choice for silk fabrics. Their glass heads can withstand the heat of an iron. Embroidery Needles These fine-tipped needles make for extremely smooth sewing. Sewing Needles Needles that can sew light- to regular-weight fabrics.

Hand Sewing Threads Such as Pice (6) 100% polyester fine sewing thread, best for sewing thin fabrics MOCO (7) 100% polyester heavy sewing thread, excellent for embroidery, stitching and attaching straps Schappe Spun (8) 100% polyester sewing thread. Soie et (9) gradated color silk embroidery thread. Fabric Chalk Choose a type that rinses out in water or one that fades by itself. Crochet Hook 8mm and size 7/0. Double-headed Threader This works for both heavy and fine needles. Embroidery Needle Threader These are designed specifically for embroidery floss/thread.

Small Scissors The sharp tips make these just right for detailed work. Fabric Scissors These are specifically for cutting fabric. Plotting Scale The green section allows measurements to be seen even when laid on top of light colored or patterned fabric. Cord Threader These are made from a smooth material to allow ribbons or cords to pass through casing quickly.

About the Fusible Interfacing and Wadding Used in This Book Applying fusible interfacing to fabric gives it more body and durability. Make sure you choose the right kind depending on your purpose and needs.

Quilt wadding adds airy volume to thin fabrics. For hand sewing, use a lightweight type or fusible wadding. How to apply fusible interfacing Using a dry iron on medium heat, work from the top down, pressing the iron firmly on each spot for about 10 seconds. Move the iron a little at a time to make sure all parts of the fabric are covered. Heat-bondable double-sided sheet. Also used in no. 46 Fusible interfacing for straps. 46 Fusible interfacing for straps.

Allows you to create straight, neat bag straps. Also used in no. 15 Soft fusible interfacing. Applying fusible interfacing prevents fraying when pattern pieces are cut out and creates an attractive silhouette. Fusible belt interfacing. Also used in nos. 1, 3, 1720, 2325, 4558, 60. 1, 3, 1720, 2325, 4558, 60.

Smooth fusible interfacing. Applied to a bag, this creates a smooth tautness and allows the bag to keep its shape. Also used in no. 44 Wadding (lightweight). This adds body and volume to soft fabrics such as gauze. 40 Fusible wadding (medium weight). 40 Fusible wadding (medium weight).

Creates an even, full silhouette. Also used in nos. 4558 Polyester interfacing for bags and hats, used in the base of a bag, allows the bag to retain its shape and makes it sturdier. Used in nos. 2125, 43, 44, 59, 60

Handles and Straps Used in This Book One of the enjoyable things about sewing bags by hand is that various
effects can be achieved depending on your choice of straps or handles. In this book, apart from fabric, leather, wide ribbon and sturdy loop cord have been used.

Make a totally original creation by matching whichever strap you like to the shape, fabric and pattern of the bag. Ribbon, items 3 & 4 Cord, item 11 Leather strip (narrow), item 43 Punched leather tape, items 23, 25, 59 & 60 6-hole punched leather strip, item 44 7-hole punched leather strip, item 18 Leather strip with flower motif, item 21 Woven tape, item 1 Clasps and Attachments Used in This Book These items are easy to incorporate into hand sewing Frame
Used in items 39, 40 Spring clasp
(with loop-headed Pin)
Used in items 26, 27 Spring clasp
Used in items 28, 29 Double-ended lace trim Zipper
Used in items 43, 44 Magnet fasteners
Used in items 2325, 59, 60 Swivel latch
Used in items 26, 27

Sewing Basics The terms and methods for smooth hand sewing are explained here in easy-to-follow diagrams. Once youve learned them, you can get started on making a bag. Next page