Kim - Bags--The Modern Classics : Clutches, Hobos, Satchels & More

If I were to describe the whole process of writing a book in one word, I would probably call it an adventure. During this adventure my biggest supporters were my husband, Jung, and our three lovely childrenChan, Caleb, and Veronica. They have always been here for me as my best friends and counselors. I also would like to thank June and Calvin, who have made numerous samples for me and have assisted in countless ways with this and other projects.

I express my thanks to the members of the C&T team who have helped with all the publishing-related business, especially Susanne and Liz. During the editing process, Janice supported me immensely. Thank you so much to everyone.

Thank you to Michael Miller Fabrics, Robert Kaufman Fabrics, and Amy Butler Designs for wonderful fabrics, and to Marvin and Julia of Miami Leather Company for supplying me with authentic Canadian leather. Also thanks to Michelle from Kallisti Quilts, who supported me with rare fabrics.

In addition to these people, I would like to thank my friends John, Sara, Aaron, Mary, Patrick, and Betty, who offer me endless support and help. Also, thanks to my family friends, Leo and JinSol.

Thank you, too, dear reader! May you enjoy many pleasant hours as you read and sew!

The main function of bags and clutches is to hold and carry items; however, bags also provide a way for you to express yourself through fashion. That is why you spend time looking for the perfect bagand why youre willing to pay more when you find it. Choosing a bag that represents your uniqueness is not an easy task, but its a great excuse to shop... or sew a one-of-a-kind treasure.

This book will teach you how to make your own brand of handmade bags. Most of the bags use simple patterns, easy enough for the beginner. Note each projects level of difficulty before you begin. Levels of difficulty are explained on . If you are a beginner, you can start by using the simpler patterns. Then, after you are familiar with the process of making bags, you can progress to bags involving more challenging techniques.

If you havent made bags before, the projects might look complex, but if you follow the instructions one step at a time, you will realize that you need to learn only a few techniques to make beautiful one-of-a-kind bags. If you start with the simpler projects, you will gain confidence as you gain experience. Then the more complex projects will be easier to envision and to make. Dont expect to be able to produce extraordinary creations perfectly right from the start; expect rather to move through the learning stages, improving your skills with each bag. Having an open mind and setting the goal of finishing a simple bag is the first step. So dont be afraidjust jump into the wonderful world of making bags.

When I first started making bags, I had a hard time deciding which fabrics to use. Should I use this fabric or that one? One day, after watching me worry for quite awhile, a friend commented that in the time I spent worrying about which fabric to use, I probably could have made several bags. She was right. Now, rather than wasting my time worrying about a potential failure, I just make the bag. And if I am unhappy with the finished product, I choose a different combination of fabrics and try it again. This is a more efficient way of working, and I am able to make a lot more bags. It works for me, and Im sure it will work for you. Fabric always looks more beautiful in the finished product than it does folded on the table. So dont be afraid to follow your instinctsjust get started!

The area between the edges of the layered fabric and the line of stitching.

A simple stitch and the most often used form of machine stitching.

Long hand or machine stitches used to temporarily hold two or more pieces together.

Backtacking is usually used to secure the beginning and ending of a line of machine stitching.

Sew a few machine stitches forward, sew a few stitches backward, and then sew forward to complete the line of stitching. At the end of the seam, sew a few stitches backward, and then sew forward to end the row of stitching.

A type of stitching used to secure layers together almost invisibly by hiding the stitches between the layers. I prefer to use a double thread.

1. Thread a needle, and knot the end of the thread. Insert the needle into the fold of the fabric and pull the thread taut to hide the knot between the layers of fabric. (Use a thread color that matches your fabrica shade darker will hide your stitches better.)

2. Insert the needle into the fold of the opposite layer of fabric, and pull the thread taut. Repeat as needed. Knot or secure with several stitches, and cut off the thread.

A line of machine stitching on the right side of the project. It is used for decorative purposes and also to press and reinforce the project. I like to use a fancy thread since it will show on the right side of the project.

Making small cuts on inner curves (concave seams) to help them lie flat when turned to the right side. Always clip within the seam allowance and never through the stitching.

Removing small wedges of the seam allowance on outer curves (convex seams) to remove excess fabric, helping the seams lie flat when turned to the right side. Always notch within the seam allowance and never through the stitching.

Cutting away excess fabric in seam allowances to remove bulk, allowing seams and corners to lie flat.

The main tools needed to make bags are a sewing machine and needles, scissors, pinking shears, a seam ripper, a ruler, marking pencils, and pins.