Machine Sewing Next Steps - Bags - Newark Buttermarket - Adult Learning

The Machine Sewing Next Steps Bags course gives you the opportunity to delve deeper into more advanced bag construction methods, experiment with a wider range of materials, and learn how to incorporate professional finishes that elevate your handmade bags. Whether you're looking to refine your craftsmanship, develop your own patterns, or even start selling your creations, this course will provide the tools and confidence to do so. Get ready to stitch, shape and style your way through a series of exciting projects that both challenge and inspire.

This follow-on course is designed for confident beginners or intermediate sewists who are ready to expand their bag-making skills and tackle more complex projects. Building on foundational techniques, this course introduces advanced methods and materials to help you create professional-quality bags with style and durability. Throughout the course, you will explore more advanced construction techniques, including how to sew structured bags with gussets, boxed corners and reinforced bases.

You'll also gain confidence working with specialty materials such as light furnishing fabrics, faux leather, waterproof fabric and various stabilizers and interfacings that add strength and shape to your creations. We will look at zippers, closures, and hardware—you’ll learn how to install recessed zippers, magnetic snaps and adjustable strap fittings to give your bags a polished, functional finish.

In addition, the course covers lining and finishing techniques, teaching you how to create neat, fully lined interiors complete with slip and zip pockets.

By the end of the course, you will;

- Sew at least two bags that include zip closures, internal pockets, bag hardware, such as D-rings, magnetic snaps and decorative and structural topstitching.

- Complete at least three intermediate techniques, such as inserting double ended zips, creating multi-divided bags and creating complex adjustable straps.

- The course provides guided instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on practice, with support for troubleshooting and refining techniques.

- You will build confidence and skill in creating more polished, functional bags, preparing them for more complex projects or small-scale custom work.

What you will need to bring to the course:

Half a metre of cotton fabric, something the same weight as a duvet cover, a pillow case is ideal.

Good quality matching thread, Gutterman is a good brand and sews well.

Handy to have; scissors, tape measure, notebook and pencil

Later on we will need, depending on your chosen project;

2 – 3 metres of assorted patterned cotton fabric or Fat Quarter bundle

2 metres lining fabric

1 metre of waterproof lining fabric, light weight shower curtains are good for this

Assorted Zips; Number 3 and 5 Nylon only

1 metre of Iron On wadded Interfacing. Vlieseline H630 OR H640 Volume Fleece Batting is perfect

1 metre of Borsal-IN-R-Foam bag stabilizer

Bias binding

Cotton Webbing for bag straps

Bag hardware to suit your chosen project

Please do not choose fabric with stretch or heavy weight furnishing fabric

Duvet covers and pillow cases are a good source of budget friendly fabric and are lovely to sew.

If you are recycling fabric then please make sure it is clean.

All of the extras will be discussed in the first week and will be dependent on your chosen projects so do not worry if you do not understand the terminology yet, all will be explained and there will be time to get supplies by the following week