Building Better Bags: Interfacing & Structure

Class Preview

Savvy sewers know interfacing is the secret to professional-looking bags. Learn how to choose and use each type for beautiful bags with custom structure.

Introduction

Meet bag pattern designer and author Sara Lawson! In this introductory lesson, you’ll learn that what’s inside a bag is just as important as what’s on the outside. Sara shows a selection of her own gorgeous bags and tells you a little about herself and her passion for bags.

Choosing & Testing Interfacing

Learn what interfacing is and how it makes your bags look professional by adding structure and reinforcing key areas. Sara walks you through different weights and types of interfacing, as well as packaged or by-the-yard options. Finally, don’t forget to test your interfacing with your fabric!

Flexible Fusible Interfacings

Gain familiarity with midweight woven or nonwoven interfacings and how to fuse for a strong, pucker-free bond. Sara shows how to reinforce key areas as she sews a bag strap and installs a magnetic snap. In addition, discover how to add a zipper to a bag panel, trimming away excess interfacing to remove bulk.

Heavyweight Fusibles

Add hard-working heavyweight fusible interfacings to your bag-making toolkit for added body and support. Sara shows different types of heavyweight fusibles and how to fuse them. Then see how Sara tackles bulky seams and troubleshoots skipped stitches that sometimes occur when sewing heavier materials.

Sew-In Interfacings & Combining Interfacings

Sew-in interfacings give you more options as you build your bag-making skills. Sara shows how to attach these by basting, quilting interfacing to the face fabric, or combining a sew-in with a fusible for a “sandwich” that adds strength without bulk in seam allowances. Plus, discover more bulk-reducing tips!

Structured Reinforcements

Learn about alternative bag stabilizers such as duck cloth, buckram, green craft foam, foam-core board, plastic cross-stitch canvas and template plastic. Then discover how to make a removable “false bottom” for your bag to allow for washing. Finally, reinforce bag handles with nylon webbing!

Binding & Piping

For bags that can’t be turned after construction, see how Sara sews seams with wrong sides together then encloses them with chic bias binding. First, cut and join bias strips before wrapping and sewing the seams. Then, find out how to use those same bias strips for stylish, stabilizing piping that’s enclosed in the seams.

Pressing & Care

Finish your gorgeous, well-stabilized bags with a thorough final press and professional-looking topstitching! Discover how to protect your bag with spray fabric protector, and learn Sara’s secrets for storing and cleaning your bag collection.