Resources for Bag Making Hardware
Resources for Bag Making Hardware
When people that I meet tell me that they want to learn to sew, and ask for project ideas, I always suggest making a bag. Bags offer so many opportunities to build foundational skills and learn to manipulate fabric without having to worrying about fit. In fact, the very first project that I ever made was a bag! It was a yellow 70’s coarse weave fabric- very much like burlap. The strap was fashioned out of bright pink yarn and of course I had to add more than a few embellishments. While my style has changed since then, my love for accessories has only grown!
Sewing bags and fashionable accessories is still among my very favorite things to do. The time investment is rather small, and the rewards are huge. Plus, at the end of the project, you have a new bag to carry around. To begin making bags or anything really, you won’t need much more than a basic sewing kit. However, if you find you love bag making (and I hope that you do!) It may be helpful to begin adding a few more specialized tools and supplies to your stash.
Finding hardware that looks (and felt!) as good or even better than a designer bag at retail can be tricky-unless you know where to shop. Fortunately, I’ve got you covered. Here is a list of my most used hardware and the retailers that sell them.
Bag Making Hardware
Magnetic snaps come in a range of colors and sizes. They are easy to insert.
Cap rivets are used for finishing and reinforcing leather and bag details.
D-rings are D-shaped metal rings used for fastening handles to bags.
Adjustable sliders are used to thread a strap and to adjust the length.
Swivel snap hooks are used with D-rings to clip straps to a bag.
Eyelets are small round pieces of metal used for finishing and reinforcing fabric holes.
Grommets are like eyelets, only larger.
Metal Purse Frame for snap lock and structured purse openings.
Strapping and Trim
When creating your own bag, you get to select every detail. After determining the style, silhouette and function, it is time to choose the strap. Options for bag straps and handles are seemingly endless. Straps can be fashioned out of leather, fabric, webbing, chain, cord, metal and wood. Remember- you don’t have to limit yourself to one strap or handle. With the addition of hardware, swapping out a purse strap has never been easier.
Webbing Tape is a durable option for bag handles. It is commonly made of cotton, nylon or jute.
Leather strapping is generally sold by the yard in a variety of widths and is used for making purse straps, belts and other accessories.
Chain used on its own or laced with ribbon or leather cord adds instant “fancy” to a bag.
Here are some of my personal favorite stores for hardware, strapping and trim that cater to both the individual sewer as well as those in the trade.
Zippers
If the zipper selection at your local fabric store leaves you feeling rather uninspired- wait until you see these! Zippers are available in a wide range of materials, colors and lengths. They can be purchased individually or in bulk in standard lengths as well as on a continuous roll so that you can customize the length and select your slider.
Zipper Types
Zippers are classified into two types: closed-end and open. The easiest way to tell which type the zipper is by looking at the zipper stop. If the zipper can be fully opened and separated like one on a jacket, it is considered an open zipper. If the zipper cannot be separated when fully opened, it is a closed-end zipper.
Open end zippers are generally used for coats, jackets, sweaters and sweatshirts. Whereas you will see closed-end zippers on pants, jeans, skirts, shoes, pockets and bags.
Both open and close end zippers can be further grouped into the following categories, which are based on function.
· One-way open-end zippers
· Two-way open-end zippers (2 way separating zippers/dual separating zipper): including two sliders. The zipper halves can be completely detached from each other, just like the one-way open-end zippers. This type of zipper is commonly seen on heavy coats and overcoats.
· One-way close end zippers
· Two-way close-end zippers: including O shape with two bottom stops and the X shape that has two top stops. Both types have two sliders and are frequently seen on large bags and luggage.
These are some of my favorite sources to shop for all types of zippers.
And don’t forget the treasure trove of miscellaneous hardware from your own old bags and belts. They can easily be removed and updated.
The perfect handbag is elusive- I hope to change that by giving you the tools you need to design and make the bag of your dreams. For more about bag making, check out my book; Sew Bags: The Practical Guide to Making Purses, Totes, Clutches & More
Happy Holidays!
XO, Hilarie