The Bag Making Bible: The Complete Guide to Sewing and Customizing Your Own Unique Bags

The Bag Making Bible: The Complete Guide to Sewing and Customizing Your Own Unique Bags DO NOT BUY this book if you expecting a complete design book on every size, shape and pattern of bag that you see in the high street - this is not what this book is about!!!!!'The Bible' in the title refers to the techniques used in creating a bag - the design, colour, size, use and shape in completely in your domain. So if you want to know how to insert a lining (pull through and turn through method) or insert a flush zip correctly or how to reinforce the structure of a bag in its creation or what type of pocket would you like? Then this is a book that you use while designing the bag of your dreams adding the details from a list you would like to consider! So would you like to add a Slip Pocket? Lined Slip Pocket? Bellows pocket? Elasticated pocket? or darted corner pocket? Pockets? Inside or outside the bag!? Working with colour, materials, closures, adjustable straps, which handles are best, preparing fabric etc etc etc are covered.What I really like about this book is the way that the sections are separated by colour references down the edge of the pages. The layout of the pictures and colour harmonies make this a book a real delight to delve into. Little notes added around the page include hints and tips... Using the techniques shown allow you to have a finished product that is durable and long lasting and very stylish. Patterns for the bags that are shown in the book for demonstration purposes are also enclosed. The design of your bag also allow for your bag to be changed to match your attire... details matter! I found the pictures clear and the descriptions great with suggested uses for different techniques and the benefits for using each one .(Pockets section) OK some of it was obvious but there are things to pick up and learn or just have a better understanding. Having the website as a backup is also very useful but the book is a stand alone item and can be used without the website. Miss Lam clearly uses her ethnic origins to source the 'details' to buy that are hard to find in the Western World - the difference between a bag and a fantastic bag! So have a go!

I would highly recommend this book if you like sewing and want to expand into making bags. This book has a picture step-by-step guide to variations on all the key aspects, from lining and pockets to fastenings and straps. This book is not suitable for someone who doesn't know how to sew already.One of the great things about this book is the pattern sheet, which lets you trace your own patterns; much easier than the print and tile method. The patterns are also not prescriptive; the author encourages the reader to take the techniques and apply them to your own designs. Indeed, it is organised in a such a way to facilitate this; each chapter focuses on a different aspect, for example fastenings, pockets, straps, and so on.If you already have Lisa Lam's book 'A bag for all reasons' I wouldn't really recommend it as they are quite similar.The photography and the fabrics used also make this book a stunning read. It is a lovely addition to any crafter's library.

Great book to give you different techniques and all the basics of bag-making e.g what interfacing to use where, how to use a grid in the bag bottom, different types of handle, closures and pockets. I used it really successfully to make my own design of project/knitting bag with loads of different types of pocket to hold all the bits and pieces. Haven't used any of the patterns in it yet. Would have given 5 stars except you definitely need good eyesight to read the print and the layout is a bit strange and hops about but it's all there if you use the index. Definitely inspired me to try to make new types of bags.

I've had this book for a few months now since I wanted to use it before I wrote a review. All I can say is that it has proved to be fabulous. Initially I used the instructions to make a zipped pocket in a simple tote bag I was making (I'm very new to sewing.). That worked beautifully, and gave me the confidence to tackle the Oversized Fashionista bag. I made it in Harris tweed and the results have surpassed my wildest dreams - it looks smart, holds all my stuff and is confortable to carry. I took it on a daytrip to London this week and collected unsolicited admiring comments (turning into disbelieving comments when I told them I'd made it myself) from 2 shop assistants in different shops, 3 senior women in various meetings and the female train guard on the way home. That never happens to me. Even my husband loves it (and he's REALLY not into handbags). What's more Lisa's approach (the book is divided into instructions to make all the different components you might want in a bag so you can customise each bag entirely) has now given me the confidence to design and make another bag for my mother which is also attracting a hugely positive response. The patterns are full size (no pesky photocopying) and very clear to use. The instructions are equally clear. My one and only comment of an even remotely negative nature is to say that there was one tip from her blog (suggesting that you cut interfacing and padding to be a fraction smaller than the seam allowance so that you don't end up trying to sew through too thick layers) which I have found really useful and which doesn't appear to be in the book. THat should not stop you buying it!

This book is true to its name - a Bible for bag making! Its full of detailed information, techniques, & suggestions on professional bag making. It is going into my "reference library" & I will keep it handy as I construct & design bags. It also provides some patterns - I'm always looking for new patterns to enhance my bag making.

The instructions are easy to follow and has some nice bag patterns.

Très pratique. Parler anglais avec un bon niveau. Progressif, il amène une couturière presque débutante à faire des sacs compliqués.

esta muy bien el libro, muy sencillo pero trae pocos modelos

I had the oppurtunity to sift through previews of this book and ,’The better bagmaker’ on Kindle.I have to say that based on reviews it was confusing to choose btw the two,as all search online ends in these two books.But on closer inspection,I found that this one is a British publication.Usually I prefer british publications,as they target a wider audience around the globe.For eg,this book gives an overview of interfacings and interlinings and you can clearly see the pictures and distinguish/recognise them in any store.However,the better bag maker has brand names.Now,I am an indian and Im sure even my mom n pop store would’nt know what I wanted if presented myself with such brand names.Moreover,Ms Lam is teaching you all the skills involved in sewing a bag,right from patterns to finishing.Its like learning the alphabets and making your own story.You are your own designer.Thats the reason I went with this book,as no matter how many years pass,the education will always remain relevant.No fear of fast dissapearing fads in bag designs.Its a simple book for simple people giving precise,clear cut and relevant information.I know there are in-numerable videos on youtube.But I wanted the gist of it ,in a book format,and I have found that in this book.I think the other book’the better bagmaker’,goes beyond simplicity and is more useful for people who are already proficient in bag sewing,but want to take their craft to a higher ,complex level.Im a stickler for zips and velcro,and im sure Im never using bonings and other kinds of plastic base for my bags,so why go in the hassle.Classic and simple is enough for me.