Sara Lawson

Building Better Bags: Interfacing & Structure

Sara Lawson

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  • In-depth Instruction; over 107 mins
  • On-demand video access anytime
  • Bonus downloadable PDF resources
  • Access to class Q&A
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.
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!
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.
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 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!
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!
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.
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.
 
 
8 Lessons
1  hrs 47  mins

Description

Make any handbag structured and stylish with techniques for selecting the best interfacing for bags. Patternmaker and sewing instructor Sara Lawson begins by teaching you about interfacing and how to choose the perfect type for every bag. Then, see how to work with flexible fusibles, medium and heavy-duty interfacings, fleece, foams and more as you explore bag-making from the inside out. Along the way, you’ll discover the best way to test, fuse and sew each interfacing. Plus, get tips for using interfacing to support handles and hardware. You’ll learn tricks for using alternative materials such as buckram, either to add structure or because you’re in a pinch and ready to sew. Sara will also showcase her favorite designs and sewing techniques, demystify what happens when you wash hand-sewn bags and show you tips to achieve a fresh-pressed look. Never again wonder which interfacing to choose!

Sara Lawson

Sara Lawson is a sewing blogger, teacher and the author of Big-City Bags and Windy City Bags. She has designed more than 25 bag patterns for top brands such as Pellon. Her passion for sewing takes her around the United States as a workshop and sewing guild instructor.

Sara Lawson

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