Give fabric a new lease of life with one of these fantastically chic recycled bags. In today’s modern, environmentally conscious society, with its emphasis on reusing and avoiding plastic bags, a practical bag has become an essential part of everyday life. Every bag is designed to make the most of the materials that are readily available and easily recyclable. Try turning a dish-towel into a smart shopper to carry all your groceries in, or use an old hessian sack to make a sassy bag to take to the gym. Reuse is at the heart of this book, as projects like the floral scrap tote bag and the patchwork weekend bag demonstrate, and you will soon be able to transform an old blanket or a few scraps of discarded clothing into a unique bag in no time at all. Each project comes complete with beautifully illustrated step-by-step instructions and there are designs suitable for all skill levels—the packaging bag requires just a few simple stitches, while the design of the adorable owl pocket bag will appeal to more experienced crafters. You are certain to find the ideal bag for you or the perfect gift to give to friends and family.

Make your own charming purse, tote, clutch, satchel or eco tote with this fashionable bag making book. Handmade Bags in Natural Fabrics offers patterns for twenty-five basic bag styles along with sixty variations and the know-how to customize each bag to suit any style—from sweet-and innocent to minimalist to counter-culture. There is no better project for the eco-conscious crafter than a simple cloth bag. In addition to bag sewing patterns, basic sewing lessons teach the fundamentals of bag sewing: Hand-stitching, including French knot stitch and daisy stitch Lining and drawstring casing Corners, edges and straps Simple flourishes such as embroidery, applique and more Emiko Takahashi, a fashion and textile designer, provides easy instructions and bag sewing diagrams, as well as a sheet of full-sized pattern pieces for each handmade bag project—plus easy lessons on the basics of hand-stitching drawstring casings, corners, edges, straps, and simple flourishes. Cotton and linen bags are always useful, and they lend a carefree, laid-back touch to any warm-weather outfit. Each bag can be machine-sewn, but they are designed to be made in natural fabrics that are lightweight enough to be easily sewn by hand. With Takahashi's expert guidance, beginning sewers with little or no previous experience can learn to make these understated and elegant handbags. 25 Sewing patterns to do 60 different projects including: Envelope Pouches Bucket Bags Picnic Totes Sacks and Carryalls Classic Drawstrings

Whether you're a sewing novice or an aficionado looking to add patterns to your DIY repertoire, Freestyle Handmade: Bags and Skirts is for you. Projects include a variety of skirts for roaming the countryside or dashing around the city to bags that carry beach towels or bottles of wine-plus much more! Add personal style to your wardrobe in no time with: 50 fun and easy bags and skirts of all styles Clear step-by-step instructions and patterns for each project Guides to tailor patterns for a perfect fit Tips and tricks from DIY sewing masters Fire up your sewing machine and let Freestyle Handmade take your wardrobe from ho-hum" to "That's so you!"

Work that patchwork with 15 modern quilted bags from experienced pattern designer Sue Kim! From a roomy market tote to a tablet sleeve and handy backpack, these simple patchwork purses are fun to quilt and carry. Instructions on pockets, straps, zippers, piping, and hardware will help confident beginners achieve a professional finish. Full-size pattern pieces are included, along with a gallery of alternate colorways (including all-solid versions) for each project!

This delightful collection of 30 easy-to-make bags offers step-by-step sewing projects for functional yet stylish beach bags, shoppers, duffels, clutches, bucket bags, shoulder bags, drawstring bags, book bags, messenger bags, and more.

From simple sandwich wraps to bicycle bags, from cute little carriers to sophisticated shoulder bags, these 25 projects offer style, functionality & fun. - Projects include sandwich wraps, baggies, bicycle bags, and totes - Quick and easy to make with basic sewing techniques; everyone in your family will want one - Customize the outside with your favorite fabrics and insulate the inside. You can waterproof it with laminated cotton, oilcloth, nylon, or vinyl. - Projects are fun, functional, and reusable-make your sack lunches even greener - Bags can be washed in your dishwasher or washing machine Today's hottest designers share their sewing savvy with 25 projects, from a simple sandwich wrap to a sophisticated shoulder bag. Why shouldn't your lunch bag match your personal wardrobe and eco-conscious lifestyle? Featuring contributions by designers Chrystalleena Beauchamp, Lucy Blaire, Leslie Bowman, Denise Clark, Leanne Dougherty, Jane Fitzpatrick, Shannon Fowler-Wardrep, Karen and Rebecca Garcia, Christine Hmiel, Debbie Hogan, Elizabeth Hutton, Catherine Janda, Janice Kalin, Christina Lane, Quenna Lee, Joan Leppek, Stephanie Lopez, Susan Lowe Heaney, Sandra Kay McCormick, Kimberly Paglia, Annika Rau, Mary Lynn Shroeder, Cheryl B. Steighner, Rebecca Striepe, Yoko Drain

Teaches how to create cohesive, sophisticated projects, ranging from small to large and featuring quilt-as- you-go, basic piecing, and expert bag-making instructions to achieve a polished professional finish. Accessories projects include clutches, pouches, and bags; home decor projects include quilts, baskets, and cushions

Learn to sew bags for all occasions with this ultimate reference guide to the latest bag making techniques, featuring eight full-size bag patterns. Includes a comprehensive techniques section cover everything from zips, pockets, piping, and how to use the latest bag hardware to get you started, even if you’ve never sewn a bag before. As well as all the core skills, expert bag designer, Mrs. H., shares her tips for getting a professional finish on your handmade bags and how to resize patterns to get the perfect fit. Also includes patterns and instructions for eight fantastic bag projects like clutches and hold-alls so can start your bag making journey now!

Sew stylish shoulder bags, totes, clutches, and drawstring bags! Whether you're a total beginner or a confident sewist who loves to finish a project in one sitting, you'll love this modern collection of thirteen bags you can truly make your own. Turn flat fabric into handbags of any shape when you learn the basics of construction, transferring a pattern, and finishing details. A must-have primer for the beginning sewist!

Tote bags are the perfect and lasting alternative to throw-away plastic bags, and make excellent gifts. This book shows you how to make your very own totes, starting with an easy pattern for making a basic bag, which you can then adorn and customize. Twenty projects show you different techniques to create the bag (or bags!) of your choice: embroidery, painting, dyeing, transfers, quilting, stamping and more. Each project has been assigned a particular level of difficulty, but all are well within reach of even the absolute beginner. Key features include: - 20 DIY projects, from the introductory to the more advanced. - Practical tips and hints for making original designs without breaking the bank - or one's spirit. - Easy-to-follow instructions and sleek colour photography.