How to Make Bag Patterns
Most bags can be created using as few as one or two pattern pieces. The principle for making patterns for any shape, size and style of bag is the same: you will need to determine the shape and dimensions of the sides and base of your bag, and dimensions of the gusset, pockets and flaps if the bag has them. You'll draw these shapes onto paper and add an extra 1/2 inch to each edge for a seam allowance. The same pattern pieces will be used to cut both the lining (if you are lining the bag) and the outside fabric.
Things You'll Need
- Pencil
- Paper for sketching
- Thin paper for the pattern pieces (preferably graph paper with gridlines)
- Ruler
- Set square (optional)
- Pair of compasses (optional)
- Scissors
Instructions
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Planning and Designing
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1
Examine a bag you have, preferably one that is a similar shape to the bag you want to make. Look at the seams and cuts of fabric used to give you a better idea of the construction and shapes of pattern pieces you will need.
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2
Sketch the bag you wish to make from different sides. You don't have to be very artistic; you just need some basic images of the shape and proportions of the bag.
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3
Sketch the shapes of the sides and base of the bag, and of the gusset, pockets and flaps, if your bag has them. The sides and base may be square, rectangular, trapezoid or rounded, depending on the shape of the bag you wish to create. Handle and gusset pattern pieces will usually be long rectangles.
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4
Decide on the size and dimensions you want for your finished bag. Note the measurements you want next to the appropriate sides of the pattern pieces on your sketches.
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5
Add half an inch to each side of each pattern piece and adjust your measurements. The pattern pieces need to be bigger than the finished bag to allow for seam allowances.
Making the Pattern Pieces
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6
You will need to make one pattern piece for the base and one pattern piece to be used to cut two sides. If you are making fabric handles, you will need one piece to cut two handles. If the bag has a gusset, you will need one pattern piece to cut two pieces of fabric from to make the gusset.
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Draw the pattern pieces on the pattern paper, matching the measurements you noted on the pattern sketches. If you are not using graph paper, you can use a set square to make sure your corners are perfect right angles. If your bag has curved shapes, use the compasses or trace around something circular like a plate or a bowl to create the curves.
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8
Consider the way the bag will be sewn together and make sure adjoining seams have the same measurements. For example, check that the bottom of the side piece matches up perfectly with the edge of the bottom piece that it will be sewn to.
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9
Make sure the shapes are perfectly symmetrical by measuring the dimensions with the ruler. It is easier and less costly to make a new pattern piece than a new fabric piece if you discover an error.
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10
Carefully cut out the pattern pieces using scissors. You don't need to follow the cutting lines; you can cut outside the lines, as you will later pin the pieces to fabric and cut along the lines as you cut out the fabric.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are unsure whether the pattern you have made will produce a bag you are happy with, make a mock version using scrap fabric or cheap muslin before cutting into your ideal bag fabric. The simplest bag pattern you can make is one long rectangle. The fabric cut will be simply folded in half, seamed along the edges, folded under at the top edges and sewn, and handles added. If you don't want to make fabric handles for your bag, a wide variety of bag handles are available in craft and fabric stores. Purchase the handle first so that you can adjust your measurements and allow for the size and attachment of the handle.
