Learn to sew quilted bags- if you are a quilter, then there is nothing easier than this!
These are cheaper versions of the bags made with interfacing (because you probably already have some batting scraps).
Learn a few tricks and sew quilted bags with a professional look and a long life!
NOTE
You need to follow a pattern. This tutorial will show you how to prepare the pieces of your bag.
You need:
- quilt weight fabric from your stash
- lightweight (woven or non-woven) interfacing
- batting
- heavyweight fabric
Fusing interfacing
Cut the fabric and interfacing 1” larger than your template; fuse the interfacing to the back of the fabric.
Quilt sandwich
- Fabric
Layer the top fabric with a piece of batting and a heavyweight backing. - Batting
The best batting is cotton, but if you don’t have cotton to hand, any other type of batting works. - Backing
The backing must be a heavyweight fabric (I usually use the heavyweight cotton from Ikea): canvas (duck cloth), denim, heavy twill… Other home decor fabrics work too. It is not absolutely necessary to be cotton. Also, keep in mind that this fabric is not visible in the bag, you could use recycled fabrics too, or if you have small scraps, piece them to make a bigger piece.
Quilting
Quilt the sandwich; a dense quilting is desired. I usually free motion quilt these pieces but you could quilt with the walking foot too.
Then use your template and cut the quilted piece to size.
Repeat for all your pieces then assemble your bag.
- it makes the pieces sturdier and flattens the quilting a little
- it makes the bag look more professional (it’s not like you cut away a piece from a quilt and turned it into a bag!).
Here are my pieces.
And here is my very large quilted bag. It’s sturdy and has a beautiful texture and structure.
Piecing the front of the bag
If you are a quilter, you might want to piece the front of the bag. Depending on how many seam allowances you have, you can skip the first step of fusing interfacing to the back.
Heavyweight fabric versus quilt weight fabric
What if you use heavyweight fabric instead of quilt weight fabric? Depending on how heavy is your fabric, you might need a lightweight backing (or no backing at all) and/or lightweight batting.
Quilted bags for little girls
I can’t imagine a more beautiful gift for a little girl.
SOFT and LIGHTWEIGHT – Perfect for little fingers!
If you want to make it soft and lightweight, do not fuse interfacing to the back of the fabric and use a fluffy polyester batting.
NOTES for your success!
- Pre-wash all the fabrics used for bags.
- Because you will work with heavyweight quilted pieces, it is a good idea to make a test first and see how your sewing machine handles this.
- Jeans needles are required, the bigger the better (I use Schmetz #110/18 and #100/16).
This tutorial is included in the SEW BETTER BAGS ebook.
If you want to learn more about sewing quality bags, download the free ebook below.
Do you want to sew bags that turn heads?
Stylish, comfortable, and practical?
Bags that will make you proud?
Check out my bag patterns below.
Happy sewing!
Your bags are all so beautiful!! Thank you for sharing your tip on quilting fabric to use for making a bag.
I bought the pattern for your little zipper pouches. Love it. However, I have been using Soft and Stable instead of interfacing and batting. It is like a foam with fabric on both sides. It is lightweight and quilts wonderful and the bags stand up great. I don't know if you can get it in Romania. I could send you a small sample piece, but I don't know what the postage is from Buffalo, NY to Romania! I am not a dealer, just a quilter. Here is one bag I recently made with it: http://artinsearch.blogspot.com/2014/08/vintage-sewing-machine-purse.html
What a great post from the expert herself! I have admired your bags for so long (bought a couple of your patterns) and wondered just how you get such "crisp" looking bags!!! Now I know!! Thanks for sharing, Geta. Now I will have to make one of your bags!! {{{Hugs}}}
Your bags are always so pretty. Thanks for the tutorial!
That's why your bags are looking so good! Thank you share the secret! So so pretty the bags for the little girls!
They all are really gorgeous!
You are the queen of bag making, Geta, and your quilting is just gorgeous! I love those little girl bags…I think I need to make one!
All your bags are so beautiful. It has inspired me to start making quilted bags again. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Geta. I love your work, and love how you share your knowledge 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing this Geta, your bags are beautiful, as is your quilting 🙂
Maggie
I see your bags but there are really no instructions on how to sew them together, the straps etc. Unless im missing something!
Is the bag with the purple flower from the Amelie pattern?
http://getasquiltingstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/how-to-make-quilted-bags-5.jpg
Thank so much.
Ginger, it is a slightly modified Amelie – it has straight top edges. The original Amelie has curved top edges.
I love the look of your bags, but are they lined? Does the backing fabric work as the lining with exposed seam allowances? I appreciate all of your helpful tips.
Thank you Geta for all of the patterns and know how. You are so very kind and generous.
So happy to found your site. Wanted to download the free 3-book but it doesn’t allow me to do it. Please assist.
I love your website. Very informative. Your bags are so beautiful! My question: My daughter fave me a half meter quilted fabric from her recent trip to Japan. Do I need to put interfacing on it to make a tote bag?
Thank you.
Getta,
do you happen to know the fabric manufacturer of the print that has little Japanese girls?