Is there a step/task that you don’t like when sewing bags? To me, it’s the lining with its requirements, like pockets and magnetic snaps (my favorite closure for bags). If I am in hurry, it is tempting to sew some simple slip pockets and skip the magnetic snaps.
But nice zippered pockets and magnetic snap closure add a lot to a bag, so I am glad that I found a way to take the stress out of this task and sew beautiful lining pieces, in less time.
It is not something magical, it still requires work. The secret? You have to prepare them in advance.
How about preparing 6 zippered pockets and 3 magnetic snaps in just a few hours? For your next 3 bags, you don’t have to worry about lining!
This is one of my latest bags (pattern here) and how much time did I need for sewing the lining? Probably 10 minutes?? All I had to do was to applique the pockets and magnetic snap on the lining.
There is a tutorial here for this zippered pocket.
Here are instructions on how to prepare this type of magnetic snap closure for a bag.
You need:
- Magnetic snap
- 4 pieces of vinyl 2’’ x 2’’
- 2 pieces of heavyweight interfacing 1½’’ x 1½’’
- double sided adhesive tape
Center a metal washer on the back of a vinyl piece, draw marks and cut slits as shown. Do this for one more vinyl square.
Repeat the previous step with the two pieces of heavyweight interfacing.
Take one of the magnetic snap parts and push the prongs through the right side of the vinyl. Views from the right and wrong side of the vinyl.
Add the interfacing piece. Slip a metal washer over the prongs and then bend the prongs as shown.
Repeat these steps and insert the other part of the magnetic snap on vinyl.
On the remaining two vinyl squares, apply glue tape close to the edges as shown.
Remove the paper backing and place the square with glue over a vinyl square with magnetic snap part, keeping all the edges aligned. Repeat this step for the other magnetic snap part.
Use a vinyl in a neutral color and prepare as many magnetic snaps as you want in this way. When you sew a bag, all you have to do is to appliqué these squares on the lining of the bag.
To make this step easier, apply glue tape on the back of the snap parts.
Remove the paper backing then position the piece at the desired distance from the top edge of the lining (1¼’’, 1½’’ or even 2’’).
Topstitch the piece in place, sewing as close to the edges as desired.
I hope this helps, I know I love the idea of preparing these ahead of time, it saves you a lot of time!
Have you seen my latest patterns for bags? There is a cute pencil case too!
Happy sewing!
Great idea.
I love this idea for preparing the snaps and pockets. Thank you, Greta! Btw your work is amazing <3
Thank you! Linings usually take me forever, now I’ll use your tips and enjoy making them and speed up the process. I appreciate your clear and very useful ideas.