The Sewing Mom

What it Takes to Make a Bag

22nd May 2008

What it Takes to Make a Bag

posted in sewing |

I often get asked why the fabric bags that are made by hand, such as the ones I make, are so expensive. I thought I’d provide several reasons for those who’d like to know.

First of all, cheap fabric is not used. I could use it, but then the bag wouldn’t take wear and tear very well. Most cheap fabric can’t hold up to washing and tend to tear easily. So, reason #1 is quality fabric.

Next, most quality bags have some sort of interlining between the outer fabric and the fabric lining. In my case, I tend to use a nice thick craft fleece. I do the same in the handles to make them comfortable on the shoulders for carrying.

Also, as in this bag, some bags have hardware. This bag has a metal tube that works to keep the bag closed and secure. These can range in price from $9-15, depending on the size. Some bags have zippers. Obviously these are less expensive, but they do still add to the cost.

Finally, there is the time involved to make a bag. Not counting the time spent purchasing supplies or advertising the bag, simply making a bag can take many hours. The fabric has to be cut and then sewn with purchased thread. I don’t use cheap thread, I want it to last. There is a lot of pressing with the iron and more sewing. My latest bag also had decorative trim (an additional cost) surround the bag and on the handles. All of this takes time.

So, those are the primary reasons that drive the price up on quality fabric bag like this one.

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 22nd, 2008 at 4:25 pm and is filed under sewing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

There are currently 2 responses to “What it Takes to Make a Bag”

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  1. 1 On May 24th, 2008, Ellen said:

    Lynne: I can not believe I missed this post. I saw it the day you posted it, I got distracted and forgot to return to really read it. I am so sorry!!!!!First of all, I really really like this purse a lot. It is unique in that the shape is different and quite interesting. Also the extra detail you added on the straps and the top really make it stand out. In my opinion, it is really outstanding!!! Also,more importantly is this post. I LOVE IT!!!!! Girl…from one seamstress to another…you hit the nail on the head…good job!!!You should put this info on a poster and place in strategically in your booth or somewhere that people can read it and understand why “we seamstress” charge the way we do.

    Ellen’s last blog post..Bailey Gets His Annual Vaccinations

    posted on May 24th, 2008 at 9:44 am

  2. 2 On May 24th, 2008, lynne said:

    Ellen – I like the idea of making a poster to have in our booth! “Reasons to Pay More for High Quality”!

    Thanks too for the compliment on the bag. This was surprisingly easy to make, except for inserting the metal tubes, that was a bit more challenging. I needed 4 hands to accomplish that and had to have my husband step in to help.

    I did sell that particular bag too!

    posted on May 24th, 2008 at 11:28 am