Bobbin Girl's Top 5 Essential Tools for Bag Making
My Top 5 Must-Have Tools for Bag Making
These budget-friendly tools may be small, but they make a big difference in how your bag turns out. When it comes to bag making, precision really does matter — and having the right tools to hand can make the whole process more enjoyable and far less frustrating.
Over the years, these are the tools I reach for time and time again.
Precision matters!
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An air erasable pen is perfect for accurately transferring pattern markings onto your fabric. This includes seam allowances, placement points for snaps, locks, zippers, pockets, and handles.
Because the ink disappears on its own over time, you don’t need to worry about stray marks showing on the finished bag. It’s especially useful when working with lighter fabrics or when accuracy really counts — which, in bag making, is most of the time
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A compact ruler, or even better a seam gauge, is one of those tools you don’t realise you need until you have one.
It helps you place markings with precision, ensuring everything lines up exactly as it should. When you’re installing hardware or lining up pockets, even a few millimeters can make a visible difference, and this little tool takes the guesswork out of measuring.
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The humble sewing clip is the extra pair of hands you often wish you had when making a bag.
Sewing clips hold multiple layers of fabric together securely without slipping, which is especially helpful when working with bulky seams. They’re also ideal when sewing with vinyl or leather, where pins are very much a no-no. Once you start using clips, it’s hard to imagine bag making without them.
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The humble sewing clip is the extra pair of hands you often wish you had when making a bag.
Sewing clips hold multiple layers of fabric together securely without slipping, which is especially helpful when working with bulky seams. They’re also ideal when sewing with vinyl or leather, where pins are very much a no-no. Once you start using clips, it’s hard to imagine bag making without them.
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Swapping to a fresh needle after each bag project might feel like a small thing, but it makes a big difference.
A new needle helps create strong, neat stitches and reduces skipped stitches or tension issues. Bags are often made with multiple layers and heavier materials, so starting each project with a sharp, reliable needle helps ensure your finished bag stands up to everyday use
Why these tools matter
None of these tools are expensive or complicated, but together they make bag making smoother, more accurate, and far more enjoyable. They help reduce mistakes, improve the finish of your bags, and give you confidence as you sew.
If you’re building your bag-making toolkit, these five are a brilliant place to start — and ones you’ll continue to rely on no matter how many bags you make.