Welcome!

Thank you for enrolling in the All About Bags Lab! I'm so excited to learn and make with you all over the next few weeks. This page serves as a repository of information I’ve collected during my time teaching bag-making. You can think of it as a sort of course home page or syllabus. There’s no pressure to read these posts in advance (or at all!)—they’re simply meant to serve as resources for anyone who would like more information.

If you’d like to continue learning together, you can find my current list of classes at Modern Domestic here. I’m always available for private lessons.

About the Lab

Have you been wanting to dip your toes into bag-making but need some guidance and accountability? Or perhaps you started a project but became stuck or overwhelmed? Bring your bag project(s) at any stage in the sewing process and use this time to get all of your questions answered. This lab will consist of technique demonstrations with the whole group and open sewing at your own pace. All the tools necessary to stamp leather, punch holes, and set hardware will be provided so you can learn new skills without having to purchase everything yourself. Can’t decide on a pattern? The instructor will bring samples of several bags with different fabric types and customization options for inspiration.

What is a Lab?

Modern Domestic Labs provide an opportunity to sew in a group setting with instructor guidance, but with more flexibility in project choice and pacing than you’d find in a traditional class. Each week I offer information and demonstrations related to a specific topic in bag-making, followed by plenty of time to work on your project.

Lab Schedule:

Session 1: selecting patterns, fabric, and notions; cutting and interfacing fabric
Session 2: managing bulky seams; linings and boxed corners; installing zippers
Session 3: installing hardware; leather types and decoration; caring for your bag

Skill Level: Beginner and up.

You’ve taken a class or two and are starting to get comfortable with the basics. You know what a seam allowance is, you’ve sewn a little on your own, but you still need a little help with remembering how to thread the machine and wind a bobbin. These classes usually have little if any homework to complete outside of class time. The prerequisite for any Beginner class is a Sew Basics class, Learn to Sew class, or equivalent. This skill level is not for people who have never used a sewing machine before.

Supply List

It's okay if you don't have all of your supplies by the first session! In labs we move at our own pace and I'll be there to answer any questions you have. See the Resource Pages below for guidance on choosing supplies.

Bag or accessory pattern of your choice
Exterior, accent, and lining fabric if applicable. Fabric recommendations and yardage are noted in your pattern. You do not need to pre-wash your fabric.
All other notions noted in your pattern, such as interfacing/stabilizer, zippers, webbing, and/or hardware.
At least one spool of polyester all-purpose thread to match your exterior fabric. You may wish to bring additional spools to match any accent or lining fabrics.
Needles appropriate for your fabric weight and interfacing, such as Microtex 90/14, Jeans/Denim 90/14, Jeans/Denim 100/16 for heavy-duty fabrics, or Super Nonstick for waxed canvas.
A hump jumper, Jean-A-Ma-Jig, or piece of cardboard (e.g., cereal box flap)
Recommended: bring a scrap of your exterior fabric to the second and third class sessions so you can use it to test different topstitching settings.

Resource Pages

Bag Lab: Fabric & Notions
Bag Lab: Zippers
Choosing a Klum House Pattern
Sewing Basics Series:

Sewing Glossary
Sewing Basics: Preparing and Cutting Fabric
Sewing Basics: Needles, Thread, and Stitch Types
Sewing Basics: Zippers

Project Pages

For more inspiration, check out my blog posts about bags I’ve made:

Woodland Dopp Kits
Green and Leaf Print Fremont Tote
Coordinating Black and Tan Fremont Totes
Slabtown Backpack
Slabtown Backpack with Modified Straps (coming soon)
Scrappy Mia Messenger Bag
Buckthorn Tote
Yarrow Wristlet & Pouch
Mini Making Backpack (coming soon)

Keep In Touch

Thanks very much for reading! If you’d like in-person support and instruction, please sign up for my classes at Modern Domestic or reach out to schedule a private lesson. If you have any questions, feedback, or corrections regarding this post, please don’t hesitate to contact me!

all about bags: lab resources