Welcome!

Thank you for enrolling in the Noodlehead Bags & Accessories Lab! I'm so excited to learn and make with you all over the next four 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 Noodlehead 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. Can’t decide on a pattern? The instructor will bring samples of several Noodlehead 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; installing zippers
Session 3: installing hardware; 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.

Noodlehead pattern(s) 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, or Jeans/Denim 100/16.
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

Project Pages

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

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!

noodlehead bag lab resources