Thank you for your interest in my bags! A very big welcome for the new visitor - and for my repeat customers - a happy welcome back!
Here I will share with you my steps in designing and making a tote bag. The actual steps are much more complex than the images show, but here, I demonstrate the process and effort it takes to handcraft a bag.
I have quite a number of designer fabrics in my collection. I usually need at least two or three different coordinating fabrics for the tote bag. Usually I select a different fabric for the body, bottom and lining.
If my customer wants decorative material for embellishing the bags, I need to match a gimp or cording with lip or tassel.
Once I decide which fabrics to use, I transfer my pattern onto the fabrics. Then each are cut. It takes about 20 minutes to transfer patterns and cut the fabrics.
I design my pattern in such a way so it fits the repeat print of the fabric. I also make sure the print object of the fabric is centered nicely on my bag.
I immediately organize all tote bag parts in order and start sewing. This step takes me about 10 minutes.
It saves time if I use the webbing for the strap. Sometime I will do that especially when I am out of the fabric. I use the cording for drawstring purses because it is fast and it is more practical than making a long handle for it.
When the outside bag fabrics are sewn together, I iron interfacing material on it. This process is fast, it takes only about 5 minutes.
The interfacing must be thick and contain heat fusible glue to make the bag stiff so it can stand on it own.
The next step is to measure the placement of the straps and sew them on the exterior of the bag. It takes about 5 minutes.
I measure and sew the pockets to the lining. This process takes about 10 minutes.
My tote bags have either 6 or 8 inside pockets (2 additional for pens). My customer loves the pockets because it helps them to organize items that would normally be loose on the bottom of the bag.
This step is the the most time consuming and complex. I sew the exterior body and the lining together. This process usually takes about 20 minutes.
When I first started to make handcrafted bags, if I overlooked an important step in this process I would have to undo the stitches or just start all over! Today, I am more efficient and experienced that I seldom make a mistake.
Once I complete step 7 I measure and install the magnetic snap fastener before I sew the top stitches. This process takes about 15 minutes.
I've been using high quality, patented, made in USA magnetic snap fasteners on all my tote bags. I also use zippers for my totes and purses - some customers like the security that a zippered compartment offers.
The final step is to iron the bag so the interfacing will adhere more fully to the fabric and to remove any wrinkles caused through assembly. It takes about 5 minutes to iron the bag!
So, how long it takes to make a tote bag? For me it take me from 1 to 1 1/2 hours depending on the complexity of the design. I take great care in the sewing process so that when the bag is complete it is a high quality handmade bag.
Voila! The bag is finally ready to be photographed and a description written! Finally I will upload it here in my online boutique for all to see and if you like it and if it's available you can purchase it right away!