Top 10 Tips for Making Boutique-Style Bags on a Domestic Machine

Hi friends! I’m Jess from Sallie Tomato, and I’m thrilled to share some of my top tips for creating boutique-style bags on your domestic sewing machine. Whether you’re new to bag making or looking to refine your skills, my goal is to help make your sewing journey both fun and rewarding!

A Little About Me 

My sewing journey began at the young age of 5. Even then, I dreamt of having a creative career someday. While studying entrepreneurship in college, I wrote my first sewing pattern, which sparked my interest in designing bag patterns. I was eager to learn and determined to develop techniques, and source high-quality materials, to create professional-looking bags on a home sewing machine. 

After years of hard work as a solopreneur, I’m proud to say that Sallie Tomato has grown into the business of my dreams. This journey has allowed me to share my passion for sewing with all of you, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support and enthusiasm from this amazing community.

Top 10 Tips 

Creating boutique-style bags doesn’t require industrial equipment or a professional studio. With the right techniques and basic tools, your domestic sewing machine can be your best ally in crafting stunning, high-quality bags. Here are a few tips to help you get started: 

1. Choose the Right Materials: The key to a professional-looking bag lies in the materials you use. High-quality fabrics, interfacing, zippers, and hardware make all the difference. I love working with cork fabric and faux leather because they are both durable, easy to sew with a Teflon foot, and can add a luxurious feel to any project.

2. Master the Basics: Before diving into complex designs, make sure you’ve mastered the basics. Practice straight stitching, topstitching, sewing curves on scraps of fabric, and using beginner-friendly patterns. It can be tempting to use a pattern that’s more advanced, but it’s important to establish foundational skills and understand basic bag-making techniques before moving onto more complex designs. 

3. Use the Right Needles and Thread: Depending on the materials you’re working with, choose needles and thread that can handle the weight and texture of the fabric. For example, when working with thicker materials like cork or vinyl, use a heavy-duty needle and strong, polyester thread to avoid breakage and ensure durability. Check out my book, Making Bags, which is loaded with tips and suggestions for working with various types of fabric.

4. Slow and Steady Wins the Race: When sewing through thick layers, take your time. Sewing too quickly can result in uneven stitches or broken needles. Don’t hesitate to use the hand wheel for tricky sections to maintain control.

5. Press for Success: Pressing your seams as you sew is crucial for a polished finish. Use a pressing cloth to avoid damaging delicate materials, and press from the wrong side to keep the fabric looking fresh. 

6. Stabilize for Structure: To give your bag a professional, boutique-style structure, use interfacing and stabilizers. These materials help your bag hold its shape and give it a more polished look. Depending on your project, you can choose from fusible fleece, foam stabilizers, or even multiple layers of interfacing. It’s important to trim interfacing from the seam allowances during construction to reduce bulk and help avoid sewing through thick seams during the final assembly.

7. Create Stylish Straps with Webbing: Using decorative webbing for bag straps and handles is a simple yet effective way to achieve a boutique-style finish. Webbing adds durability and strength, while providing a designer aesthetic.

8. Enhance & Reinforce Bags with Hardware: Incorporating hardware into your bag designs can instantly transform a simple bag into a high-end, custom creation. Hardware such as zippers, locks, buckles, and rivets not only enhance the durability and usability of a bag but also serve as a stylish detail that can complement and complete your design. 

9. Finish Raw Edges with Edge Paint: Edge paint seals and protects raw edges, preventing fraying and enhancing durability, which is essential for maintaining the bag's structure over time. Available in various colors, edge paint adds a subtle yet sophisticated detail that can complement your fabric choices.

10. Mix Materials: Combining cotton fabrics with nonwoven materials, such as cork or faux leather, adds texture, durability, and a luxurious feel. This contrast not only creates visual interest but also provides structure, ensuring your bag maintains its shape and reflects high-quality craftsmanship. A simple way to incorporate nonwoven materials is to sew your bag from cotton and create the strap from a nonwoven fabric.

Are You Eager for More? 

Join Me at Bag Envy! I’m honored be the keynote speaker at Creative Spark’s upcoming bag-focused educational event, Bag Envy, on October 4th! This live virtual event will be a day full of fun, hands-on learning from the comfort of your home, featuring ten expert bag makers. 

Each presentation will be recorded and accessible through your Creative Spark account, so you can revisit the lessons at any time, with no expiration date. 

Sign up today through Creative Spark and get $20 off using my code “BAG24TOMATO” at checkout! 

Whether you’re looking to enhance your bag-making skills or simply love learning new techniques, this event will be a day filled with creativity, inspiration, and expert guidance that you won’t want to miss! Save your spot here! Happy sewing, and I can’t wait to see the beautiful bags you create! 

Jess from Sallie Tomato