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Last updated: August 2026
The right bag-making supplies can make your project easier to sew and give your finished bag a more polished, durable result. Fabric creates the look of the bag, while interfacing, stabilizers, hardware, thread, and specialty tools help it hold its shape and stand up to regular use.
This guide brings together the fabrics, stabilizers, hardware, tools, and shopping resources I frequently use or recommend for Scratch and Stitch bag patterns.
You do not need to buy everything on this page before making your first bag. Start with the materials list included in your pattern, then use this guide to compare options, understand what each supply does, and find the materials you need.
Bag-Making Supplies Guide
Use this page as a quick reference when you are gathering supplies for a bag pattern.
- What Supplies Do You Need to Make a Bag?
- Best Fabrics for Bag Making
- Choosing a Bag Lining Fabric
- Bag Interfacing and Stabilizers
- Bag Hardware and Closures
- Zippers for Bag Making
- Needles, Thread, and Presser Feet
- Essential Bag-Making Tools
- Tools for Installing Bag Hardware
- Beginner Bag-Making Shopping List
- Bag-Making Supply FAQs
What Supplies Do You Need to Make a Bag?
Most bag projects require some combination of:
- Exterior fabric
- Lining fabric
- Interfacing or stabilizer
- Thread
- An appropriate sewing machine needle
- A zipper, snap, or other closure
- Strap hardware or handles
- Basic cutting and sewing tools
Some bags also use foam, base stabilizer, rivets, purse feet, swivel hooks, strap sliders, or other specialty hardware.
Always refer to the supply list in your pattern. The pattern has been designed around a specific combination of fabrics and stabilizers, and changing those materials may change the construction method, structure, thickness, or finished appearance of the bag.
For example, a soft crossbody bag may not need the same stabilizer as a structured tote. A small organizer may use different materials than a large travel bag. I always recommend to follow the pattern first, then experiment once you understand how the materials behave. And I always recommend experimenting.
Best Fabrics for Bag Making
The best fabric depends on the style of bag you are making and how structured you want it to be.
A soft crossbody bag may work well in denim or canvas with minimal stabilizer. A structured tote made from quilting cotton may need woven interfacing, foam, or both. A heavier vinyl or leather may already have enough body without additional support.
Quilting Cotton
Quilting cotton is one of the easiest bag-making fabrics to find and comes in an almost unlimited selection of colors and prints.
Because quilting cotton is relatively lightweight, it usually needs interfacing, foam, or another stabilizer to give the bag structure. It works especially well for linings, pockets, small accessories, and bag exteriors that will be reinforced.
Quilting cotton is a good choice when you want a wide range of color and print options, especially for beginner-friendly bag projects.
Canvas
Canvas is durable and naturally more structured than quilting cotton. It is a good choice for totes, backpacks, crossbody bags, and casual everyday bags.
Lighter canvas may still benefit from interfacing. Heavy canvas may need little or no additional support, depending on the design and desired outcome.
Canvas can become bulky where several seams meet, so use clips, a fresh needle, and a slower sewing speed when sewing through thick layers.
Denim
Denim is strong, versatile, and one of my favorite materials for upcycled bags. Old jeans can provide exterior fabric, pockets, belt loops, waistbands, and other details that can be incorporated into a one-of-a-kind design.
Denim varies significantly in weight and stretch. Lightweight denim may need interfacing, while heavier denim can often provide enough structure on its own. And yes, you can add fusible interfacing to stretch denim to remove the stretch!
If you enjoy sewing with denim, explore more ideas in my denim sewing and upcycling projects.
WANT TO TRY DENIM? See my denim sewing and upcycling projects →
Home Decor and Upholstery Fabric
Home decor and upholstery fabrics can make beautiful, sturdy bags. They are generally heavier than quilting cotton and are available in textures and patterns that work especially well for totes and statement bags.
Before using upholstery fabric, check its thickness and backing. Some materials can become difficult to sew once seam allowances, pockets, straps, and stabilizers are layered together.
These fabrics can also provide fun designs to use for applique and interesting textures that are great for bag making.
Outdoor and Waterproof Fabrics
Outdoor fabric, waterproof canvas, and performance fabrics are useful for travel bags, toiletry bags, backpacks, and bags that may be exposed to moisture.
Some waterproof fabrics already have enough body and do not require fusible interfacing. Always test heat-sensitive or coated fabric before applying a fusible product.
These fabrics can be especially helpful for linings, toiletry bags, snack bags, travel pouches, and bags that need a wipeable interior.
MAKE A BAG USING WATERPROOF FABRICS: Try the fan-favorite Tri-Fold Toiletry Bag →
Vinyl and Faux Leather
Vinyl and faux leather can give a handmade bag a professional appearance. They are available in many weights, textures, and designs.
Use sewing clips rather than pins so you do not leave permanent holes in the material. A nonstick presser foot, roller foot, or walking foot may also help the material move smoothly through your machine.
Vinyl and faux leather can be used for entire bags or for accent pieces such as straps, tabs, handles, bases, and contrast panels.
If you choose to use vinyl or faux leather in your bagmaking, please be aware that these materials may breakdown over time and cracking can occur.
Shop vinyl and faux leather at Emmaline Bags →
Leather
Leather is durable and develops character over time. It can be used for an entire bag or added as straps, handles, bases, tabs, and accent panels.
Leather does not heal after being pierced, so avoid using pins. Use clips, double-sided tape, or an adhesive intended for leather to hold pieces in place before sewing.
The weight and firmness of leather can vary considerably. Test your machine, needle, thread, stitch length, and number of layers on a scrap before beginning the bag.
Leather can be one of the more costly materials for bag making. If you want to explore sewing leather, have a look at thiftstores for leather garments to upcycle.
Shop leather at Tandy Leather →
Find leather at this Etsy shop I love →
Choosing a Bag Lining Fabric
A lining finishes the inside of the bag, hides seam allowances and stabilizers, and provides a clean surface for pockets. This isn’t always required, but
A good lining fabric should be sturdy enough for regular use but not so thick that it makes the seams difficult to sew. Choose fun prints or lighter colors so bag interiors are not too dark to find things.
Lining a bag isn’t always required, but here are some of my best recommendations for lining a handmade bag.
Quilting Cotton
Quilting cotton is a popular lining choice because it is lightweight, easy to sew, and available in many colors and prints. A lighter lining also helps prevent excessive bulk inside the seams.
Choose a lining color that makes it easy to see inside the finished bag. Dark linings can look polished, but they may make small items harder to find.
I always add a fusible interfacing to quilting cotton when using for bag linings.
Waterproof Canvas and Outdoor Fabrics
Cordura, waterproof canvas, water resistant canvas, and similar outdoor fabrics create a durable lining that is easier to wipe clean. These materials can be useful for toiletry bags, travel organizers, backpacks, and heavily used everyday bags.
Because coated fabrics can be sensitive to heat, they may not be suitable for fusible interfacing.
I prefer waterproof canvas (WPC) or water resistance canvas (WRC) for my bag linings. I find that this material keeps bag linings from being too saggy and also your items don’t stick to the bag lining.
Find Ottertex Waterproof Canvas on Amazon →
Bag Interfacing and Stabilizers
Interfacing and stabilizers support the fabric and help determine whether a finished bag is soft, padded, structured, or rigid.
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they generally serve slightly different purposes:
- Interfacing supports and strengthens fabric.
- Foam or fleece adds soft structure, shape, and padding.
- Firm stabilizer gives a bag a more defined shape.
- Base stabilizer helps the bottom of a bag remain flat and supportive.
Many bags use more than one product. For example, quilting cotton may be reinforced with woven interfacing before foam is added.
Pellon SF101 Shape-Flex
Pellon SF101 is a lightweight fusible woven interfacing. It adds support while allowing the fabric to remain flexible and fabric-like.
It is a useful choice for quilting cotton, pockets, linings, straps, and exterior pieces that need additional strength without becoming stiff.
ByAnnie Soft and Stable
Soft and Stable is a sew-in foam stabilizer that adds body, padding, and shape. It can help a bag stand on its own while still feeling soft.
Foam is especially useful for totes, travel bags, organizers, and bags made from lightweight exterior fabrics.
ByAnnie’s Soft and Stable is my absolute favorite sew-in foam to use in bag making.
Find Soft and Stable on Amazon →
Decovil Light
Decovil Light is a fusible stabilizer that adds a firm, leather-like structure without the loft of foam. It is useful when you want a bag to hold a defined shape without looking padded.
It can be used throughout a bag or in specific areas such as the base, flap, gusset, or hardware tabs.
Find Decovil Light on Etsy →
Find Decovil Light on Amazon →
Fusible Fleece
Fusible fleece adds soft padding and light structure. It creates a softer result than foam and may be suitable for small bags, pouches, and projects that do not need to stand firmly on their own.
Kraft-Tex Fabric Paper
Kraft-Tex is a washable paper-based material that looks and handles somewhat like leather. It can be used for bag bases, labels, straps, accents, and structured details.
Find Kraft-Tex here on Amazon →
Bontex Bag Stiffener
Bontex is a firm stabilizer commonly used in the bottom of a bag. It helps support the contents and prevents the base from sagging.
It is generally enclosed inside the bag rather than fused directly to the exterior fabric.
Similar Stabilizer and Interfacing Options
Bag patterns often recommend a specific interfacing or stabilizer because it affects the structure, softness, and finished shape of the bag. If you cannot find the exact product listed in a pattern, look for a similar product in the same category.
For Soft & Stable, look for a sew-in foam stabilizer. Similar options include Bosal In-R-Form, Pellon Flex-Foam, and Vlieseline Style-Vil.
For Pellon SF101, look for a light to medium-weight woven fusible interfacing. Similar options include Profuse Flexible, HeatnBond Lightweight Fusible Woven Cotton Interfacing, and Vilene/Vlieseline G700.
For Decovil Light, look for a firm fusible stabilizer with a leather-like feel. Similar options include Profuse Stiff, Pellon Deco-Fuse, Pellon Peltex, and Decovil Heavy.
These products are not always exact replacements. Substituting interfacing or stabilizer can make a bag softer, firmer, bulkier, or more structured than the original sample. When possible, test the substitute on a fabric scrap before cutting and fusing all of your pattern pieces.
Reinforcing Hardware Areas
Small pieces of interfacing or stabilizer can be added behind magnetic snaps, rivets, strap connectors, handles, and other stress points.
This reinforcement helps distribute pressure and protects the fabric from stretching or tearing during use.
Choosing the Right Amount of Structure
These are general starting points. Follow the recommendations in your pattern whenever possible and test unfamiliar combinations on scraps before applying them to all of your pieces.
| Desired Outcome | Possible material combination |
|---|---|
| Soft and slouchy | Medium-weight fabric with light woven interfacing |
| Soft but shaped | Exterior fabric with woven interfacing and fusible fleece |
| Padded and structured | Quilting cotton with woven interfacing and foam |
| Firm and defined | Exterior fabric with Decovil Light |
| Supported bag base | Foam, Decovil, Kraft-Tex, or removable Bontex |
Bag Hardware and Closures
Hardware not only adds function, durability, and a professional finish to a handmade bag, but it adds style!
Common bag hardware includes:
- D-rings
- Rectangle rings
- Swivel hooks
- Strap sliders
- Magnetic snaps
- Rivets
- Chicago screws
- Purse feet
- Zipper pulls
- Handles
- Strap connectors
Make sure the inside width of your rings, hooks, and sliders matches the finished width of your strap. For example, a 1-inch strap generally requires hardware with a 1-inch inside opening.
When purchasing several pieces for the same bag, choose a matching finish such as nickel, antique brass, gold, rose gold, gunmetal, or matte black.
Where to Buy Bag Hardware
These are some of the places I check for bag hardware, closures, strap supplies, and coordinating finishes:
- Buckleguy.com (top quality and one of my favorite sources)
- CraftMeMore (another source I use frequently, especially if I need some quick shipping and can order on Amazon)
- Wawak (A top supplier with fast shipping and great customer service)
- My Handmade Space (all the basics in all the finishes)
- Emmaline Bags
- Sallie Tomato
- Bringberry Handbag Hardware and Designs (find a collection of unique hardware here!)
- Etsy
- Amazon
Selection can vary, so compare the measurements listed by the supplier with the measurements in your pattern before ordering.
Hardware Buying Tip
When shopping for hardware, double-check these details before adding it to your cart:
- Inside width
- Finish color
- Quantity included
- Material or metal type
- Screw length, post length, or rivet size
- Compatibility with your fabric thickness
- Whether special tools are needed for installation
Small measurement differences can matter. A strap slider that is too narrow can make the strap difficult to adjust, while a magnetic snap post that is too short may not work through reinforced fabric.
Zippers by the Yard
Zippers by the yard are useful if you make bags often or want to coordinate zipper tape and pulls across multiple projects.
They are especially helpful for:
- Zipper pockets
- Recessed zipper panels
- Large bags
- Travel bags
- Projects with multiple zippers
Finished-Length Zippers
Finished-length zippers are convenient when a pattern calls for a specific zipper size and can also be cut to the desired size. They are easy to purchase locally and may be a good option for beginners.
Bag Straps and Handles
Straps and handles can change the look, feel, and function of a handmade bag. The same pattern can feel more casual with webbing, more polished with leather handles, or more customized with a handmade fabric strap.
Always check the pattern first for the recommended strap width, length, and attachment method. Changing the strap may also change the hardware you need.
Fixed-Length Straps
A fixed-length strap is sewn or attached at one finished length. This is usually the simplest option and works well for totes, shoulder bags, and crossbody bags.
Fixed straps can be made from fabric, denim, canvas, webbing, leather, faux leather, or upcycled materials like belts.
Adjustable Straps
An adjustable strap lets the wearer change the length of the strap. This is especially useful for crossbody bags, sling bags, and bags that may be worn over different layers of clothing.
Adjustable straps usually need a strap slider and one or more rings. If the strap is removable, you may also need swivel hooks.
The Sidecar Crossbody Bag comes with all the options of strap types.
Handmade Straps
Handmade straps are a great way to match or coordinate with your bag. They can be made from quilting cotton, canvas, denim, leather, faux leather, or a combination of materials.
Fabric straps often need interfacing to prevent stretching and add strength. Topstitching along the long edges also helps the strap hold its shape.
TIP: A compensating foot is a game-changer for topstitching along the edges of a strap!
Webbing, Premade Straps, and Handles
Webbing is a strong ready-made strap material that works well for crossbody bags, totes, backpacks, and everyday bags. It comes in different widths, colors, fibers, and finishes.
Premade straps and handles are also a great option when you want a finished look without making the strap from scratch. Look for leather handles, faux leather handles, cotton webbing straps, nylon straps, chain straps, bamboo handles, acrylic handles, or replacement crossbody straps.
Before buying a premade strap or handle, check how it attaches to the bag. Some are sewn into a seam, some clip onto rings, and others need rivets or screws.
Common Strap Hardware
Common strap hardware includes:
- D-rings
- Rectangle rings
- O-rings
- Swivel hooks
- Strap sliders
- Rivets
- Chicago screws
- Handle connectors
Match the hardware size to the finished strap width. For example, a 1-inch strap usually needs 1-inch rings, sliders, and hooks.
Common Bag Strap Lengths
Strap length depends on the size of the bag, the size of the person wearing it, and where you want the bag to sit.
| Strap style | Common finished length |
|---|---|
| Short handles | 12–18 inches |
| Shoulder straps | 20–30 inches |
| Short crossbody strap | 40–45 inches |
| Standard crossbody strap | 46–54 inches |
| Long crossbody strap | 55–60 inches |
| Adjustable crossbody strap | About 34–60 inches |
The best way to choose a strap length is to measure a bag you already like. Measure from one attachment point, over the shoulder or across the body, to the other attachment point.
Reinforcing Strap Attachment Points
Straps and handles get a lot of stress during everyday use. Reinforce strap attachment areas with interfacing, stabilizer, extra stitching, rivets, or a combination of these methods.
This is especially important for larger bags, heavier bags, and lightweight fabrics.
Needles, Thread, and Presser Feet
The right needle and thread become especially important when sewing through exterior fabric, lining, stabilizer, straps, and folded seam allowances.
Sewing Machine Needles
Choose a needle based on the fabric and the total thickness of the project. Remember, the type of needle is for the chosen materials, the size is for the thread weight.
Depending on the material, a bag may require:
- A universal needle
- A denim or jeans needle
- A Microtex needle
- A leather needle
Install a fresh needle before beginning a large project. Replace it if you hear popping sounds, experience skipped stitches, or notice that the needle is struggling through the layers.
Thread
A quality all-purpose polyester thread works for many fabric bag projects and general sewing projects. Polyester thread has enough strength and flexibility for items that will be handled regularly.
Coats and Clark and Gutermann thread are popular and readily available choices.
Find all-purpose thread on Amazon →
A heavier weight bonded-nylon thread should be used with vinyl and leather.
My favorite bag making thread comes from The Thread Exchange – their thread has a little grit which I find sews beautifully on my machines.
Helpful Presser Feet
Always make sure to purchase presser feet that are intended to be used with your machine. Not all presser feet are created equally and could potentially damage your machine!
A standard presser foot will work for many steps, but these feet can make particular materials or construction methods easier:
- Zipper foot
- 1/4″ foot
- 1/8″ foot
- Walking foot – great for quilting lines and bulky layers
- Nonstick or Teflon foot – necessary for leather and vinyl sewing
- Roller foot
- Edge-stitching foot or compensating presser foot – this makes a huge difference for topstitching along edges to help keep topstitching more consistent
I recommend purchase brand name presser feet for the best quality and success when sewing.
Essential Bag-Making Tools
You may already own many of the tools needed for your first bag.
Basic Cutting and Sewing Tools
- Sewing machine
- Iron and pressing surface – You can buy or DIY a pressing mat
- Fabric scissors – I like these gold-handled Gingher Scissors. A lot of people also recommend Kia scissors.
- Rotary cutter – This is necessary for leather that will have an exposed edge.
- Self-healing cutting mat
- Acrylic rulers – these are my favorite!
- Seam ripper – this is the only seam ripper I use and recommend
- Dissappearing fabric marking pen – I use these fabric pens
- Leather marking pen – I use these leather pens more than fabric pens
- Sewing clips – Buy the quality ones and they’ll last much longer!
Wonder Clips
Wonder Clips hold thick layers together without creating holes. They are especially useful for vinyl, leather, foam, boxed corners, bindings, and bulky seams.
Double-Sided Tape
Wash-away or sewing-safe double-sided tape can hold zippers, straps, vinyl, and leather in position before sewing.
Do not sew through a tape unless it is specifically intended for sewing. Some adhesives can build up on the needle and cause skipped stitches. I recommend using 1/4″ or 1/8″ double-sided tape to keep it out of the sewing area to avoid build-up and skipped stitches.
This is another time to buy a brand name double-sided tape for sewing for the best quality and success when sewing bags.
Fabric and Leather Marking Pens
Use a marking tool appropriate for the material. Always test it on a scrap or hidden area first to make sure the mark can be removed without damaging or discoloring the fabric.
Stiletto
A sewing stiletto helps guide small pieces and bulky seams safely under the presser foot while keeping your fingers away from the needle.
This is my number one tool for sewing! I use the ByAnnie’s wooden stiletto and pressing tool.
Fabric and Leather Glue
Temporary fabric glue can hold small fabric pieces in place before sewing. Leather glue or contact adhesive can help secure leather layers that cannot be pinned.
I use this Elmer’s Craft Glue stick all the time in sewing. It won’t gunk up the needle and sticks quickly for temporary hold.
A good-old washable school glue stick is another great option for temporary stick that can be sewn through.
This is the leather glue I use when I need it.
Poly Roller
A poly roller helps press glued or taped leather and vinyl pieces together without marking the surface. It can also help flatten seams that should not be pressed with a hot iron.
Here are a couple poly rollers for leatherwork options on Amazon
Cricut Maker or Digital Cutting Machine
A digital cutting machine can be useful for cutting certain fabric, vinyl, leather, labels, templates, and small bag components.
It is optional and is not required for most Scratch and Stitch sewing patterns. Most of my patterns include SVG files that can be imported into your cutting machine software.
RELATED: Check out my Cricut Specific Sewing Projects.
Tools for Installing Bag Hardware
Basic bag hardware can often be installed with individual hand-setting tools, but a press can make installation faster and more consistent.
Hole Punch
A rotary punch or drive punch creates holes for rivets, Chicago screws, snaps, and other hardware.
Use a cutting mat or another protected work surface underneath the material.
I use a manual Japense hole punch to make holes for rivets and more.
Poly Mallet
A poly or rawhide mallet is a great tool to have on hand for flattening bulky seams. It’s not just for leather, I often pound thick seam layers of denim.
Here’s the poly mallet I use often for flattening bulky seams.
Rivet and Grommet Press
A tabletop or hand press can install rivets, snaps, grommets, and other hardware. Each type and size of hardware generally requires a compatible die.
A press is not essential for making your first bag, but it can be a worthwhile upgrade if you use hardware regularly.
Beginner Bag-Making Shopping List
For a first bag project, begin with:
- A beginner-friendly bag pattern
- Exterior fabric
- Lining fabric
- The interfacing or stabilizer listed in the pattern
- Any required zipper, snap, or hardware
- Quality thread
- A fresh sewing machine needle
- Fabric scissors or a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler
- Sewing clips
- A marking tool
Purchase specialty presses, punches, presser feet, and other upgrades as you encounter projects that need them.
More Bag-Making Projects and Tutorials
Ready to put these supplies to use? These Scratch and Stitch projects are a good place to start:
Bag-Making Supply FAQs
What is the best fabric for a beginner bag maker?
Quilting cotton and medium-weight canvas are both approachable choices. Quilting cotton is easy to cut and sew but sometimes needs interfacing or stabilizer. Canvas has more natural structure but can become bulky where several layers meet. Denim is always one of my favorite recommendations for beginner bag makers because it is so readily available and a forgiving material for experimenting.
Do I need interfacing to make a bag?
Not every fabric or bag style requires interfacing, but most lightweight fabrics will benefit from the additional support. Interfacing can strengthen the fabric, help a bag maintain its shape, and reinforce areas that receive regular stress (like where straps connect and seams).
I usually recommend Pellon SF101 (or similar) in my bag patterns when using quilting cotton.
What is the difference between interfacing and stabilizer?
Interfacing primarily supports the fabric to reduce stretch and give fabric a bit more body. Stabilizer adds shape or firmness to the finished project. Foam stabilizer or quilt batting will also adds padding and loft and also works great for adding quilted line details.
Can I make bags with a regular sewing machine?
Many fabric bags can be sewn on a standard domestic sewing machine. Success depends on the machine, needle, thread, material, and number of layers.
Using the correct needle and thread is my #1 recommendation for success with any sewing project. Always test the maximum amount of layers with scraps of the exact materials to know that your machine can handle. Sew slowly over bulky areas and never force a the project through your machine. I’ve sewn many projects by turning the flywheel for every stitch!
Very thick leather or multi-layer construction may require an industrial or heavy-duty machine.
Should I use pins or clips for bag making?
Pins work well for many woven fabrics. Clips are generally better for vinyl, leather, foam, and thick layers because they do not leave permanent holes.
What size hardware do I need for bag straps?
Match the hardware size to the finished width of the strap. For example, a 1-inch finished strap usually needs 1-inch rings, sliders, and swivel hooks.
Always check the inside width of the hardware, not just the outside measurement.
Thicker straps may require wide-mouth adjustable sliders when making adjustable straps.
What is the best strap length for a crossbody bag?
A common adult crossbody strap length is about 46–54 inches, but the best length depends on body size, bag size, and where you want the bag to sit. For the most accurate fit, measure a crossbody bag you already like from one attachment point to the other.
Where can I find bag-making patterns?
Browse the Scratch and Stitch collection of practical bag patterns, including totes, organizers, crossbody bags, and designs created for upcycled materials.
Start With the Pattern
Bag making does not require a huge collection of specialty supplies. Start with a pattern you love, gather the materials listed for that project, and add new tools and hardware as you need them.
The right fabric, stabilizer, hardware, needle, and thread can make the sewing process smoother and help your finished bag look polished and hold up to everyday use.
Ready to make your next bag? Browse my bag sewing patterns and find a project to sew next.