Bag Making Fabrics

For a standard, durable tote bag, heavy-weight Cotton Canvas or Denim are the most popular choices. These fabrics are stable, easy to sew on a domestic machine, and strong enough to carry heavy items. If you want a more lightweight, foldable bag, Cotton Poplin or Calico are great alternatives, though they may require interfacing for extra strength.

You do not necessarily need an industrial machine, but you do need the right tools. When sewing through multiple layers of heavy canvas or leatherette, you should use a Jeans or Leather needle (size 100/16 or 110/18) and a heavy-duty polyester thread. A walking foot can also be very helpful in feeding thick layers through your machine evenly.

Interfacing is the secret ingredient that gives a bag its shape and professional structure. Without it, most bags will look ‘floppy’ or collapse under their own weight. Use a heavy-weight fusible interfacing for the main body of the bag and a stiff ‘decovil’ or buckram for the base to ensure your project can stand up on its own.

Yes! For bags that need to stay dry, we recommend using our PVC-coated fabrics or our water-resistant Ripstop. These are perfect for wash bags, beach bags, and rain-proof backpacks. When sewing waterproof materials, try to avoid using pins, as they leave permanent holes; use sewing clips instead to keep your fabric perfectly intact.