Materials for Bag Making and How to Upcycle Them
Almost any type of fabric can be used for bag making, from sturdy leather to stretch knit. What you decide to use is going to depend on how you want the bag to look and perform and what you plan to use it for.
In this post, I’ll not only tell you about some of the more common materials used for bag making but I’m also going to tell you how to find upcycled or sustainable options for each type of material.
Leather
Leather is a durable and versatile material made from animal hides. It comes in various types, including full-grain, top-grain, and suede. Leather can add a luxurious and classic look to bags. Sewing leather requires special equipment such as heavy-duty sewing machines and specialty needles. Because of this, it might not be the best choice of material if you are just starting.
Upcyced Leather
Look for used leather jackets at thrift stores. They may not be easy to find and, in my opinion, a good leather jacket may be worth holding onto and wearing. You can also check with upholstery stores and suppliers to see if you can buy remnants or scraps.
Canvas
Canvas is a heavy-duty fabric woven from cotton or linen. It is sturdy and durable, making it perfect for tote bags and backpacks. Canvas comes in a variety of colors and patterns and it takes well to embellishments and decorations. Canvas is easy to sew on most domestic (home) sewing machines.
Upcyced Canvas
Sometimes you can find canvas fabric pieces at thrift stores or canvas remnants at your local fabric store. Check the home decor section of the thrift store, sometimes you can find curtains made from canvas or canvas-type fabrics.
Another great source of canvas is canvas bags. These are often given away as promotional items. You can use them as it and just cover any logos or you can cut them up and use the fabric for other projects.
Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic material known for its strength and water resistance. It’s lightweight and often used for sporty or outdoor-style bags. Nylon is available in various colors and finishes. While most domestic sewing machines should be able to sew nylon, it can be slippery so may need to use clips or pins.
Upcyced Nylon
Look for jackets, coats, and gym bags made of nylon to repurpose their materials. Other sources of nylon fabric could be old tents, broken umbrellas, or old banner signs.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a synthetic material with a plastic-like appearance. It’s water-resistant and easy to clean. It’s suitable for a range of bag styles, including those with a modern or retro aesthetic. Vinyl can come in a variety of colors and patterns and it also has the advantage of coming in clear, making it a great option if you plan to make stadium bags. Vinyl comes in different thicknesses so make sure you pick something that will work for your bag and can be sewn on your sewing machine. It can be sticky and hard to sew. It is recommended that you use a Teflon presser foot for sewing vinyl.
Upcyced Vinyl
Vinyl is often used as a substitute for leather so you can find coats, bags, and even cushions made from vinyl. Like leather, you can also check upholstery shops and suppliers for remnants and scraps. I often find vinyl remnants at the fabric stores and buy them when I can. If you are planning to make smaller projects like coin purses or wallets, you might be able to use old purses or bags.
Webbing and Strapping
Webbing and strapping are strong and durable woven fabrics often made from nylon or polyester. They are used for bag straps and handles, providing stability and strength.
Upcyced Webbing and Strapping
These items may be a little harder to find by thrifting so you may need to get creative. Webbing and strapping can be found in old furniture or on nylon bags. I have saved webbing from a ripped Christmas tree bag and I have some strapping I took from a broken chair we stripped before tossing it.
Mid-Weight Woven and Quilting Cotton
Mid-weight woven fabrics are usually used in garments such as pants, skirts, dresses, jackets, and some shirts. Depending on the type of bag you are making, you may need to add interfacing to mid-weight woven fabric.
Quilting cotton is lighter than mid-weight woven fabrics but it has the advantage of coming in a variety of colors and patterns. It’s great for accent pieces but if you plan to make a full bag out of quilting cotton you will want to use a mid to heavy interfacing.
Upcyced Mid-Weight Woven and Quilting Cotton
This is where the thrift store is your playground. Pants, jeans, and jackets are great for making bags. Woven shirts such as button-ups and blouses are great for both bag lining and smaller bags. Depending on the size of your project, you should be able to work around stains and rips giving the fabric new life. You can also experiment with using the details from the clothing in your bag design. I like to use the shirt placket and pocket on the inside of my bags. It adds a nice surprising detail.
Other sources of woven fabric are bedding, like sheets and duvet covers.
Home Decor Fabric
Home decor fabric is a heavier-weight fabric designed for home furnishings and drapery. It can durability and structure to bags. Home decor fabric often features bold patterns and textures which can get lost if making smaller bags. Larger, bold patterns are best to use when making totes and other large bags.
Upcyced Home Decor Fabric
Since leather and vinyl can fall under home decor we already covered checking for remnants and scraps at upholstery shops. If you are at the thrift store, look for drapes and even tablecloths as these are often made from heavier materials.
Tweed
Tweet is a woolen fabric known for its textured and often multicolored appearance. It adds a classic and sophisticated look to bags. Tweed is ideal for fall and winter styles.
Upcyced Tweed
Blazers and suit jackets are great sources of tweed and tweed-looking materials and they can make beautiful bags. You can also find tweed in pants, skirts, and coats.
Cord
Cord is a thick, twisted, or braided material. It is used for drawstrings, bag closures, or decorative elements.
Upcyced Cord
Because of its practical use in many applications cord is easy to find. You may have some leftover cord in your garage that was used to tie up bundles of sticks or for clothesline. Keep your eyes open when you are at garage sales and thrift stores.
Shoe strings are a great option when you need a smaller cord for drawstring or small straps.
Lining Fabric
Lining fabric is a lightweight fabric used to line the inside of bags and pockets. It protects the contents and provides a finished look. Lining fabric is often chosen for its smooth texture.
Upcyced Lining Fabric
Lightweight blouses and curtains can be used for lining material. If you are already upcycling a blazer, coat, or wool pants. You can save the lining from these to repurpose.
As you can see you can find a world of great fabrics when you look for thrifted, discarded, salvaged, and scrap materials. These materials can also be affordable and unique meaning your project will be one of a kind.
Do you use upcycled fabrics in your sewing?
Do you have any ideas that are not mentioned here?
Happy Sewing,
Kelly
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