Stitch Up Your Style: How To Sew A Snap Bag Like a Pro

AvatarByJill Nammar Sewing

Are you tired of constantly losing small items in your purse or backpack? Do you wish you had a practical and stylish solution for organizing your belongings? Look no further, because in this article, we will show you how to sew a snap bag that is both functional and fashionable. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, this step-by-step guide will teach you the skills needed to create your very own snap bag. Get ready to elevate your organization game and express your creativity in the process. So grab your sewing kit and let’s get started!

Welcome to the world of sewing! Sewing is a craft that has been around for centuries, and it continues to be popular for its practicality and creativity. One of the essential skills in sewing is knowing how to sew a snap bag. Snap bags are handy bags that have a snap closure and can be used for various purposes such as storing jewelry, makeup, or small items like buttons or coins. In this guide, we will go over step by step instructions on how to sew a snap bag to add to your sewing repertoire.

What You Will Need

Before we dive into the steps of sewing a snap bag, let’s go over the materials you will need:

1. Fabric – Choose a fabric of your choice. Cotton or canvas fabrics work well as they are easy to work with and durable.
2. Lining – A thin lining fabric will add structure and stability to your bag.
3. Interfacing – Optional but recommended for added stiffness.
4. Thread – Choose thread in a color that complements your fabric.
5. Snaps – Snaps come in different varieties such as sew-on snaps, magnetic snaps, or metal snaps.
6. Measuring tape
7. Scissors
8. Sewing machine (or needle if hand sewing)
9. Iron

Preparing Your Fabric

Before starting your project, it is essential to prepare your fabric by washing and ironing it beforehand. Washing your fabric ensures that any shrinkage occurs before cutting and sewing, preventing any mishaps after completion.

Once your fabric is washed and dried, iron it to remove any wrinkles or creases that can make cutting difficult.

Cutting The Fabric

To start making the snap bag, you’ll need two pieces of outer fabric and two pieces of lining fabric cut into rectangles measuring 11×7 inches each.

If you would like to add interfacing to your bag, cut the interfacing into the same size as the lining fabric pieces and iron it onto the wrong side of the lining fabric.

After cutting your fabric, make sure to trim any loose threads or frayed edges to ensure clean and neat edges.

Assembling The Bag

Now that you have all your pieces cut, it’s time to start assembling the bag. Begin by placing one of the outer fabric pieces right-side up and lay one of the lining pieces right-side down on top.

Pin the two pieces together around all four edges, leaving a 3-inch gap at the bottom edge for turning later. Repeat with the remaining outer and lining fabrics, leaving a 3-inch gap at the bottom edge.

Using a sewing machine or hand sewing needle, sew around all four edges with a ¼ inch seam allowance, backstitching at both ends.

Next, clip off each corner of both pieces, being careful not to cut into the stitching. This step helps create sharper corners when you turn your bag right-side out.

Creating The Corners

This step will give your snap bag dimension and structure. To create boxed corners on your bag:

1. Open up one corner of both outer and lining pieces by pressing it open with your fingers.
2. Pull apart from each other until the side seam is aligned with the bottom seam.
3. Measure 1 ½ inch from point up along one of the crease lines.
4. Mark this point with a pin.
5. Sew across perpendicular to stitching lines using a ½ inch seam allowance.
6. Repeat for all four corners.
7. Trim off excess fabric and turn your bag right-side out through one of the gaps left in previous steps.
8. Push out all corners using a blunt object (e.g., chopstick).

Adding The Snap Closure

Now that your bag is almost complete, it’s time to add the snap closure. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your preferred type of snaps.

If using sew-on snaps, fold down the top edge of your bag about 1 ½ inch and mark where the snap should be placed using a fabric marker.

For magnetic or metal snaps, you will need to create a loop at the top edge of your bag for them to secure into. You can do this by attaching a piece of scrap fabric or ribbon on either side of the edges with zig-zag stitching.

Once your snap closures are secured, hand sew or use a sewing machine to close the gap at the bottom of your bag.

Final Thoughts

With these simple steps, you have successfully learned how to sew a snap bag! These bags make great gifts and are an excellent addition to any sewing project. Get creative with different fabric patterns and colors, and you’ll have unique snap bags for every occasion. We hope this guide has been helpful and inspired you to create more with your sewing skills. Happy sewing!

Sewing has been a popular and practical skill for centuries, and it’s no surprise that it continues to be relevant even in today’s modern world. One useful sewing project that you can master is creating snap bags. These versatile bags are perfect for storing your small items such as makeup, jewelry, or even snacks. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make!

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps on how to sew a snap bag. Whether you’re an experienced seamstress or a beginner looking to have some fun with sewing, this tutorial is perfect for you.

Getting Started: Materials and Tools

Before we dive into the detailed steps of creating a snap bag, let’s first gather all the essential materials and tools you’ll need for this project.

Materials:
– Fabric of your choice (we recommend cotton or linen)
– Matching thread
– Snap fasteners
– Fusible interfacing (optional)
– Fabric marker
– Sewing pins

Tools:
– Sewing machine
– Iron and ironing board
– Scissors
– Seam ripper (in case of mistakes)
– Ruler or measuring tape

Preparing Your Fabric

The first step in sewing a snap bag is choosing your fabric. As mentioned above, cotton or linen are great options as they are durable and easy to work with. Make sure to pre-wash your fabric before cutting it into pieces. This will prevent any shrinkage later on.

Next, iron your fabric to remove any wrinkles and make it easier to work with. If using fusible interfacing, now is the time to fuse it onto the wrong side of your fabric according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This step is optional but recommended as it adds structure and stability to your snap bag.

Using your fabric marker, measure and mark a rectangle on your fabric that is twice the size of your desired bag. For example, if you want a 6×6 inch bag, mark a 12×12 inch rectangle. This will allow for seam allowances.

Cutting and Sewing Your Fabric

Using your scissors or rotary cutter, cut out the rectangle of fabric you just marked. Then, fold it in half with right sides together and pin around the edges to secure them in place. Make sure to leave a small opening on one side for turning the bag inside out.

Now it’s time to stitch the sides of your bag together. Using a sewing machine, sew around the edges with a ¼ inch seam allowance, leaving a small opening for turning as mentioned before. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure your stitches.

Once done, trim any excess fabric and clip the corners (taking care not to cut into your stitches). This will create sharp corners once turned inside out.

Turning Your Bag Inside Out

Carefully turn your bag inside out through the opening left earlier. Use a ruler or pencil to push out the corners and edges for a crisp finish. Now is also a good time to press your bag with an iron for a neat look.

Attaching Snap Fasteners

The final step in making your snap bag is attaching snap fasteners for closure. You can either use metal or plastic snap fasteners; both are equally effective. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to attach them onto your fabric.

Generally, you’ll need two parts of snap fasteners – one on each side of the opening. Use sewing pins to position them symmetrical on either side of the bag opening and then hand-stitch or use a hammer/mallet (for metal ones) to attach them securely onto your fabric.

And voila! You now have a charming and functional snap bag.

Tips and Tricks

– Experiment with different fabrics and patterns to create unique snap bags.
– You can add a small handle or wrist strap to your bag for easy carrying.
– If you don’t have snap fasteners, you can use buttons, magnetic closures, or even Velcro as an alternative.
– Pre-cutting the fabric for multiple bags and sewing them in an assembly-line fashion can save time.

In conclusion, now that you’ve learned how to sew a snap bag, the possibilities are endless! They make great gifts and are perfect for organizing your essentials on-the-go. With some practice and creativity, you can create snap bags of different sizes and styles to suit your needs. Happy sewing!

1. What materials do I need to sew a snap bag?
To sew a snap bag, you will need fabric, a sewing machine, coordinating thread, scissors, pins or clips, a ruler or measuring tape, and snap fasteners.

2. How do I choose the right fabric for my snap bag?
When choosing fabric for your snap bag, it is important to consider the desired weight and durability. A medium to heavy weight woven cotton or canvas fabric is often ideal for making a sturdy snap bag.

3. Do I need to use a specific type of sewing machine to make a snap bag?
No, you do not need a special sewing machine to make a snap bag. Any basic sewing machine will work just fine as long as it has the ability to sew straight and zigzag stitches.

4. Can I use snaps other than traditional sew-on ones?
Yes, there are several options for attaching snaps to your bag including magnetic snaps and plastic snaps that can be applied with pliers. It is important to choose the appropriate type of snap for your specific project.

5. How do I ensure my snap bag turns out even and symmetrical?
To ensure an even and symmetrical snap bag, it is recommended to measure and mark all the necessary lines beforehand using a ruler or measuring tape. Also, be sure to double check your measurements before cutting or sewing.

6. Is it necessary to backstitch when sewing on the snaps?
Yes, backing stitching at the beginning and end of each seam will help secure your snaps in place and prevent them from coming loose over time. This is especially important since the snaps will endure frequent use with opening and closing of the snap bag.

In conclusion, learning how to sew a snap bag can be a fun and practical skill to have. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully create your own versatile and useful snap bag. Remember to choose sturdy and durable fabric, practice precision in measuring and cutting, and utilize hand sewing or machine techniques depending on your preference. By adding snaps instead of zippers or buttons, you can easily open and close your bag without any hassle. Additionally, personalizing your snap bag with various patterns or designs allows for an individual touch. With this newfound knowledge, you can confidently tackle any project involving snaps and expand your sewing skills to new levels. Whether it’s for everyday use or as a personal gift for others, mastering the art of sewing a snap bag is an invaluable skill that will serve you well in the long run.

Author Profile

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Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.