Bag & Pouch Supply Starter List pt. 1

There are plenty of posts out there on the supplies needed to start quilting. But, if you want to make small, useful items, or simple bags, a list of what a quilter needs will be lacking. Instead, I’m making a list here of the kind of things you can stock up on and be ready to sew and quilt all the cute, little things and basic totes too.

This post covers zippers, interfacing, and magnets. The second post will cover clips, sliders, and handle options.

First, let’s start with zippers:

There are many, many types and lengths of zippers available for a variety of projects, but I just store up a few basic types that generally work for almost all projects. My favorites are (top to bottom): metal-look nylon zippers, handbag zippers, no.3 zippers, and short metal zippers. With the exception of metal zippers, which are difficult to shorten, I buy a large number of longer zippers so I can trim them to length, but they will work for most projects. Here are the lengths I generally purchase:

1. Metal-look zippers – usually sold in three yard lengths – these are great for the look of the metal zipper without the difficulty of shortening. I like the teeth to match the tape.
2. Handbag zippers – I usually buy 18″ or 24″ because these are great for the top of a purse, larger pouch, or zipper cases. I usually choose my most used colors like gray, turquoise, pink, and beige, that way they match most everything I use.
3. No.3 zippers – I usually choose 12″ or 14″ to use for smaller pouches or inset zippers. I buy a bunch in my favorite rainbow of colors because a pretty, contrast zipper always adds a great touch.
4. Short metal zippers – These are great for outside, inset zippers. I generally buy shorter lengths like 7″.

If you’re looking for shops to purchase zippers from, you can find some recommendations in my Ulitmate Zipper Guide here.

Next, interfacing/batting:

Most of my bags for quilters patterns – like the Louisa bag – call for a combination of interfacing and flannel. Let’s talk about that and some other interfacing combinations and substitutions.

• Pellon Fusible Midweight 931TD + Flannel – this is a great combo for larger quilted bags (handbag and tote size). It gives the bag a sturdiness and also a medium for the quilting, but the bag is still soft, washes well, and doesn’t have that puffy, quilted look. It gives the bag a sturdiness and also a medium for the quilting, but the bag is still soft, washes well, and doesn’t have that puffy, quilted look. Since this interfacing is intended for cuffs and collars, it causes the bag to retain its shape and not crinkle when washed, so if you prefer it to keep that new look, this is a great choice.
  • Substitute for Midweight: Woven interfacing such as Shape-Flex
  • Substitute for Flannel: Fusible fleece or batting
  • International Substitute: Vilene Fusible Interlining H 310 (my best guess) or Legacy L-931TD Fusible Midweight
• Pellon Fusible Thermolam TP971F – My choice for smaller pouches, book sleeves, and anything else I want to have a nice shape and be sturdy. Substitute batting.
  • International Substitutes: Vilene Iron-on Fleece Medium Loft or Legacy 987F Fusible Fleece
• Pellon Shape-Flex SF101 – I use woven interfacing for linings, pockets, flaps, and to make a quilting cotton more the weight of canvas. Adds a great weight to the fabric.
  • International Substitutes: Viline Woven G700 or Legacy L101

Finally, magnets:

I love magnetic closures for bags, cases, flaps, and the like. Here are a few different types I’ve used:

1. Hidden/Sew-In Magnetic Snaps – from Tantalizing Stitches – these are my all-time favorite snaps. They have a nice strong hold and sew in so easily. I usually buy the 10mm for small projects, like wallet flaps and hexie needle minders, and 18mm for bags and purses.
2. Magnetic Snaps – these are what most people use for purse magnets. They’re just not my preference, so you generally won’t find me using these.
3. Sew-In Magnetic Snaps – this is the version of the sew-in snap you’ll find at craft stores (there should be two, but I couldn’t find the match, oops). These work much the same as the pvc version, the black rubber is sew and trimmable. The cost on these is significantly more than the pvc version, but they work great in a pinch.
4. DIY Sew-In Magnet – In a pinch, pick up some neodymium magnets at your local craft or hardware store (like these from Michael’s) and encase the magnet in interfacing or fabric, then use as a sew-in magnet.

These are my three most used bag supplies. I’ll be adding another post to talk a little more about hardware and closures, but I hope this is a good start!

Happy Sewing, Jennie xo