The Build A Bag Book: Tote Bags (sew 15 Stunning Projects And Endless Variations)

Create 15 stunning tote bag designs using the two reusable plastic templates.

New from Debbie Shore, this is a brand new bag-making series with a difference!

The 15 tote bag designs are created using the rigid plastic templates contained within the book; these two easy-to-use templates are durable, reusable, wipe-clean and perfect for fussy cutting, plus they are simple to position and use – there is no need to pin them. 

The 15 tote bags are each made using different techniques, pockets, straps and fastenings, to create 15 very different results. The templates can also be used for your own further design variations, as you mix and match the techniques covered within the book; Debbie gives advice on how to adapt and create your own unique designs. Each project in the book is explained using Debbie’s trademark style and step-by-step photography, and there is also a comprehensive techniques section and a guide to using the templates.

Introduction 6
Understanding the templates 8
Materials 12
Tools 14
Techniques 16
Debbie’s top tips 26
Glossary 27
The Projects 28
Simple 30
Crafty 34
Curved flap 38
Knot 42
Patchwork 46
Piped 50
Patch pocket 54
Purse with flap 58
Purse with zip 62
Foldaway 66
Quilted 70
Beach bag 74
Drawstring bag 78
Double pocket 82
Bow 88
A little something extra 92
Index 96

Sew News Staff Pick - Find everything you need to create 15 stylish bags and design countless more with The Build a Bag Book & Templates. It contains easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and is stored in a handy hardback folder with two sturdy, reusable templates, making it a valuable resource that you''ll come back to again and again. 

These two stunning new titles from Debbie convince us yet again that we can never have too many bags!  Each book comes in an attractive hard-back folder which also encloses a wallet containing two durable plastic templates, from which, by following Debbie’s impeccable instructions, it is possible to construct fifteen different bags from each book.  There is a bag for every taste and occasion, each beautifully presented in full colour, showing Debbie’s inspiring fabric choices.  Techniques including zipped pockets, magnetic closures and piping are all covered in detail, making these projects suitable for every level of sewing expertise.  Debbie also includes inspiring suggestions on adapting the templates to expand the design possibilities and create even more bags.  Outstanding value for money, these books are a definite must-have for every bag-loving sewer.

Debbie Shore has released two new bag making books in a new series of books with Search Press – the Build a Bag series. The first two books focus on Tote Bags and Occasion bags, each book containing instructions for 15 projects as well as tips on making your own variations of these designs. I hear that future books include backpacks and satchels.

What differentiates these books from other bag making books is they both come with full size reusable plastic templates, so you can use them repeatedly without the wear and tear you normally get from paper patterns. They are thin plastic templates with slots for you to draw through to mark the shape of your bag, the flap or zip positioning. The templates are also transparent, so you can fussy cut your fabric. Each book has a handy plastic pocket inside the front cover to safely store your templates, so they don’t get bent or damaged.

Both books start with a guide to using the templates, to the tools and techniques you will need to make the bags (w