Beginner Back to School & Work BAGS! Three WEEK Series

Back-to-School / Work Bags Series – Three-Week Beginner Series Get ready for school, work, or everyday adventures with three handmade bags! In this fun, beginner-friendly series, teens and adults will learn essential sewing and bag-making skills while sewing a zipper pencil case, an insulated lunch bag, and a convertible tote pack. We’ll start with a simple zippered pencil case before moving on to the Chubby Lunch Tote and the Seamwork Lee Convertible Bag—a roomy bag that can be carried as either a tote or a backpack. Each project introduces new techniques, helping students build their skills and confidence throughout the series. By the end of the class, students will leave with three useful bags they’ll be proud to carry into the new school year and beyond. This class is for Teens or Adults. (If under 18, just tick the box they are 18 and tell us in the notes the age of the teen) Skills You’ll Learn Identify sewing machine parts and use a sewing machine with confidence Wind a bobbin and thread a sewing machine Understand seam allowance and follow pattern instructions Cut, pin, and sew woven fabrics Install standard zippers Sew linings and create neatly finished bags Work with insulated batting and interfacing Make and attach bag handles Install grommets and a magnetic snap Create a convertible cord strap Who It’s For Perfect for tweens, teens, and adults who are new to sewing or want to build their beginner bag-making skills. No previous sewing experience is required. Materials You may purchase materials from us at checkout or bring your own materials. The materials will include the zippers, interfacing, batting, hardware, cord, and other project-specific supplies needed to complete all three bags and you'll select the fabric from a variety of choices when you arrive at the first class. Materials Provided: Sewing machine, thread, patterns and instructions, fabric shears, pins and clips, marking tools, measuring tools, iron and ironing board, specialty sewing machine feet and tools needed during class Needed: fabric and supplies - you can purchase from us or supply your own. Bringing Your Own Materials If you choose not to purchase the materials from Topstitch, please bring all of the following: Zipper Pencil Case 2 fat quarters of quilting cotton 1 standard 9-inch zipper Chubby Lunch Tote 1 fat quarter or ⅓ yard quilting cotton for the exterior 1 fat quarter or ⅓ yard quilting cotton for the lining One 8" x 12" piece of fabric for the handles 1 zipper measuring at least 12 inches ½ yard Insul-Bright insulated batting or 1 yard fusible fleece 2 yards of narrow or ½-inch double-fold bias tape for finishing the interior seams Lee Convertible Tote Pack ⅞ yard heavyweight woven fabric for the exterior, such as canvas, twill, denim, duck cloth, waxed canvas, or heavyweight linen 1 yard medium-weight woven fabric for the lining, such as quilting cotton, broadcloth, chambray, or shirting 1⅜ yards lightweight fusible interfacing Six ½-inch grommets 1 magnetic snap 2⅝ yards of cording Fabric glue Class Details Level: Beginner Ages: Teens, and adults Max Class Size: 6 Duration: 3 weeks; each session is 3 hours Schedule Overview Week 1: Learn sewing machine basics and make a lined zipper pencil case Week 2: Work with insulated batting, install a zipper, and make the Chubby Lunch Tote Week 3: Install hardware and create the Lee Convertible Tote Pack, which can be carried as either a tote or a backpack *There might be some homework between classes to cut out fabrics at home. Images by Sew Can She and Seamwork Have questions about your class? Click below for details.