Fabrics:

Greige Cotton and Tencel Denim - 11oz

The fabric to go for all our bags is the 11oz Greige Cotton and Tencel Denim. It's a perfect blend of durability and softness, offering a natural look with a sturdy feel. Ideal for creating bags that are long-lasting.

Tools:

Fiskars 9-Inch Bent Dressmaker Shears

These are the scissors I keep coming back to—after trying everything from high-end professional shears to boutique brands, Fiskars are still my go-to. They’re reliable, sharp, and low-maintenance. While fancy shears need special care, these just work—and keep working for years. When they finally wear out, I simply get a new pair. If you want dependable, no-fuss scissors that handle all your sewing needs, these are it.

SINGER Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine

Coming from a background of using only industrial machines, I was seriously skeptical about home models. But after moving into a smaller studio, I needed something compact, versatile, and tough. I gave the SINGER 4423 a shot—and I was shocked. It’s genuinely heavy-duty, sews through leather, offers a variety of stitches (yes, zigzag too!), and doesn’t take up much space. At around $200, it’s an amazing value. Perfect for home use without compromising on power or performance. And if you want something fancier—it comes in blue too.

Gutermann Denim Thread 6 SPLS Multicoloured

Good thread makes all the difference—and trust me, you’ll thank me later. Ripping threads mid-project? Beyond frustrating. Gutermann’s denim thread is strong, reliable, and perfect for thick fabrics like denim or canvas. It holds up under pressure and gives your work that clean, professional finish. Don’t cut corners on thread—this one’s worth it.

And if you're working with lighter fabrics, check out the Gutermann Sew-All thread—it’s perfect for everything else.

OLFA Double-Sided Self-Healing Rotary Mat

Once you start cutting on a proper mat, you'll never go back to the kitchen table. This OLFA mat is the one I use in my studio — 24×36 inches, which sounds big until you're cutting a bag body panel and realise you need every inch of it.

The self-healing surface is the real selling point. After hundreds of cuts it still looks and performs like new — no deep grooves, no fabric catching on old lines. The double-sided design means you can flip it over and essentially get two mats in one. At 1.5mm thick it lies perfectly flat and doesn't shift around while you're working.

If you're serious about bag making, this is not optional equipment. It protects your table, extends the life of your rotary cutter blade, and makes every cut cleaner and more accurate. Get the biggest mat you can fit on your workspace — you'll use every centimetre.