Everyone needs a bag like this and it’s even better when you’ve made it yourself! This is your ultimate ‘chuck it all in’ bag, perfect for work, days out, children’s clutter or a bit of shopping. The simple shape is perfect for showcasing a beautiful tweed and the oilskin lining is both practical and stylish.

This is the perfect bag to start with if you’ve never made a bag before and there are so many variations you can make once you’ve mastered the basic pattern, that it’s one you can make over and over. During the workshop you will learn how to sew a fully lined bag, using the ‘bagging out’ technique to ensure there are no raw edges on show. We will be using a fusible interfacing to give our bags extra strength, but there are no tricky interlinings to manage. There is a simple magnetic snap closure in the top edge and for those who want more of a challenge, an optional zipped pocket inside.

Materials charge per person £10 - To be ​paid to Emma in cash on the day

You will need to bring the following:

• Sewing machine: in good working order plus zipper foot if you have one (most machines come with one included and Emma can help you identify it if you’re not sure which it is)
• Fabric:
• 75cm length of tweed or another outer fabric (canvas, upholstery etc) it should be around 140cm wide.
• 75cm length of DRY oilskin around 140cm wide. This needs to be the dry version rather than regular oilskin. The best place to buy it is ‘Merchant & Mills’ online. If you prefer to use another fabric, try to get something sturdy like canvas.
• Matching thread for each fabric.
• Scissors
• Pins or quilters clips
• Pen/pencil/ruler

Emma will provide the paper pattern, full written instructions, interfacing, magnetic snap and zip (if using)

Emma is a self taught bag maker who has been selling her bags and teaching bag making workshops in Cumbria for the last 10 years. She specialises in tweed and likes to use British wool tweeds from Harris, Yorkshire and Cumbria in her work. Emma designs all her own patterns and focuses particularly on wearable, practical styles made with attention to detail and quality fabrics. She recently moved into a studio at Brougham Hall, outside Penrith.

10am – 3pm 
Maximum number 8
Minimum Age 14 
£85 

Please note tickets are non-refundable. Exchanges to other classes by the same tutor may be offered more than 2 weeks before the start date (subject to availability).