Beginner here!

[iBritt]

Okay, so I just became interested in crafts, and I've already made a duct tape wallet, and this weekend, I considered tackling a duct tape messenger bag.

But I want to make other types of bags as well, involving cloth and fabric.  I have no sewing skills...whatsoever .  I'm willing to learn! As soon as I find a cheap sewing machine.

Any tips?

[dsam4701]

First of all, welcome to the wonderful world of crafting.

That being said, I would suggest using a pattern as a means to learning how to make a fabric bag. I say this because a pattern can teach you the proper order in which to assemble a bag and it tells you exactly what materials you need to make the bag.

After you get the hang of putting bags together it will be easier for you to make patterns for your own bags.

Good Luck.

[groooovy]

Yes, Welcome! 
I agree with DSam, start with a simple type pattern and learn.  You'll learn tons very quickly.
Don't be in a hurry, practice on cheap fabric.
Hope you find a good machine soon. 

[hat-and-bag-lady]

Hello and welcome to Craftster.

A place to look for a Sewing Machine might be auctions/Yard Sales.  If patterns, cloth or quilting materials is listed, drop by; it might have a sewing machine. (Try not to get carried away; it's easy to do at yard sales/auctions)

Simplictiy Sewing Patterns has a line out called "Sewing for Dummies" patterns. Very useful for new sewers.

There are also terrific Sewing Books out there. "Sewing for Dummies" is available by Jan Somebody-or-the-other. Very useful.  Also, as you have found Craftster, there are other useful sewing websites on Cyberspace. (IE "Pattern Review")

Good luck with learning sewing and finding a sewing machine.

[Idle Hands]

If you're looking to start with making bags, I'm having fun with the projects in the "Sew What! Bags" by Lexie Barnes.  She goes over the basics of sewing in the first two chapters and has many patterns to try with 3 different skill levels.  If I wanted to spend half a day trying to figure out how to construct a particular bag I could, but her book makes it much easier.  The projects range from the super newbie to some more involved projects with lots of pockets and parts.

As for the sewing machine, I'd recommend going to a sewing repair shop and seeing what they have for used machines.  Many times they have machines than a brand new cheap plastic junk machine.  Depending on the shop they may also offer a free sewing class with the purchase of a machine.

[soorawn]

There are some very good tutorials here in this section, with step-by-step instructions and pictures.  Start with a make-up bag, they're quite simple and rewarding, and read the tips that run around.  And I warn you... making bags is addictive!

[hat-and-bag-lady]

There are some very good tutorials here in this section, with step-by-step instructions and pictures.  Start with a make-up bag, they're quite simple and rewarding, and read the tips that run around.  And I warn you... making bags is addictive!

Y-e-a-h: I'm afraid I agree 100%. Making bags is addictive. (I ... hide some of the bags I make, otherwise, my DH might ask why I have so-o-o-o many. Then, later on, I find them again, and it's like ... Christmas! "I forgot I even made that one...")

I think it's because Bags aren't difficult to make, they can be personalized, they don't need any fitting, they can be made out of any kind of material (Canvas to Silk), and they look great (even with errors you might have made on them)

[armywife116]

i'm new to the sewing thing too.

my suggestion: go for a basic sewing machine, not too many bells and whistles, just enough so you can learn the ropes. i bought a singer simple 3116 and it's perfect for learning. then make sure you watch the instructional dvd that usually comes with new machines if you end up buying one or scope out youtube.

there's a wealth of information online

best of luck!

[BriShae]

For starters, A cheap sewing machine, do your research and find a good one for cheap on ebay. they can be in good condition and work really good!

Just experiment and do what you think will work. ive done it before and some of my sewing crafts came out really good!

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!