I was self employed selling , doing shows and owning two retail shops. It is crazy but so creative. Mass producing sewing is important. Choice of fabric is important. Seasonal sewing was important for me.
This is so helpful! I'm starting to research what I need to start a bag business and your channel is a gold mine of information. Thank you! Keep it up ❤️
thanks so much for keeping it real. I despise cutting and interfacting but love bag making as long as the pattern isn't super complex. Right now, my biggest challenge is trying to change what I offer. I used to sew childrens clothing, but am much more interested in bags and things that appeal to more people than just children. New subscriber! I look forward to catching up on your videos :)
I'm enjoying your videos on bag making business. I was clueless before and am now learning so much. Maybe I'll step out and give it a shot. Looking forward to more of your ideas. Thanks :)
I am SO glad the videos are helping!!! When I decided to do this series, I wasn’t sure how it would go over, so it’s nice to know it is actually helpful!!!
Thank you. Your videos are very helpful and enjoyable. I'm just at the planning stage at the moment and perfecting my craft. I'm hoping to set up my business as my 50th birthday present to myself! I know it's a strange birthday present but it's true what you said about doing something you enjoy x
omg I m getting itchy fingers just from listening but I ve never really sowed anything bag like or REALLY anyhting else. But I rescued a Brother (DB2-B755-3 ) recently from being scrapped. So I d LOVE to hear/watch anything about working with the industrial machines. I ll be binging your vids here until I ve run out. Love the channel already.
I greatly appreciate this video. Creating bags is something I want to do in the future and you have definitely given me a lot to think about as I continue this going down this entrepreneur path.
💕 Love!! ❤️ Love!! Your videos, your personality.. You are sooo informative!! Please provide your streamlined process for the NCW. I belong to the FB NCW Addicts group. Please show how you do the card slots for the regular and mini size. Oh yes and you also started you used WPC for interior. Thank you, can’t wait!
Thank you soo very much for this video. I am new to your channel and this is exactly what I needed. This topic was a struggling point and you helped a bunch. Great advice!
I'd just like to say thank you. I recently started watching you and I've learned quite a lot about starting a bag business. It's been a dream of mine for about 10 years. Lost my corporate job of 20 years last year during the lock-downs and have no desire to go back to that world. I finally have the time to make my dream come true, I just needed the know-how (and some money to get started with materials. Do you have a video on sourcing parts (best zipper, vinyl, hardware sources?)
My daughter has been begging me to let her open an Etsy shop bc she loves to make jewelry. This is amazing advice for her as well as bag makers! Thanks!
Right on! What great advice you provide on this video, thank you so much, I had found out some of these things on my own experience selling my items, and there is nothing like to continue enjoying what you produce, but if you want o sell and enjoy, better be careful what patterns you choose, love your videos, they are very helpful.
Grate video! Love all the tips you have. I don’t have a business, And I’m not going too have one but I love your videos 😊 and I do love the mighty messenger 😁
It’s so hard! I want to make them all! But ideally I know I won’t. I have a lot I have purchased but evaluated to be too big or complex. Other thing is I just love small bags!
thank you again. again great information. and yes i choose 5 bags that i like to make, they are fun for me and i am at a wonder when they are completed. plus i would like to make my bags over fall/winter and then sell them during the spring/summer festivals.
Thanks Fierce! Very enjoyable and great information! I like to have a zip pocket for valuable items inside most bags - for stuff smaller than cat poop?😝
Great thoughts. I completely agree with you about "not putting a pocket in a pocket". My friend refers to things like that as "polishing the polish on the polish". As a quilting cotton bagmaker/newbie, I am interested in exploring the marine vinyl and waterproof canvas, but I just wonder one thing. Are they heavy enough to feel full when they are empty? I can make things for a diverse clientele (not just what I would carry), but I need to understand that heavy part. Also you mentioned using denim needles in your thread video, but I wonder about non-stick Schmetz for vinyl and other types of needles than denim in the size 100 range (the largest my domestic machine accomodates). Thank you so much for sharing your experience and saving us time and energy. May the furrce be with you ^ .) .) ^
Hi I really enjoy your videos there insightful and the knowledgeable . They are also comprehensive and easy to follow I really like your style thanks for sharing .
I looked and I couldn't find one but do you have a tutorial for the sweet pea? Your version seems alot simpler than blue calla plus I love listening to your commentary. I'm so glad I found your channel. I dont think I will start my own business but i might make and sell to friends possibly. More for fun than anything else. Squirrel!!! Ahhh if you haven't made the video respectfully request one...pweeeeezzzzzeeeee!!!
I actually don’t have a Sweet Pea tutorial! I need to ping her and make sure she’s ok with it. It’s a free pattern, but I still like to check with the pattern creator first.
So glad I found your channel. I've started making bags but not heard of waterproof canvas. I've checked Joanns but they don't have it. Where is a good source for purchasing? And to save is it better to have one color for all bags? Maybe a beige or tan?? I'll be checking your videos.
I really should do a NCW video. The longer tutorial videos take a lot of planning, and a whole Saturday for me really. That's why I haven't done as many. I'm making a freebie pattern now (thanks to my glorious Twitch community's charitable contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital) and need to do a companion video for that. For the water proof canvas - I get Ottertex brand from either Fabric.com or Fabric Wholesale Direct.
Thank you for this. I've recently got myself an Etsy store. Just given it a name so far. Haven't been able to decide exactly what to list yet so this is very helpful. Would love to see an NCW tutorial 😊🧡
Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge! I honestly have been thinking of this exact subject today. It's like your reading my mind. Oh wait that might not be a good read...😁
Thank you for all your information. I’m just getting started & I was wondering how much fabric do you buy of one pattern. I normally buy 1 yard of something but if I want to sell bags, how do you know how much to buy? I hope I’m making sense.
100% same here. I will never understand that. I'm sure someone's down to clown with card slots built into a bag that will totally sag and go nasty after a few uses, but I'm not. I also refuse to waste time on a slip pocket. It's honestly faster to toss in a zippered pocket or welted "slip" pocket that won't stretch out!
Hey very nice video ! I am wanting to start up a business I was gonna make tutus for birthday suits but there are so many doing this of course my luck of course lol but easy handbags rings a bell for me and I was wondering when you say canvas saves on interfacing $ wise and time ect ! That really makes a lot of since to me as heck fabric isn’t cheap ! May I ask where is a good starting point to start on maybe canvas and vinyl ? Is it only water proof canvas ? And what size vinyl can I get away with buying ? I do have the small cuts ya know the basic kinda that are like what is it 12 inches maybe but A few are just only come in 8 inches ! Or should I shop for yardage ? Please do you have a video of supples you can use and need ? Do you allwaya buy the enclosures from places who sell bag patterns or do you ever shop on Amazon ? I’m sorry but by the time you pay for the pieces through these companies and supplies after seeing you aren’t making hardly anything ! Do you have a video on where to find deals on these products also by chance ? I’m in a situation that I have to save my home and everything cause of job loss happening to a family member so I really have to start off as cheap as I can but also I wanna have quality ! However I need to make some $ ! Lol I really like your video ! I’ve seen a lot on here post stuff on here but you seem down to earth and like a good person ! If you have any recommendations please help me with them ! Liked and will share also and I subscribed as well ! Look for ward to seeing more posts ! Ty hon oh p.s where did you get them beautiful fabrics / vinyl I think as far as the kid prints go !? Wow so pretty :-)
Omg, I've been thinking about selling my bags. This helps a lot! If you don't mind me asking how do you go about custom orders Or do you just sell whats available on your website? Again thank you so much 🙏 💓 💖
I prefer to just sell what I make and list individually, because I get stressed if I’m doing a commission and over think some of the silliest things. I can also do what I want and theme a bag when it isn’t a commission.
To you Fierce Kittenz, and all the other bag makers, please do not undersell yourself. You have a skill set that a lot of people don’t have. And for some of you, have worked for years to perfect that skill. You deserve to get paid for what you do.
I’ve been trying to figure out what bags are going to be on my menu for the last few weeks so this was excellent timing! That being said I already decided on the Clemantis, Sweet pea and NCW so I guess I just need to find a coin purse pattern 😂 I also don’t do the pockets in my Clemantis or Sweet Pea so good company :) Do you have any good tips for making straps for the sweet pea? That’s my least favourite step
For the little coin purse, just cut 2x exterior, 4x woven interfacing, and 2x lining fabric at 5.5” wide, 4.5” tall. Use a 1/4” seam allowance. I use zipper tape, so the zipper would just need to be cut to fit. Sweet Pea strap: Do you mean you need help with the adjustable strap? I just buy seatbelt strapping to cut the time out. I am not making fabric straps anymore. Drives me nuts!
For me? I strongly prefer my Juki DU-1181N. It’s an industrial. Costs anywhere from $1000-1300 depending on where you get it. It’ll sew through just about anything. Call Steve at SewingGold.com for info :)
I got the waterproof canvas from FabricWholesaleDirect. The metal labels I got from Topwin on Alibaba: gztopwin.en.alibaba.com/?spm=a2756.trade-list-buyer.0.0.27b076e9TcTpTJ&tracelog=from_orderlist_company
Awesome video as always. Totally off subject but can I ask where you got your purple lighting for your room? It's always so relaxing to watch your videos with them on. I am assuming you don't use them when you're sewing right? Lol
I swear there's nothing more depressing to me than spending days on a very elaborate, big bag with custom materials only to see it sit on the shelf for 3-6 months >_< I love the smaller bags. I really do want to make makeup bags at some point too, especially now that I have a dedicated embroidery machine.
@@fiercekittenz I agree. Spending a lot of time on 1 bag really appeal to me. The small simple bags sell fast at fairs especially if you use cute fabric. Have you made saddled bags out of cotton and coated with a waterproof coating?
This is great! Where do have your studio, how did you decide to go this route! If someone is just beginning where are some places to go. I have a gazillion questions.....who are your favorite suppliers?
My studio is actually in my house. I don't mass produce or do shows. I sell online mostly and at my own pace as this isn't my full-time job. I just like to run a little shop and make some side cash to help justify the bonkers purchases that I make. I have never picked up a hobby and been able to just enjoy it. I always monetize somehow. HUGE character flaw :P For suppliers, I cover that in another video! But there are many, or I'd list them out here.
I would call being able to monetize hobby a gift not a flaw. Also 20 years in the bag business? Did you start when you were 5 years old? You're the greatest! SO HAPPY to have found your channel! HAPPY 2023 AND GOOD LUCK!
This is great! Thank you. My trouble is, I post creations on my Instagram and keep getting people ask if I sell. I have not crossed over yet mainly because if I do, I want to do it right. And people can be real pains! I’d love to hear your take on picky customers 😂. I’m the Cheesecake Factory of (not just bags) projects! So thank you for setting it straight on the limited menu- or shall we say, specialty items.
That "when" is the worst question about starting up the business. I knew it was time when people kept asking me how much I wanted for bags and I was taking custom orders from friends on the regular.
@@fiercekittenz thank you so much! Ive made a few zippered pouches n they look pretty good but havent ventured into totes or bags/purses yet. Looking forward to watching more of your vids.
Do you use Shopify? Etsy? Amazon? eBay? Did you design/create your own website? What software? Do you advertise? Please go over your handles. Could this be another video or two:) Thank you.
Hey! I covered it a bit in the "how to start a bag business" video. I use Shopify, do all of my own designs, Adobe suite for the software, yes I advertise (Facebook/Google). All handles are "fiercekittenz" for consistency :)
@@fiercekittenz I watched your "how to" video. I will watch it again, and I'll to be sure I take notes during all of your videos:) Thank you for all the great info you share. Is there video on your handles?
I am very rough on my bags and purses..I throw them in the floor of my 🚘 car..in my house floor ..shopping carts..so I do not invest over $60.00 for any purse…my sister …on the other hand buys designer purse..paying $$$$$$. For hers …..she babies her purses..and resales them at later dates….
Youre officially My new bestie accompaning me while crafting lol
I was self employed selling , doing shows and owning two retail shops. It is crazy but so creative. Mass producing sewing is important. Choice of fabric is important. Seasonal sewing was important for me.
Such a relief to find some to back me up when i try to explain that I'm not lazy, i just want to enjoy what I'm making mostly
This is so helpful! I'm starting to research what I need to start a bag business and your channel is a gold mine of information. Thank you! Keep it up ❤️
Thank you for the all of the information it is so good to here from someone who have been do it for a while ❤
thanks so much for keeping it real. I despise cutting and interfacting but love bag making as long as the pattern isn't super complex. Right now, my biggest challenge is trying to change what I offer. I used to sew childrens clothing, but am much more interested in bags and things that appeal to more people than just children. New subscriber! I look forward to catching up on your videos :)
I love watching your videos! Not only do I learn a lot but you are so funny at the same time. You seem so authentic and approachable. Thank you!
I'm so glad I found your channel. I really needed to hear this cause now I'm not so stressed about having so much on my shop
so so humble for someone with this much of experience!
I'm enjoying your videos on bag making business. I was clueless before and am now learning so much. Maybe I'll step out and give it a shot. Looking forward to more of your ideas. Thanks :)
I am SO glad the videos are helping!!! When I decided to do this series, I wasn’t sure how it would go over, so it’s nice to know it is actually helpful!!!
Thank you. Your videos are very helpful and enjoyable. I'm just at the planning stage at the moment and perfecting my craft. I'm hoping to set up my business as my 50th birthday present to myself! I know it's a strange birthday present but it's true what you said about doing something you enjoy x
I'm so glad that I'm not the only one who hates cutting and interfacing! I want to get to the sewing!
Thank you for your videos. I feel like you’re talking right to me, and helping me achieve my goals!
Wow you are the most honest and open person I’ve heard speak about this subject! Thank you!
I am a blunt instrument.
omg I m getting itchy fingers just from listening but I ve never really sowed anything bag like or REALLY anyhting else. But I rescued a Brother (DB2-B755-3 ) recently from being scrapped. So I d LOVE to hear/watch anything about working with the industrial machines. I ll be binging your vids here until I ve run out. Love the channel already.
Yes, please do a video on making the wallet💛🙏🏼
As always, interesting, knowledgeable, and generous in sharing your experiences. It’s appreciated
Great advice, looking forward to the next video on pricing ~ great series. I love that you share your process to help others grow too 💞
YOU KILL ME 😂😂😂 you have amazing content, but I come mostly for the humor 😂 thank you!!!
Fleece interfacing or batting doesn't shrink if you wash in cold water and dry on low cool
Hooooo!!!!! Good one!
The Clematis is a true bag of holding. It holds all of my personal stuff at Disney when I don't feel like lugging a full bag.
I greatly appreciate this video. Creating bags is something I want to do in the future and you have definitely given me a lot to think about as I continue this going down this entrepreneur path.
You gave me a lot to think about! I’m getting a note book today. Thanks 😊
So glad I found ur channel. I just found ur channel today n I'm so glad I did. Binge watching all ur vids have been very informative
💕 Love!! ❤️ Love!! Your videos, your personality.. You are sooo informative!! Please provide your streamlined process for the NCW. I belong to the FB NCW Addicts group. Please show how you do the card slots for the regular and mini size. Oh yes and you also started you used WPC for interior. Thank you, can’t wait!
Ooooh my card slot trick is so magical. I just do it in one accordion motion of back and forth folding, then steam it within an inch of its life.
@@fiercekittenz an inch of its LIFE!!🤣🤣🤣
I second Tiffany’s request for a NCW video. Thanks in advance. 🤗
Thank you soo very much for this video. I am new to your channel and this is exactly what I needed. This topic was a struggling point and you helped a bunch. Great advice!
I'd just like to say thank you. I recently started watching you and I've learned quite a lot about starting a bag business. It's been a dream of mine for about 10 years. Lost my corporate job of 20 years last year during the lock-downs and have no desire to go back to that world. I finally have the time to make my dream come true, I just needed the know-how (and some money to get started with materials. Do you have a video on sourcing parts (best zipper, vinyl, hardware sources?)
Excellent advice. I like to make, what I would like to buy and use for myself.
My daughter has been begging me to let her open an Etsy shop bc she loves to make jewelry. This is amazing advice for her as well as bag makers! Thanks!
Right on! What great advice you provide on this video, thank you so much, I had found out some of these things on my own experience selling my items, and there is nothing like to continue enjoying what you produce, but if you want o sell and enjoy, better be careful what patterns you choose, love your videos, they are very helpful.
Grate video! Love all the tips you have. I don’t have a business, And I’m not going too have one but I love your videos 😊 and I do love the mighty messenger 😁
I agree, I HATE cutting and prepping, despite how important it is. I do random patches and decorations and the sewing is my happy place ☺
Love it! I’m trying to stream line my shop and decide which patterns I want to make.
It’s so hard! I want to make them all! But ideally I know I won’t. I have a lot I have purchased but evaluated to be too big or complex. Other thing is I just love small bags!
thank you again. again great information. and yes i choose 5 bags that i like to make, they are fun for me and i am at a wonder when they are completed. plus i would like to make my bags over fall/winter and then sell them during the spring/summer festivals.
Your videos are so helpful. I am so overwhelmed trying to start up a business.
Thankyou for sharing your tips and tricks!!
Thanks so much! This was very helpful. I will try to use what you talked about.
Thanks Fierce! Very enjoyable and great information! I like to have a zip pocket for valuable items inside most bags - for stuff smaller than cat poop?😝
Well, to be fair, my house panther (Luna) makes HUGE poops.... like catastrophically HUGE.
Thank you for this! I've been struggling to find the "right" designs for my planner covers for weeks.
Thank you! Your business tutorials are very helpful. I'm just starting out and appreciate your advice!😊
You are so welcome!
Great thoughts. I completely agree with you about "not putting a pocket in a pocket". My friend refers to things like that as "polishing the polish on the polish". As a quilting cotton bagmaker/newbie, I am interested in exploring the marine vinyl and waterproof canvas, but I just wonder one thing. Are they heavy enough to feel full when they are empty? I can make things for a diverse clientele (not just what I would carry), but I need to understand that heavy part. Also you mentioned using denim needles in your thread video, but I wonder about non-stick Schmetz for vinyl and other types of needles than denim in the size 100 range (the largest my domestic machine accomodates). Thank you so much for sharing your experience and saving us time and energy. May the furrce be with you ^ .) .) ^
Hi I really enjoy your videos there insightful and the knowledgeable . They are also comprehensive and easy to follow I really like your style thanks for sharing .
Thanks, you’re so funny but oh so informative!! Love listening to you
Such a great job! I gotta catch your live stream sometime.
I was on today, but it was playing a game. I’m hoping to get some bag pattern designing in this week!
Thanks so much for all of your videos. They are so helpful.
You always have great tips and advice - thanks for the new vid!
I looked and I couldn't find one but do you have a tutorial for the sweet pea? Your version seems alot simpler than blue calla plus I love listening to your commentary. I'm so glad I found your channel. I dont think I will start my own business but i might make and sell to friends possibly. More for fun than anything else. Squirrel!!! Ahhh if you haven't made the video respectfully request one...pweeeeezzzzzeeeee!!!
I actually don’t have a Sweet Pea tutorial! I need to ping her and make sure she’s ok with it. It’s a free pattern, but I still like to check with the pattern creator first.
Thank you! I'm a beginner sewer and what you did looks way less complicated. And I'm a see it, do it kind of learner so that would be most helpful.
Thanks for sharing. Your video is informative and encouraging. I look forward to the pricing video!
So glad I found your channel. I've started making bags but not heard of waterproof canvas. I've checked Joanns but they don't have it.
Where is a good source for purchasing?
And to save is it better to have one color for all bags? Maybe a beige or tan??
I'll be checking your videos.
I purchase from Amazon, actually!
Thank you .I really needed this. Can you please do the NCW video ? And where do you purchase water proof canvas ? Thank you.
I really should do a NCW video. The longer tutorial videos take a lot of planning, and a whole Saturday for me really. That's why I haven't done as many. I'm making a freebie pattern now (thanks to my glorious Twitch community's charitable contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital) and need to do a companion video for that.
For the water proof canvas - I get Ottertex brand from either Fabric.com or Fabric Wholesale Direct.
@@fiercekittenz Thank you for answering.I will give it a try.And thank for all the helpful videos.
Thanks so much for your time and knowledge regarding starting a business... really helpful 👌😁
Thank you for this. I've recently got myself an Etsy store. Just given it a name so far. Haven't been able to decide exactly what to list yet so this is very helpful. Would love to see an NCW tutorial 😊🧡
Check out Siah Swag tutorials. I prefer hers to others. no extraneous chatting.
Thank you for the advice . I just opened my Etsy store ...
Best of luck!
I like to watch your tutorial. Do you have parts to learn from how to calculate the cost of a bag and how to make bags patterns?
You know, I don't actually and that's a GOOD question. I'll make sure to cover that topic in an upcoming video!
@@fiercekittenz 👍
I need you in my life!
Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge! I honestly have been thinking of this exact subject today. It's like your reading my mind. Oh wait that might not be a good read...😁
Haha! I hope to go into a very in-depth pricing talk for the next video. It’s a REALLY tough subject.
Thank you for all your information. I’m just getting started & I was wondering how much fabric do you buy of one pattern. I normally buy 1 yard of something but if I want to sell bags, how do you know how much to buy? I hope I’m making sense.
I plan out what I want to get done in 30-90 days and buy for that. I just add it all up and look at the budget to see if it works out.
Hi! I am so glad I found you! You had talked in a video about stabilizers, I was wondering what thickness, and do you use something for solid bottoms?
I have a whole video on that! ruclips.net/video/fTNixvf20OY/видео.html
This was a great and helpful video. Thanks
This video just made me sub to you. Thank you for the info.
You must do a tutorial for the NCW(mini)! Please!
I died at the pocket in a pocket comment! I am the same but with card slots, I'm not putting card slots IN a bag.
100% same here. I will never understand that. I'm sure someone's down to clown with card slots built into a bag that will totally sag and go nasty after a few uses, but I'm not. I also refuse to waste time on a slip pocket. It's honestly faster to toss in a zippered pocket or welted "slip" pocket that won't stretch out!
That Gudetama pouch!!!
This is valuable thank you!
Hey very nice video ! I am wanting to start up a business I was gonna make tutus for birthday suits but there are so many doing this of course my luck of course lol but easy handbags rings a bell for me and I was wondering when you say canvas saves on interfacing $ wise and time ect ! That really makes a lot of since to me as heck fabric isn’t cheap ! May I ask where is a good starting point to start on maybe canvas and vinyl ? Is it only water proof canvas ? And what size vinyl can I get away with buying ? I do have the small cuts ya know the basic kinda that are like what is it 12 inches maybe but A few are just only come in 8 inches ! Or should I shop for yardage ? Please do you have a video of supples you can use and need ? Do you allwaya buy the enclosures from places who sell bag patterns or do you ever shop on Amazon ? I’m sorry but by the time you pay for the pieces through these companies and supplies after seeing you aren’t making hardly anything ! Do you have a video on where to find deals on these products also by chance ? I’m in a situation that I have to save my home and everything cause of job loss happening to a family member so I really have to start off as cheap as I can but also I wanna have quality ! However I need to make some $ ! Lol I really like your video ! I’ve seen a lot on here post stuff on here but you seem down to earth and like a good person ! If you have any recommendations please help me with them ! Liked and will share also and I subscribed as well ! Look for ward to seeing more posts ! Ty hon oh p.s where did you get them beautiful fabrics / vinyl I think as far as the kid prints go !? Wow so pretty :-)
Omg, I've been thinking about selling my bags. This helps a lot! If you don't mind me asking how do you go about custom orders Or do you just sell whats available on your website? Again thank you so much 🙏 💓 💖
I prefer to just sell what I make and list individually, because I get stressed if I’m doing a commission and over think some of the silliest things. I can also do what I want and theme a bag when it isn’t a commission.
@@fiercekittenz Thank you!
Getting on tracks.... let´s start a bussinnes... I HOPE !
“My cat poop bigger than this”. 😂 lmao you win the internet. Lol Fab advice. Thank you.
It's true though! Like... why do people desire pockets on tiny bags? Just throw your stuff in and GOOOOO!!!
@@fiercekittenz or use a smaller bag inside the small bag...
Good information. Thank you.
To you Fierce Kittenz, and all the other bag makers, please do not undersell yourself.
You have a skill set that a lot of people don’t have. And for some of you, have worked for years to perfect that skill.
You deserve to get paid for what you do.
DITTO
Enjoyed this!
Super helpful!
I’ve been trying to figure out what bags are going to be on my menu for the last few weeks so this was excellent timing!
That being said I already decided on the Clemantis, Sweet pea and NCW so I guess I just need to find a coin purse pattern 😂 I also don’t do the pockets in my Clemantis or Sweet Pea so good company :)
Do you have any good tips for making straps for the sweet pea? That’s my least favourite step
For the little coin purse, just cut 2x exterior, 4x woven interfacing, and 2x lining fabric at 5.5” wide, 4.5” tall. Use a 1/4” seam allowance. I use zipper tape, so the zipper would just need to be cut to fit.
Sweet Pea strap: Do you mean you need help with the adjustable strap? I just buy seatbelt strapping to cut the time out. I am not making fabric straps anymore. Drives me nuts!
Thanks. Very interesting
Which is the best machine for your business (type) of bags? Thanks so much for the info.
For me? I strongly prefer my Juki DU-1181N. It’s an industrial. Costs anywhere from $1000-1300 depending on where you get it. It’ll sew through just about anything. Call Steve at SewingGold.com for info :)
@@fiercekittenz Thanks so very much
i just found your channel (very nice so far!) where do you get waterproof canvas? and where do you get those metal labels?!
I got the waterproof canvas from FabricWholesaleDirect. The metal labels I got from Topwin on Alibaba: gztopwin.en.alibaba.com/?spm=a2756.trade-list-buyer.0.0.27b076e9TcTpTJ&tracelog=from_orderlist_company
Awesome video as always. Totally off subject but can I ask where you got your purple lighting for your room? It's always so relaxing to watch your videos with them on. I am assuming you don't use them when you're sewing right? Lol
They don't really show up when I'm sewing, but I do put them on. The lighting is from Amazon. Just a generic LED (RGB) strip!
Same! I hate when I buy small bags and they have pockets 😒
Thxs, great info
Unfortunately;y, Elephant House is out of business. Do you have another ( besides FSW) you can recommend?
I have the same rule and won't put pockets on small bags. I sell makeup bags, wristlets and basic wallets. They always sell fast
I swear there's nothing more depressing to me than spending days on a very elaborate, big bag with custom materials only to see it sit on the shelf for 3-6 months >_< I love the smaller bags. I really do want to make makeup bags at some point too, especially now that I have a dedicated embroidery machine.
@@fiercekittenz I agree. Spending a lot of time on 1 bag really appeal to me. The small simple bags sell fast at fairs especially if you use cute fabric. Have you made saddled bags out of cotton and coated with a waterproof coating?
You’re the best... kisses from Portugal
This is great! Where do have your studio, how did you decide to go this route! If someone is just beginning where are some places to go. I have a gazillion questions.....who are your favorite suppliers?
My studio is actually in my house. I don't mass produce or do shows. I sell online mostly and at my own pace as this isn't my full-time job. I just like to run a little shop and make some side cash to help justify the bonkers purchases that I make. I have never picked up a hobby and been able to just enjoy it. I always monetize somehow. HUGE character flaw :P
For suppliers, I cover that in another video! But there are many, or I'd list them out here.
I would call being able to monetize hobby a gift not a flaw. Also 20 years in the bag business? Did you start when you were 5 years old? You're the greatest! SO HAPPY to have found your channel! HAPPY 2023 AND GOOD LUCK!
Where do I get the waterproof canvas? I hear a lot of bag makers using it. But not sure where to get it.
I buy it from Amazon honestly! It will ship on a roll, too. That helps a LOT with storage because it's pretty bulky stuff.
I'm just wondering how to be profitable when I pay retail price for my fabric .
I'll cover that in the next video.
Thank you, I look forward to it
When you refer to your Juki, is that your walking foot machine or do you also have a different industrial machine?
Yeah, the walking foot one! DU-1181N.
@@fiercekittenz thank you for that information. I have a soft embroidery machine from the early 90s that has an IDF and cannot sew without it...
This is great! Thank you. My trouble is, I post creations on my Instagram and keep getting people ask if I sell. I have not crossed over yet mainly because if I do, I want to do it right. And people can be real pains! I’d love to hear your take on picky customers 😂. I’m the Cheesecake Factory of (not just bags) projects! So thank you for setting it straight on the limited menu- or shall we say, specialty items.
That "when" is the worst question about starting up the business. I knew it was time when people kept asking me how much I wanted for bags and I was taking custom orders from friends on the regular.
Where do you buy your name plate from?
Where do you get your labels from?
thank you for sharing
Wow twenty year..I’m impressed..
I'm definitely older than I look. Makeup is magical.
I am struggling to find a presence outside my hometown. Any advice?
Go online. Take a look at Etsy or even Facebook Marketplace!
Good morning
Just wondering where do you sell your products?
On my shop: shop.fiercekitten.com/
@@fiercekittenz WONDERING HOW YOU GO ABOUT SETTING UP AN ONLINE SHOP. THX GREAT VIDEOS
😂 “my cat poops bigger than this”
How do you estimate/figure the price you will charge for a bag? Is there a science to it?😳😊
I'll be covering this in more detail on the next video. The TLDR is that I typically follow the 3x cost to make rule.
@@fiercekittenz thank you so much! Ive made a few zippered pouches n they look pretty good but havent ventured into totes or bags/purses yet. Looking forward to watching more of your vids.
Do you use Shopify? Etsy? Amazon? eBay? Did you design/create your own website? What software? Do you advertise? Please go over your handles. Could this be another video or two:) Thank you.
Hey! I covered it a bit in the "how to start a bag business" video. I use Shopify, do all of my own designs, Adobe suite for the software, yes I advertise (Facebook/Google). All handles are "fiercekittenz" for consistency :)
@@fiercekittenz I watched your "how to" video. I will watch it again, and I'll to be sure I take notes during all of your videos:) Thank you for all the great info you share. Is there video on your handles?
How to buy bags from you?
The bags I have in stock are for sale at shop.fiercekitten.com/
My cats poop bigger than this...ha! Great stuff, thanks.
I am very rough on my bags and purses..I throw them in the floor of my 🚘 car..in my house floor ..shopping carts..so I do not invest over $60.00 for any purse…my sister …on the other hand buys designer purse..paying $$$$$$. For hers …..she babies her purses..and resales them at later dates….
What pattern did you use for the coin purse?
Literally just me making a 5.5" wide, 4.5" tall rectangle and doing a simple zip pouch.