Sewing Blog

Whether you’re just getting started, want to improve your sewing skills, or are looking for your next bag-making project, you will find practical tips, helpful tutorials and plenty of inspiration here.

The blog is divided into four categories, making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for:

Learn to Sew

Would you like to learn how to sew or refresh your sewing basics? Here you will find practical tutorials, helpful tips and easy-to-follow guides to help you build your confidence at the sewing machine. From understanding sewing patterns and choosing the right fabric to mastering essential techniques, you will learn step by step — and soon be ready to tackle your own projects.

Rope Sewing – Sewing a Basket from Rope

Rope Sewing: Sewing Creative Baskets, Bowls, and Bags with Rope, Yarn, and a Sewing Machine

Sample Sewing: How It Works and What You Need to Know

Sewing Pattern Basics for Beginners—From Printing to Cutting, Explained Simply!

Choosing Fabrics for Clothing: These Materials Will Help You Succeed with Your First Sewing Project

Sewing Bags

Whether you are making a shopping bag, shoulder bag, backpack or small pouch, handmade bags are practical, personal and unique. In this section, you will find helpful tips, tutorials and inspiration for every aspect of bag making — from choosing fabrics and interfacing to working with zips, needles and sewing patterns.

Rope Sewing – Sewing a Basket from Rope

Rope Sewing: Sewing Creative Baskets, Bowls, and Bags with Rope, Yarn, and a Sewing Machine

Sample Sewing: How It Works and What You Need to Know

A Guide to Needles for Bag Makers: Which Needle to Use

Sewing Pattern Basics for Beginners—From Printing to Cutting, Explained Simply!

Creative Techniques

Ready to try something new? Discover creative sewing techniques that can take your projects to the next level. I will show you how different techniques work, what materials you will need and how you can use them in your own projects.

Rope Sewing – Sewing a Basket from Rope

Rope Sewing: Sewing Creative Baskets, Bowls, and Bags with Rope, Yarn, and a Sewing Machine

Plotting for Beginners: Basics, Materials, and Simple Instructions

Machine Embroidery for Beginners: Basics, Materials, and Simple Instructions

Bags and Inspiration

Looking for your next sewing project? Get inspired by different fabrics, shapes, styles and creative ideas. You will also find comparisons of sewing patterns and practical advice to help you choose the right project for your skills and needs.

How to Sew a Small Crossbody Bag: A Comparison of 3 Patterns

Sewing a Backpack: Which of the 3 patterns is right for you?

Hello!

I am Sarah from Bags and Seams Design — bag maker, sewing pattern designer and your sewing coach.

I design all of my bag patterns myself and write the instructions with one goal in mind: to make sewing enjoyable and achievable, whatever your experience level.

Clear, easy-to-follow instructions and practical courses that help you develop your skills are at the heart of what I do. As a BERNINA Switzerland Bag Expert, I share my knowledge and sewing techniques through BERNINA sewing classes, my own bag-making classes, and of course, here on the blog.