Material gallery
Here are some pictures of the material I use.You can find short descriptions in each section but for more information, visit the parts section. The gallery is mainly for reference and might vary slightly (e.g. size) for your project.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Note: You can click on the images to see more information on the material parts.
Closures
Zippers
Zippers are a great closure type and I use high quality zippers from OPTI. I have a large variety of 4 mm wide zippers which are great for most uses. Additionally, I have a few zippers (6 mm wide) for heavy duty. By default, I use one zipper runner but if you want, I can also add a second one to enable opening your bag in both directions.
Flap closures
Below you can find the default flap closures, snap (plastic & metal), magnetic closure, push and twist lock.
Drawstrings
I make drawstring closures with a cotton cord and wooden beads an their ends. I have five default colors and a few extra colors in a smaller quantity. For small bags, satin ribbons are more suitable and look very pretty.
Special closures
Here are a few closures that are not part of my builders but are suitable for certain projects of custom-made bags. Velcro is very useful for simple closures and adjustments while spring and frame closure work great with small pouches.
Other material
Metal parts
Metal parts are mainly used for handles and lanyards. They serve to connect, adjust and link straps. The two types of connectors (squared and D-ring) depend on whether they connect a tab with a strap directly or a hook first.
Lanyards can either have a small hook or a keyring. Eyelets are used if you want to have a (elastic) cord loop through the fabric.
Buttons
I usually use buttons for a flap closure (flap & button & elastic) but I can also add them for decoration if you want. Buttons come a a whole variety of different materials, looks, sizes and colors. They can be made of metal, shell, wood, plastic or I can also cover them in a specific fabric myself.
Elastic bands & cords
Elastic bands and cords have several uses in bag making. I use elastic bands for elastic pockets and elastic cords for a flap closure type where I use a button and a short elastic loop. But elastic cords can also be used to e.g. keep long items in place.
Ready-made straps
Ready-made straps can be used for handles in place of made straps. They are mostly made of polypropylene and are thus water resistant and quite smooth. Since these straps are bought ready to use, they are easy to implement and thus cheaper than made straps.
Decoration
Here are some additional parts that can be used to decorate your bag. Drawstring stoppers and zipper pulls are added to the closure while piping is used to accent seams and webbing is often used as loop handles or as decoration on a plain fabric.
