Glossary
Below you can find a list of all the terms I commonly use on this website. If you need more information on the specific types, please use the menus to navigate to the respective page. If you are still uncertain of certain terms, you can always ask me.
| Term | Desciption |
| Accordion pocket | a type pf pocket; a deep stiff and blocky pocket; usually sewn onto the body with attachment type: attach |
| Adjustable strap | a type of handle; a long strap (cross-body) that has a metal adjuster to adapt the length of the strap |
| Attach | a pocket attachment type; the pocket is sewn directly onto the bag body |
| Back | the panel that is closest to your body when you carry the bag (true for outside and inside) |
| Bag body | front and bag of the main bag, defining its width and height |
| Builder | a configurator on this site that allows you to add handles, pockets and lanyards |
| Built bag | any bag that was created using one of the builder on this site |
| Button & elastic | a type of flap closure; the flap has an elastic loop that needs to be pulled over a button on the bag body to keep the flap closed |
| Closure | anything that is used to keep the bag closed, e.g zipper or flap |
| Combo pocket | a type of pocket; two pockets placed on top of each other, a tall patch pocket and a shallower elastic pocket on top of it; usually divided into mutliple compartments and overlay attachment |
| Compartments | a pocket variant; the pocket is divided into multiple pockets with additional vertical seams |
| Contrast fabric | a plain fabric to accent the main fabric, usually used for the side panels, handles and some closure parts |
| Cross-body strap | a type of handle; a strap that is long enough to pull diagonally over your body |
| Custom-made bag | any bag that was not entirely designed using the builder on this site |
| Depth | the thickness of the bag and the horizontal dimension of the bag’s side panel, usually the shortest dimension |
| Divider | a pocket variant; a single large compartment that spans the entire bag width, can be used for storing large items |
| Drawstring | a type of closure; two string running through a tunnel thatwhen pulled close the opening by gathering the fabric |
| Elastic pocket | a type of pocket; a deep soft and flexible pocket; can be attached with the types: attach and overlay |
| Feature pattern | the most prominent pattern of your bag, usually placed on the outside of the bag as main fabric |
| Flap | a type of closure; a piece of fabric that drapes over the opening to keep it closed |
| Flap closure | anything that is used to keep the flap closed, typically a button or a metal piece |
| Front | the panel of the bag people see when you carry it and the one farthest away from your body (true for outside and inside) |
| Grab-handle | a type of handle; a short strap that stands up to quickly grab the bag |
| Handle | any strip of fabric or strap that is added to the bag to help grab and carry it |
| Heavy | a type of fabric; thick, sturdy fabric that is used for making handbags and shoppers |
| Height | the vertical dimension when looking the the bag from the front |
| Hook | a metal piece that is attach to a fabric band or strap; it has a round |
| Inset | a pocket attachment type; the pocket is placed behind the bag body and accessed over a hole in the main bag |
| Inside | all fabric pieces that form the main compartment of the bag inside |
| Lanyard | a narrow band which a hook or keyring at the end, used to attach e.g. keys |
| Length | the longest dimension of the handle; only used for handles |
| Light | a type of fabric; medium weight fabric, usually poplin, used for linings and pouches |
| Lining | same as inside, all fabric pieces forming the main bag compartment |
| Loop | a type of handle; narrow bands of fabrics where both its ends at the same position to form a loop; used for pouches and drawstrings |
| Magnetic closure | a type of flap closure; it consists of two metal plates that stay together with magnetic force, easy to close and open |
| Main bag | the main body of the bag, giving the bag its overall size, shape and main closure |
| Main closure | the way how the main bag (largest compartment) is closed |
| Main fabric | the main fabric of your bag body outside, usually a feature pattern |
| Open | a type of closure; it defined all bags that have no added closure (e.g. zipper of flap) |
| Outside | all fabric pieces that are visible when the bag is closed |
| Overlay | a pocket attachment type; the pocket spans the full bag width and is sewn into the side and bottoms seams of the bag body |
| Panel | a side of the bag, usually the front or bag and typically a flat surface |
| Parts | the individual components the bag consists of, e.g. main bag, handle, pockets |
| Patch pocket | a type of pocket; a simple flat and stiff pocket; can be attached with the types: attach, overlay and inset |
| Pattern | a fabric variant; any fabric that has more than one color, usually showing geometric shapes, plants or animals |
| Plain | a fabric variant; any fabric that has only one color (or no visible pattern) |
| Pockets | any compartment that is added to the main bag to subdivide the space |
| Push lock | a type of flap closure; it consists of two metal parts, the one on the flap has to be pushed into the ring on the bag body to close it |
| Removable strap | a type of handle; a long strap ( cross-body) that has metal hooks on either end to detach it from the bag body |
| Shoulder strap | a type of handle; a strap that is meant to carry on your shoulder (medium length) |
| Side | side panel of the bag, giving the bag its depth |
| Snap button | a type of flap closure; it consists of two round pieces that lock when pressed together and require a bit of force to pull apart again |
| Straps for shopper | a type of handle; two straps that are sewn into the top edge of the bag, long enough to carry on your shoulder; meant for shoppers |
| Tabs for straps | a type of handle; two short loops with metal connectors that are attached to both sides of the bag; used for adjustable and removable straps |
| Twist lock | a type of flap closure; it consists of two metal parts, the one on the flap is a hole that has to be pulled over the extrusion on the bag body, twisting the top of the extrusion locks it into place |
| Two tapered shoulder straps | a type of handle; two straps that are sewn directly onto the bag body and covered with panels, tapered in width for elegance and comfort, long enough to carry on your shoulder |
| Very light | a type of fabric; a very thin fabric that is used for unlined drawstring bags |
| Width | the horizontal dimension when looking at the bag from the front, usually the longest dimension |
| Zipper | a type of closure; a band of interlocking teeth that can be pulled together with a zipper runner |
| Zipper pocket | a type of pocket; a pocket that is closed with a zipper; typically attached behind the bag body (inset) |