A bag is more than just something to lug your stuff around in. It shows off your style, goes with you everywhere, and basically keeps your life from falling apart. If you design bags, make them, or just really dig them, you know there’s a whole world of history, skill, and cool ideas behind them.
Want to go beyond basic sewing projects? Or maybe you just want to get a better sense of why bags are so great? Then a good book is your best bet. We’ve put together a list of the 10 best books about bag design, how they’re made, and their history. Each one is packed with info to help you get better and inspires your next big creation.
Get the Basics: Bag Design and How to Make Them
These books are perfect if you like to get your hands dirty. They’re like a course in everything from making patterns to picking the best materials. They give you the know-how to turn your ideas into reality.
1. The Bag Making Bible: The Complete Creative Guide to Sewing Your Own Bags by Lisa Lam
Seriously, if you make bags, you need this book. Lisa Lam is well-known in the bag-making world. She puts together this guide that covers everything, from the most basic stuff to more tips and tricks. It’s full of easy-to-understand directions with pictures, and tips that are like getting advice from someone who’s been doing this for years.
Where to buy: You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bag-Making-Bible-Complete-Customizing/dp/071533624X
2. Fashionary Bag Design: A Handbook for Accessories Designers by Fashionary
If you’re serious about designing accessories, or want to be, this is like your go-to reference book. It doesn’t just give you basic instructions. It gets into the nitty-gritty of how bags are put together, how they’re made, and a huge bunch of different bag styles and little details. It’s both a guide and a visual aid that will help you show off your designs with confidence.
Where to buy: Check out the Fashionary website for the newest version: https://fashionary.org/products/bag-design
3. The Better Bag Maker: An Illustrated Handbook of Handbag Design by Nicole Mallalieu
Nicole Mallalieu’s book is full of tips and tricks. It’s great for those who already know the basics but want to start designing their own bags instead of just following patterns. She breaks down hard stuff into easy steps, focusing on making bags that look really professional.
Where to buy: Find it at Barnes & Noble, or other big bookstores: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-better-bag-maker-nicole-mallalieu/1116879903
4. Designing Bags: Typology, Construction Techniques, Analogue and Digital Patternmaking from Scratch by Andrea Marcocci and Elisa Cigna
If you like getting really technical, this book is a good choice. It takes a closer look at how bags are made, using both old-school methods and new tech. It walks you through making technical drawings and digital patterns. Students and pros who want to really get how the whole design thing works will find this super useful.
Where to buy: Get it right from the publisher, HOAKI BOOKS: https://www.hoaki.com/shop/en/new-books/designing-bags-1180268-000-0001.html
Get Inspired: Bag History and Fashion
If you want to create new designs, it helps to know about the old ones. These books are great if you love learning about the stories behind famous bags and what they meant at the time.
5. The Handbag Book: 400 Designer Bags that Changed Fashion by Sophie Gachet
This book is a feast for the eyes and a great coffee table addition. It shows off 400 of the most important handbags from the world’s top designers. But it’s not just pictures. It tells the story of how bags became a big deal in culture, from the Hermรจs Birkin to the Chanel flap bag.
Where to buy: You can find it at lots of places, including Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-handbag-book-sophie-gachet/1144780805
6. Vintage Handbags: Collecting and Wearing Designer Classics by Marnie Fogg
If you’re into vintage stuff, this book is a gem. It goes through the history of handbags decade by decade, from the 1920s to the 1990s. With amazing old photos and lots of details, you’ll really come to appreciate the skill and artistry that went into making bags back in the day.
Where to buy: You can usually find this book on Amazon or AbeBooks: https://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Handbags-Collecting-Designer-Classics/dp/1802790950
7. For the Love of Bags by teNeues
Here’s another book that’s beautiful to look at. It celebrates bags with photos and personal stories. It’s a good way to get ideas for colors, textures, and how to put materials together. It’s more about the art of bags than the tech stuff.
Where to buy: Start with the publisher’s website: https://www.teneues.com/en/book/for-the-love-of-bags
Become an Artisan: Materials and Methods
These books focus on certain materials and skills. This lets you master certain crafts and add something to your designs.
8. Making Leather Bags, Wallets, and Cases by Yasue Tsuchihira
Ready to try working with leather? This book is a great guide. Tsuchihira gives clear, step-by-step instructions for making all sorts of leather stuff, from simple wallets to fancy bags. It’s a good mix of modern style and old-fashioned leatherworking.
Where to buy: Check Amazon and other places that sell craft books: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Leather-Bags-Wallets-Cases/dp/0811738310
9. The Leatherworking Handbook by Valerie Michael
If you’re serious about leather, this book is for you. It covers all the important stuff like cutting, sewing, and decorating. Whether you’re a newbie or have been doing this for a while, you’ll find this book helpful for getting really good at what you do.
Where to buy: You can get it at big bookstores and online: https://www.amazon.com/Leatherworking-Handbook-Practical-Illustrated-Sourcebook/dp/1861089146
10. Woven Leather Bags: How to Craft and Weave Purses, Pouches, Wallets and More by Naoko Minowa
Want to learn something really unique? This book teaches you how to make woven leather. Naoko Minowa shows you how to make cool projects with clear instructions, so you can create detailed and special bags that are obviously made by hand.
Where to buy: Look on Amazon or at stores that sell craft books: https://www.amazon.com/Woven-Leather-Bags-Purses-Wallets/dp/178221815X
No matter if you’re a pro or just do this for fun, these books have plenty of info and ideas to get you going. So, grab a book, and start coming up with your next big thing!
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