Bag Making Masterclass
Introduction to Bag Making Masterclass
Turn Fabric, Creativity & Skills into Beautiful Bags
The Bag Making Masterclass is a practical, hands-on creative training designed to introduce you to the exciting world of handmade bag production. You will learn how to transform fabrics and other suitable materials into attractive, durable, and marketable bags.
From simple tote bags and shopping bags to pouches, handbags, drawstring bags, and customized designs, you’ll learn the fundamental techniques behind designing, cutting, assembling, decorating, and finishing handmade bags.
You don’t need to be an experienced tailor or designer. Start where you are, learn the techniques, practice with your hands, and watch your ideas become real products. Don’t just carry a handmade bag—learn how to make one!
Program Highlight
Curriculum Overview
The Comrades Talents Hub Bag Making Masterclass curriculum takes learners on an exciting, hands-on journey from creative ideas to beautifully finished, market-ready bags! Through step-by-step demonstrations and practical projects, participants explore material selection, design development, measuring, pattern making, cutting, stitching, assembly and professional finishing. The curriculum covers a variety of bag styles, including tote bags, handbags, shopping bags, purses and backpacks, using suitable fabrics, leather and other materials. Learners also develop essential entrepreneurial skills in product costing, pricing, branding and marketing, empowering them to turn their creativity into income-generating opportunities. Whether you are a beginner or an aspiring bag designer, this masterclass provides the practical skills and confidence to create unique products and build your own craft business.
Module 1: Introduction to Bag Making
- Introduction to bag making as a creative skill and business opportunity
- Types of bags and their uses
- Overview of fabric, canvas, denim, leather and synthetic materials
- Tools, equipment and sewing machine basics
- Workshop organization and safety
Module 2: Bag Design, Measurement and Pattern Making
- Understanding bag shapes, sizes and functions
- Identifying customer needs and current styles
- Measuring and calculating bag dimensions
- Drawing simple bag designs
- Creating patterns for bag bodies, bases, pockets and handles
- Adding seam allowances and planning material use
Module 3: Materials Preparation and Cutting Techniques
- Selecting suitable fabrics and other materials
- Preparing, measuring and marking materials
- Laying out patterns to minimise waste
- Cutting bag panels, linings, pockets and straps
- Preparing interfacing and reinforcement materials
- Organizing components before assembly
Module 4: Basic Sewing and Bag Construction
- Introduction to hand stitching and machine stitching
- Threading and operating a sewing machine safely
- Understanding seams, seam allowances and stitch types
- Joining panels and constructing bag bodies
- Attaching linings and reinforcing stress points
- Troubleshooting common sewing problems.
Module 5: Bag Styles and Functional Features
- Tote bags and shopping bags
- Handbags and shoulder bags
- Drawstring bags and simple backpacks
- Purses, pouches and small accessories
- Installing zippers, buttons, magnetic snaps and buckles
- Creating pockets, compartments and adjustable straps
Module 6: Leather, Mixed Materials and Decorative Finishing
- Introduction to leather and alternative bag-making materials
- Combining fabric, leather and canvas
- Attaching handles, straps and hardware
- Decorative stitching, appliqué, embroidery and embellishments
- Edge finishing and reinforcement
- Care, durability and responsible material use.
Module 7: Quality Control and Product Finishing
- Inspecting seams, stitching and alignment
- Checking zippers, handles, straps and closures
- Improving shape, structure and durability
- Cleaning loose threads and finishing edges
- Identifying and correcting defects
- Preparing bags for use, display or sale
Module 8: Bag Making Entrepreneurship and Marketing
- Identifying target customers and marketable bag styles
- Calculating material, labour and overhead costs
- Setting selling prices and estimating profit
- Branding, labelling and packaging
- Product photography and social media marketing
- Managing orders, materials and customer feedback
- Selling through craft markets and the CTH Crafts Marketplace
Module 9: Final Project and Practical Assessment
- Planning an original bag design
- Selecting appropriate materials and construction methods
- Producing a complete bag independently
- Applying finishing and quality-control standards
- Presenting the product and explaining design choices
Programs Cost
Learn the Craft.
Create with Style. Build Your Brand!
3 Months @ KES. 14,850
What if you could take a simple piece of fabric and transform it into a stylish, functional bag that you can proudly use, gift, customize—or sell? Don’t just carry a handmade bag—learn how to make one!
Intended audience
- Beginner and intermediate bag-makers
- Tailors, fashionpreneurs, and creatives looking to expand their product line
- Students
- Stay-at-home moms seeking flexible income skills
- Anyone who wants to make and sell functional, stylish bags from home.