The Better Bag Maker: An Illustrated Handbook of Handbag Design

This review is for the book The Better Bag Maker by Nicole Mallalieu. One of my favorite things to do is add another How-To book to my library. And I read and use them all. This book is the best one I have. Here’s why: It is organized in a thoughtful and logical way; the instructions are extremely detailed, and there are lots of helpful photographs; there are 11 bags to make, and each one uses some skills covered in previous projects but also teaches new skills not previously covered; the first part of the book explains how to use the book; the second part of the book covers tools, supplies and materials you will need; the third part of the book explains some key skills needed to make professional looking bags; the fourth section contains detailed instructions for completing various parts of a bag such as altering patterns, pockets, flaps, straps, bases, and closures; the text is peppered with very helpful tips—we are not only told what to do, but we are also told why; and finally, are the 11 projects in order of complexity, and each project is labeled with the skill level needed to complete that project. There is also a list of materials with each project and very detailed instructions. I saw a comment that there were pieces needed to complete the project that were not in the list and only mentioned in the text, but I did not find this. I have found How-To books sometimes leave things out but Ms. Mallalieu went to extremes to explain everything in great detail. Thank you, Ms. Mallalieu. I wish all my How-To books followed your example. Well done!

Like many other reviewers, I have been sewing for 30+ years and still enjoy the process. Recently, I decided to put myself through a "skill review/building" course before setting off on making new clothes/accessories for myself (lost weight; hard to fit on top); to me, making bags seemed a great way to exercise my creativity as well as warm up the sewing brain. I have bought on-line classes and started looking for really good and contemporary books. THIS BOOK IS ONE OF THE BEST. Yes it is about bags, not clothes, but it is also very thorough, very well written, very thoughtfully organized, and conversational but not chatty in tone. Today I sat with my Kindle open to the book and laptop open to a well known fabric/sewing supply online store, looking at interfacings. Not only does the book's author name the one's she likes, but explains clearly and concisely WHY plus gives choices and details those as well; this let me choose the best for my budget and intended use. What I saved here paid for the book. She has a real gift for sharing what is really pertinent and helpful information about several subjects without going into unnecessary detail. A word about the Kindle version: it is VERY usable because of the organization of the book and list in the table of contents. In addition, it includes a link for downloading the patterns in the back of the book (use the first link provided and you will get all of them at once). AND they are in printable form so no tracing or photocopying; just cut and tape together. I am on a tight budget and had to think twice about buying this book. It is well worth the money!! I am now off to look what Amazon carries of her other books!

I was so excited to get the book when it came out - but since then I've kind of cooled on it. Been working on the bags for months and not quite done with them all yet. I'm determined to finish all the bags but there are times I can't take anymore and walk away to give my brain a break. Get this book only if you are truly serious about slogging through problems. It's not always clear and may take you hours or days to understand. Pros: Good for learning some techniques. Cons: Sometimes those techniques are hard to figure out. Like 3 pages of instructions for straps for one bag (ie Marrakesh Overnighter) - the longer the instructions the more chances you'll miss something. You'll stumble upon additional instructions to cut out straps using more material that isn't listed in the beginning. Hope you have extra. I would love some finished product pictures that show all the components. This book is light on pictures. Sometimes there is only 1 good picture with the model holding it that doesn't show everything. Did I connect and position the straps right? Does the lining look ok? No pictures. If you were hoping to see a fully completed bag with the interior to compare it against, there are none. I wish there were more drawings or pictures like in the Japanese craft books. I can't read Japanese but I have no trouble understanding what they want me to do. If you've ever read Japanese craft mags like Cotton Time, Lady Boutique, or Patchwork - you know what I'm talking about.

I already have an extensive collection of handbag sewing books, so why did I need to have this one as soon as it was released? I've seen patterns by Nicole Mallalieu, and found that she always includes some technique or trick that nobody else covered, and I have always learned a lot. I was curious what she'd teach me with a whole book. When my book arrived, I ripped open the package and sat down to browse through it right away. Squee! This book is loaded with the techniques and tricks to take your bag-making over the top, with ways to take a simple design and change it over and over to make each bag something special and unique. I'm most excited by the various handle and strap construction tips she provides. I'll be using these techniques over and over, on bags from most any designer I have patterns from. This is not a repeat of anyone else's sewing book - I haven't seen some of these ideas anywhere else. This is a great addition to your sewing library, worth every cent and then some! You sew girl!

Great book with clear and concise instructions

Brilliant book with clear and concise step by step instructions, bought to help in sewing class

I have not gone through the whole book yet, but so far it is excellent. Directions and illustrations are well detailed and easy to follow. The author provides tips and instructions for beginners also, in case they are not as familiar with sewing terms and techniques, so it's a great book for beginners and experts alike.

Its a good book with step by step pictures of bag making.

Muy recomendable. Explicación de los materiales, recomendaciones, trucos y consejos.... Los proyectos van creciendo en dificultad y en cada uno te explica un truco y tecnica nuevos. A la vez esos trucos y técnicas están en un apartado independiente por si prefieres acceder a ellos directamente.