Carol Parks

A great book, although the instructions for making the bags aren't always too clear, the ideas are fantastic. Lots of different styles of bags, (handbags, rucksacks, laptops bags, portfolios) with some ingenious construction and fastening techniques. Probably not suitable for someone with no sewing experience, but ideal for someone looking for something beyond yet another tote bag.

This is a slightly dated but looks pretty good basic book on making bags, the kind of book you look for if you want to dip a toe into the bag-making pond.

Some of it is quite repeditive in shapes but it does explore a lot of variations and many of the adaptations would induce you to try out more ideas.

Disclaimer: I haven't actually *made* anything using this book, so I have no idea what the quality of the patterns are. But I love to browse it; it inspires me to stick with simple classic long-lasting clothes rather than to jump into the latest craze that'll look dated before the garment wears out.

This book has patterns and instructions to make many different kinds of bags, from handbags to rucksacks (the old term for back pack) to small sports bags. Each project lists the materials needed, gives a photograph of the finished bag, and has a pattern, if one is needed. Having basic sewing skills would be helpful, but beginners should be able to make these bags.