The Better Bag Maker: An Illustrated Handbook of Handbag Design • Techniques, Tips, and Tricks Paperback – Illustrated, 4 April 2014

I have been looking for a bag book like this for a long time. I have loads of bag books with fantastic bags but the instructions are mostly sketchy. When I make a bag I am often disappointed with the zippers I have put in which are untidy. Nicole has some great tips for securing fabric pieces and zippers while you sew and I can't wait to get stuck into my first bag. Also, there are instructions for resizing any of the bags.Pictures are included with the instructions which help tremendously. Yes, some of the instructions are quite complex (as is the case with any intricate bag) but if you take the time to follow the pictures and read carefully it becomes clear. I wouldn't dream of doing a hard square bottom but I will now. I also like her array of professional looking handles and with all the patterns to go with her example bags, its an absolute steal. Yes, you can get some of these tips off the internet but not all in one place.Finally, he bag at the end of the book which converts into a backpack is exactly what I have been looking for this past year now that I don't have a car. This pattern alone would cost me the price of the whole book. Well done, Nicole.

This book is way better than Lisa Lam's...almost glossy paper, very well organised and there is no need to jump pages in searched of tips and infos! Mallalieu did an excellent job helping beginners understand the fundamental of bag making. It is still a bargain for the advanced group as just like the book says, one simple pattern is all you need to create a bevy of bags, from totes to backpacks to weekenders. Unleash your creativity, the imagination is yours! They are 10 types of bags to try in total and each is graded with beginner, advanced beginner, intermediate, confident and beyond. It is full of techniques, tips and tricks. Lots of photos to accompany your 'journey'. A definitely 5 out of 5 for it! Beginners, grab this book, you will not regret it! Thank you Amazon for the prompt delivery.

Can make good use of the tips when making my bags

I've bought several books about making bags and many are disappointing, or worse inaccurate when it comes to the patterns. This one is a better bag maker book. The writer really knows her subject and gives lots of tips and tricks to help things look more professional.Lots of different bag patterns are in the book starting with a simple tote pattern that develops into more complex designs, using the same pattern pieces.Well laid out with great pictures and clear instructions.

I really like this book. It has lots of information and will be easy to follow.There are really good full size patterns in the back of the book which is a bonus! The patterns are very good and adaptable so I am looking forward to making my first bag from the book. Definately very good value for mond.

Great book, clear and easy to follow instructions. There's lots of advice and hints and tips to help with bag making. Love the idea of one pattern which adapts for various designs. I made a lovely tote bag as soon as I'd read the book, very happy with the result which is really professional looking

This book has a few interesting designs in it - but the paper patterns provided are awful to use.There is a basic pattern provided - but then I had to extend or reduce each piece in two directions according to the written instructions. This was tedious to do - why couldn't the author just say- you need a piece "40cm by 30cm" for example instead of "slash and extend the piece on the horizontal slash line by one inch and slash and close on the vertical slash line by two inches"By the time I amended 5 pattern pieces using these instructions I was fed up!If you can battle past that - there are some good bags that are easy to make - especially if you are looking for rectangular based shapes - if you want more shapely or rounded patterns, try the Amy Butler book. :-)

Nice book, have already had a few 'eureka moments' reading this book. As a seasoned bag maker , it's refreshing to still learn new techniques. Some of the techniques I found rather long winded , but if making bags for yourself you may have the time . Great little book and well explained