I still can’t believe this is real, but I WROTE A BOOK!!
The Bag Maker’s Companion is a practical, confidence-building guide for sewists who want to make durable, custom bags using budget-friendly materials and domestic machines. Includes 5 base patterns that can be downloaded, each with multiple adaptations explained. The base patterns are a sling, an every-day crossbody, a large tote, a small boxy bag, and a unique zipper pouch. Patterns include full written instructions, video tutorials created specifically for the book and downloadable templates.
Where to buy the book:
Until April of 2027 the book will only be available for preorder through major retailers. I will update this list as I find it available.
Have you preordered the book? Make sure to grab your preorder bonus pattern by filling out this form! The Caledonian Book Sleeve is free for those who preordered the Bag Maker’s Companion, but only for a limited time. Make sure to preorder the book and submit the form before April 6th 2027 to get this pattern for free. After that date, the offer is expired.
Resources – Where To Buy Bag Making Supplies
This list is my go-to list of suppliers. I have made many purchases from each of these shops and would recommend them to any bag maker.
ByAnnie – A go-to shop with a plethora of patterns and supplies. I love the stiletto, double sided tape, binding, zippers and foam stabilizer specifically.
Emmaline Bags – Everything you could ever need for bag making! This shop is located in Canada and provides fast shipping.
Fabric Therapy – This shop provides all of the unique materials mentioned in the book in a variety of specialty prints and designs.
Fat Quarter Shop – If you’re looking for quilt cotton and batting, look no further. This shop also supplies a large assortment of cutting mats, rotary cutters, and other basic supplies.
Georgia Girl Stitches – My absolute go-to for webbing! Any strap you can imagine making can be done with supplies from here.
The Heartwood and Hide Company – The question I get asked more than anything else is: “Where are your bag tags from?” And this is the shop that supplies them. You can have them custom made or shop designs already available.
Indo Love Kreation – This shop has everything you need for bag making! Material, hardware, notions, all of it can be found here.
KAMsnaps – My #1 suggested gift for a bag maker is a rivet press, and this is where you can find that as well as dies and supplies.
Mojo Sews – Edge painting is outside the scope of this book, but if you’re interested in exploring that technique I highly recommend you purchase your supplies here.
More Me Know – A shop that has it all! Vinyl, bonded nylon, notions and tools. The owner, Lauren, is an incredible bag maker and someone I have learned so much from.
Sallie Tomato – A popular supplier for quilters turning to making bags. You can find an assortment of quilt cotton, notions and even cork here.
Sew Sweetness – Sara is the queen of bag making, especially for newer sewers. Her shop supplies everything you need!
Siah Swag Bags – This shop is my absolute go-to for thread and elastic binding. They have the largest assortment and are bag makers as well, so they only supply the best of the best.
Stitch Supply Co. – This shop is a fantastic resource for quilt cotton and zipper tape.
Studio 7t7 – Located in the UK, this shop provides beautiful bag patters, subscription boxes, and supplies.
Thunderbird Handcrafted – If you are looking for some of the most unique, one-of-a-kind material, look no further. This shop provides beautiful hand dyed material as well as so much more.
Tulip Bee – This shop is a treat for bag makers, with the most beautiful selection of vinyl, faux leather, and bonded nylon.
WAWAK Sewing Supplies – This is the one-stop-shop for bag makers. They supply just about everything you could need, outside of material. Great for hardware, tools, thread and notions.
Whimsical Fabric Designs – If you’re looking for the magical fabric in everything material option, look no further. They have the fun prints in vibrant colors that can be printed on just about any type of material.
Wizardry Stitchery & Crafts – This shop has some of the most beautiful thread options in all kinds of colors and thicknesses.
Wonderground Fabrics – A shop that has it ALL: material (with one of the largest selections of bonded nylon out there), tools, notions, patterns, kits and subscription boxes. If you don’t know where to start, start here.
Zipper Valley – Yes they have an enormous zipper selection, but they also have some of the most beautiful material options as well. This shop is located in Canada.
Pattern Designers
While the following list is not every designer I have featured on my YouTube channel, the businesses listed here selection each have what I consider an extensive catalogue of patterns that are good for all skill levels. This list will be continuously updated and may include designers not mentioned in the book. I will also include “up and coming designers” who are just starting out!
If you are a small shop interested in carrying my book, please contact me at jessica@oklaroots.com
I’ve had my order placed for a couple weeks now 😊. Can’t wait to read it.
Thank you so much!!
Hello Jess,
I have been “watching” you for a while, love your content and clean techniques! I am interested in your book! I teach classes for the Horizon Program kids 8-10 yrs ld. Also Adult Ed in my town. Looking to make a purchase in bulk to offer to my students…When the book is ready, please let me know! Also, I am wondering why the publisher did not offer the Coil instead of perfect binding(?) Since your book is a teaching tool, consider that as an option, yes the core binding cost will be more, however, your clients will appreciate it..Ever try a recipe cookbook and have it collapse? Well, I worked inprint/publishing for over 25 years…Just a suggestion!!
Thank you Deb! Yes, I agree I would like the book to be able to lay flat. Once I have a copy in my hands I’ll be able to offer more advice on how to work with it easier.
I have a question, if we pre-order through Amazon will we still get the free additional pattern?
Yes! Any preorder works for the preorder pattern bonus! Here is the link to fill out to have the Caledonian Book Sleeve pattern sent your way ❤️
Pre ordered! And I cannot wait!! I’m so proud of you!! And because of you….I am so proud of me! I am sewing all kinds of bags now because of you!! You were my first zipper….then 100 gazillion Itty Bitty Boxy Bags later!!
Please never stop creating content because you are the gold standard!!
Congratulations on the book and all of your success!!
😭 Thank you so much for the love and support Sue!!
I preordered my copy as soon as you announced it! Congratulations! I hope it sells out…….👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you so much!!
How do I get the free pattern? I pre-ordered the book.
Fill out this form at your earliest convenience and it will be emailed your way! Thank you so much for preordering the book!
Hello – looking forward to the book! I pre-ordered a few weeks ago. Will the bonus email come to me anyway or do I need to do something else? I ordered on Amazon.
Thank you! Fill out this form and it will be emailed to you! Please note the emails are sent out once a week, so it may be a few days before it comes through. Make sure to also check your spam folder!
Just ordered your book. Look forward to getting it in April. Also, look forward to getting the free pattern and using the calculator so that I can make different sizes of book covers. I have watched many of your YouTube tutorials and feel you are very good at teaching and explaining each process of whatever bag pattern you are making. Congratulations and much success with your book.