Summary
From the simple tote to specialized evening minaudières, each Custom bags shape blends thoughtful cutting, smart reinforcements, and clean finishes to suit its purpose—and bears different names across English-speaking regions. Whether you call it a “tote bag” or “canvas shopper,” a “backpack” or “rucksack,” a “messenger bag” or “courier bag,” the same core bag-making techniques—interfacings for shape, taped or sealed seams for water resistance, and strategic stitching patterns for strength—apply, adapted to each silhouette’s needs.
Tote Bag (Tote Bag / Canvas Shopper)
A tote starts with straight-edge cutting of sturdy canvas or duck cloth, layered with fusible interfacing at the opening to help it keep its shape. The handles—usually cotton webbing—are heat-sealed at the ends to prevent fraying, then stitched on in a box-X pattern for lasting durability. In North America it’s simply known as the “tote bag,” while eco-minded crafters in the UK often call theirs a “canvas shopper.”
Backpack (Backpack / Rucksack / Knapsack)
City dwellers throw essentials into a “backpack,” while hikers refer to their more rugged, framed packs as “rucksacks” or “knapsacks” in British-style English. Panels of nylon or Oxford cloth are cut—often by computer-controlled knives—then reinforced at high-stress seams with adhesive patches before top-stitching. Waterproofing comes from taped or heat-sealed seams, and ergonomic straps attach via reinforced bartacks and flatlock stitching for comfort on long hauls.
Messenger Bag (Messenger Bag / Courier Bag / Satchel)
Known as a “messenger bag” stateside, or a “courier bag” or “satchel” across the pond, this cross-body favorite features a roomy flap. Flap edges are bound with bias tape or rip-tape to keep fabric layers from separating. Strap anchors use D-rings and rivets over gusseted patches that spread load, and quilted or laminated liners protect laptops and papers.
Duffel Bag (Duffel Bag / Duffle Bag / Holdall)
You call it a “duffel” (or “duffle”) bag in North America and a “holdall” in the UK or Australia. Craftspeople die‑cut the ends and bottoms from multiple fabric layers. They sandwich a plastic insert inside a double‑layer casing to create a flat, stable base. Zippers live in taped, heat‑sealed channels to block out moisture. Handles attach with box‑X stitch patterns so the bag can carry heavy loads. It also ranks as the most common custom bag.
Diaper Bag (Diaper Bag / Nappy Bag / Changing Bag)
Parents in the U.S. call it a “diaper bag”. In the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, they call it a “nappy bag” or, formally, a “changing bag”. Craftspeople pre‑laminate or quilt the panels for easy cleaning and gentle padding. They stitch bound or taped seams to stop leaks. Multiple internal pockets and elastic loops keep bottles, wipes, and diapers neatly organized. For custom baby‑supply bags, material choice takes top priority.
Fanny Pack (Fanny Pack / Belt Bag / Bum Bag)
On this side of the Atlantic we call it a “fanny pack” (or “belt bag”/“waist pack”), but in British English they charmingly dub it a “bum bag.”
Custom Bags Manufacturers cut each bag from a single layer of nylon or polyester, flame-seal the exposed edges to stop fraying, top-stitch and bind the zipper in place, and secure the side-release buckle to the waist strap with sturdy three-needle bartacks for fast, tool-free adjustments.
Clutch (Clutch / Evening Bag)
A clutch—also called an evening bag or minaudière—features a rigid or semi-rigid body and often a small flap or snap closure. Fabric or leather panels are precision-cut; seams are either blind-stitched or piped to preserve a sleek silhouette. These pieces are key accessories for formal events and take extra care in their hand-stitched details.
Satchel (Satchel / Laptop Satchel)
Satchels feature dual top handles and a detachable shoulder strap, usually positioned beneath a front flap. Craftspeople cut them from medium-weight leather or canvas, paint or bind the flap edges, and reinforce the spots that bear the most weight with interior gussets and riveted hardware—ideal for carrying books, tablets, or daily essentials without sagging.
Bucket Bag (Bucket Bag / Drawstring Bag)
Bucket bags stand out with their open-top cylinder and drawstring closure. Curved side panels and a reinforced circular base hold their shape, often sewn with boxed-corner stitching. The drawstring channel is either bound or heat-sealed so it glides smoothly without fraying.
Bowling Bag (Bowling Bag / Vintage Ball Carrier)
Inspired by old-school ball carriers, bowling bags use two half-moon end panels and a long rectangular body panel, stitched in one continuous seam for that classic dome curve. Topstitching and internal stiffeners keep the shape intact, while bartacks at the handles bear the extra weight of bowling gear.
Barrel Bag (Barrel Bag / Tube Bag)
Barrel bags look like mini duffels—a cylinder with short handles and a center zipper. Craftspeople sew long tubular seams.They overlock each seam to stop fraying. Next, they stitch a stiffened base panel into the piping or welting. This gives the piece a firm structure. Finally, they attach handles with box‑X stitches, which spread lifting forces evenly.
Doctor’s Bag (Gladstone Bag / Medical Bag)
The Gladstone, or classic doctor’s bag, features a hinged metal frame and a wide-opening top. Panels of firm leather are cut with a frame channel, glued, then sewn with heavy-duty thread to lock in the frame. Interior gussets let the custom bags open fully for easy access to tools or personal items.
Half-Moon Bag (Half-Moon Bag / Crescent Bag)
Half-moon bags use bias-cut curved panels for a smooth drape, with zippers or flaps set into notched seams that follow the arc without puckering. Seams are bound or piped to maintain the graceful silhouette.
Minaudière (Minaudière / Jeweled Clutch)
Minaudières sport a rigid metal shell, lined with fabric panels cut to fit precisely. The frame is hand-sewn or riveted in place, and they’re often embellished with pearls, crystals, or metallic finishes—ideal as statement evening pieces.
Saddlebag (Saddlebag / Equestrian Bag)
Saddlebags echo equestrian gear with a curved flap and box-stitched gusset. The main pattern includes one curved flap piece and a reinforced bottom, all joined to handle the weight of modern essentials without losing that timeless horsesaddle look.
Wristlet (Wristlet / Pouch)
Wristlets are mini pouches with a small strap. Construction mirrors a clutch but on a smaller scale: interfaced panels for body, top-stitched zipper, and folded tabs to anchor the wrist loop—perfect for carrying just keys, cards, or phone.
Briefcase (Briefcase / Attache)
Classic briefcases combine stiffeners, leather or canvas panels, welted edges, topstitching, and often metal corner guards. The flap’s gusset construction balances rigidity—so the case holds its shape—with enough flexibility to open and close smoothly.
