Sewing clips are one of those simple tools that quickly become a favourite in your sewing room, especially once you start making bags.

They are perfect for holding fabric layers, bag straps, binding, zippers, webbing, vinyl faux leather, waterproof canvas, interfacing and bag foam securely in place while you sew.

Unlike traditional sewing pins, sewing clips do not pierce your materials, making them a great choice when working with fabrics and bag making supplies where pin holes may be visible or permanent.

Why Bag Makers Love Sewing Clips

• Hold bulky seams and multiple layers securely
• Perfect for vinyl faux leather, waterproof canvas and genuine leather
• Great for holding webbing, folded straps and binding in place
• Help keep zipper tape aligned before sewing
• Easy to remove and reposition as you work
• No pin holes left behind in your materials
• Bright colours make them easy to find on your sewing table
• Useful for keeping pattern pieces attached to cut fabric and interfacing pieces

A Handy Alternative to Sewing Pins

Sewing pins are still useful for many sewing projects, but clips are often a better choice when working with bag making materials.

Many bag makers use sewing clips when working with:

• Vinyl faux leather
• Genuine leather
• Waterproof canvas
• Webbing
• Binding
• Interfacing
• Bag foam
• Zippers

Because clips hold your materials without piercing them, they are especially useful for projects where pin holes could mark or damage the surface.

Choosing the Right Sewing Clips

Different sewing clips are useful for different sewing jobs, and many bag makers like to keep more than one style in their sewing room. If you’re unsure which sewing clips are best for your projects, be sure to read my Ultimate Guide to Sewing Clips for Bag Making, where I explain the different clip styles and how I use them when making bags.

• Standard sewing clips are great everyday clips for holding fabric layers, seams, binding and small sewing sections.
• Long sewing clips provide extra reach and are especially handy for wider straps, bulky layers and larger bag making projects.
• Wide mouth sewing clips are designed to accommodate thicker projects as the wider opening allows them to grip thicker sections that may be difficult for standard clips to hold.
• Metal and pointed sewing clips are helpful for smaller areas, curves, corners and more detailed sewing jobs.
• Magnetic sewing clips / Fabric Grips are particularly useful when working inside bags, helping to hold pockets, straps and other components securely in place where larger sewing clips may not fit.

Having a few different clip types and sizes gives you more flexibility when sewing different styles of bags, accessories and quilting projects.

Stay Organised While You Sew

One of my favourite ways to use sewing clips is to attach pattern pieces directly to cut fabric, lining and interfacing pieces.

This is especially helpful when making bags with lots of pattern pieces, placement marks and construction steps.

Clipping the pattern piece to the fabric helps keep important information with each piece, including:

• Pattern markings
• Strap placement marks
• Zipper placement guides
• Notches and placement lines
• Construction notes

It is a simple habit, but it can make a big difference when staying organised during a detailed bag making project.

Shop Sewing Clips at Chris Lucas Designs

At Chris Lucas Designs, we stock a range of sewing clips for bag makers, quilters and sewists who want practical tools that make sewing easier.

Whether you are replacing sewing pins, holding thick layers together, making bag straps or keeping your cut pieces organised, sewing clips are a handy addition to your sewing room.

Looking for more helpful sewing tools? Browse our range of Measuring and Marking Tools, Scissors and Cutting Tools, Pattern Making Tools and Tools and Notions.