Some bags are designed to be carried over your shoulder on delicate straps, or attached to your wrist, or even clutched in your hand, while others are designed to be dumped on the ground a lot. For the ones who have a rougher go of it in life, it can be useful to add bag feet to try and protect the base a little from the nasty icky stuff on the ground (especially if you happen to live in a place where it rains at least as many days of the years as it doesn’t!)
Thankfully it isn’t that hard to add feet, but you will need a base to insert them into that’s more structured than the fabric. For the base there are a few options, but try and avoid paper based ones because one puddle will pretty much finish that off! The option that I usually go for is a plastic grid, which is also used for tapestry. When using this grid, it’s a good idea to cut very close to the grid lines when cutting out, so there are no rough edges to catch on the fabric. Other options that I know people have done include template plastic and even recycled cutting mats.
Once you have your outer bag made up, you need to cut your base insert the same size as the base of your bag. Then measure and mark on the base where you would like your feet to be. I put one at each corner, usually 3/4″ in, and then depending on the length and width of the base add 2 or more in between.
With the base in place, you need to cut through at each of the marks. Often with the grid base it will cut through between 2 holes in the grid, so it is important that it is fully in place at this point:
Insert the feet, and open out the prongs to keep them in place:
Repeat until all are inserted:
And you’re done!
Fascinating post- I eagerly read it because I had really given no thought to how bag feet are inserted and now that I know it looks easy . Filing this away for future reference!
Never thought about using plastic grid NOR old cutting mats which I can get from work as we get new ones twice a year! Thanks for the great tip…I'm excited about that!!:)
gotta love the plastic grid
Having previously made one of Katy's bags, I can vouch for her good advice re feet, just wish someone had advised me on my real feet. You know, if God had wanted us to wear pointy shoes etc etc
This was great for instilling confidence in me! The use of the tapestry grid is genius.
Never having been a dainty clutch bag type of girl bag feet are a necessity in my world 🙂
Had never seen this done nor the plastic grid used – so thank you!
Never thought of plastic grid – I use laminating sheets that have gone through the laminator with nothing in them ( accidentally of course )
Thanks for the tip about the plastic grid
I love the feet on the bag I made. And everyone is really impressed with my talent for adding feet! If only they knew it was my first time! But your directions made them simple!!