Whether you make bags to pass time or as a commercial activity, there are certain materials you need for the process. Without these materials, it is impossible to achieve your goal of making bags.
Bag making is a popular business in Tanzania, and the right materials can make all the difference in creating a quality product. In this article, we’ll look at the top ten bag-making materials and prices in Tanzania, as well as their benefits and responses to frequently asked questions.
- Cotton Fabric: Cotton fabric is a popular choice for bag making. It’s durable, washable, and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Prices range from 5,000 TZS to 15,000 TZS per meter.
- Leather: Leather is another popular choice for making high-end bags. It’s durable, water-resistant, and can last for years. Prices range from 20,000 TZS to 70,000 TZS per square foot.
- Denim: Denim is a durable fabric that gives bags a stylish and trendy look. It’s also readily available and affordable, with prices ranging from 8,000 TZS to 15,000 TZS per meter.
- Canvas: Canvas is a heavy-duty fabric that’s perfect for creating sturdy and long-lasting bags. Prices range from 10,000 TZS to 25,000 TZS per meter.
- Zippers: Zippers are an essential part of bag making. They come in different sizes and colors and range from 500 TZS to 2,000 TZS each.
- Buckles: Buckles are used to fasten straps and are available in various sizes and styles. Prices range from 500 TZS to 3,000 TZS each.
- Grommets: Grommets are metal rings used to reinforce holes and are available in different sizes. Prices range from 2,000 TZS to 5,000 TZS per pack.
- Sewing Machine Needles: A good quality sewing machine needle can make all the difference in creating a quality bag. Prices range from 1,000 TZS to 5,000 TZS per pack.
- Thread: Strong thread is essential for creating sturdy and long-lasting bags. Prices range from 1,000 TZS to 3,000 TZS per spool.
- Interfacing: Interfacing is used to add structure to bags and comes in different weights. Prices range from 10,000 TZS to 30,000 TZS per meter.
Benefits of Using Quality Bag Making Materials:
Using high-quality bag making materials has several benefits, including:
- Durability: Quality materials are durable and can withstand wear and tear, making bags last longer.
- Aesthetics: Quality materials look better and can give bags a more professional look.
- Customer satisfaction: Using quality materials can lead to satisfied customers who are more likely to recommend your bags to others.
In this post, we will be answering two very important questions. The first is, “what are the different materials for making bags?” Secondly, “how much do these materials cost in Tanzania?” Without further ado, let’s get to the crux of this post.
Tanzania has a growing market for bags, with increasing demand for different styles, sizes, and materials. The following is a list of the top 10 bag making materials and their prices in Tanzania, as of February 2023.
- Canvas – This sturdy material is perfect for making backpacks, tote bags, and duffel bags. Canvas is durable and long-lasting, making it a popular choice for bags. Price range: TZS 20,000 – 35,000 per meter.
- Leather – Leather is a classic and stylish material that is perfect for making high-end bags. Leather bags are durable, long-lasting, and versatile, making them a popular choice for both men and women. Price range: TZS 40,000 – 80,000 per meter.
- Polyester – This lightweight and easy-to-care-for material is perfect for making bags that are both practical and stylish. Polyester bags are available in a range of colors and patterns, making them a popular choice for fashion-conscious consumers. Price range: TZS 10,000 – 20,000 per meter.
- Nylon – Nylon is a durable and water-resistant material that is perfect for making bags that can withstand the elements. Nylon bags are lightweight, making them ideal for outdoor activities and travel. Price range: TZS 15,000 – 25,000 per meter.
- Cotton – This soft and breathable material is perfect for making bags that are both comfortable and stylish. Cotton bags are available in a range of colors and patterns, making them a popular choice for everyday use. Price range: TZS 15,000 – 25,000 per meter.
- Jute – Jute is a strong and durable material that is perfect for making eco-friendly bags. Jute bags are available in a range of colors and patterns, making them a popular choice for environmentally conscious consumers. Price range: TZS 10,000 – 20,000 per meter.
- Faux Leather – Faux leather is a synthetic material that is designed to look and feel like leather, but without the high price tag. Faux leather bags are available in a range of colors and patterns, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers. Price range: TZS 20,000 – 35,000 per meter.
- Recycled Plastic – This eco-friendly material is perfect for making bags that are both practical and stylish. Recycled plastic bags are available in a range of colors and patterns, making them a popular choice for environmentally conscious consumers. Price range: TZS 15,000 – 25,000 per meter.
- Suede – This soft and luxurious material is perfect for making high-end bags. Suede bags are available in a range of colors, making them a popular choice for fashion-conscious consumers. Price range: TZS 30,000 – 60,000 per meter.
- Linen – This lightweight and breathable material is perfect for making bags that are both comfortable and stylish. Linen bags are available in a range of colors and patterns, making them a popular choice for everyday use. Price range: TZS 15,000 – 25,000 per meter.
Tanzania has a wide range of bag making materials available, each with its own unique properties and benefits. When selecting the right material for your bag, consider factors such as durability, style, and cost. The above prices should serve as a rough guide to the current market prices in Tanzania, but it’s always advisable to check with local suppliers for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When making bags, it’s important to choose the right materials to ensure that the final product is both functional and stylish. For example, if you’re making a backpack, you’ll want to choose a durable material like canvas or leather that can withstand regular use and heavy loads. On the other hand, if you’re making a shopping bag, a lightweight and easy-to-care-for material like polyester or cotton may be a better choice.
In Tanzania, there are many local suppliers who offer a range of bag making materials at competitive prices. To get the best deal, it’s recommended that you shop around and compare prices from different suppliers. You can also consider buying materials in bulk to take advantage of discounts.
Overall, bag making is a growing industry in Tanzania, with a wide range of materials available to choose from. Whether you’re a seasoned bag maker or just starting out, there is sure to be a material that suits your needs and budget. So, get creative and start making your own unique and stylish bags today!
Prices of Bag Making Materials in Tanzania
Bag-making for some individuals is just a hobby, an activity that they use to pass time. For other individuals, they make bags to survive. It doesn’t matter which side of the divide you fall to, you cannot make bags without materials. Of course, the kind of bags that you make will determine the kind of materials that you need. However, certain materials are common across the board and we have listed them and their prices below:
- Bag fabric: From TSh50 per yard
- Sewing machine: From TSh57,299
- Webbing: From TSh30 per yard
- Zippers: From TSh10
- Magnetic snaps: From TSh25
- Purse locks: From TSh30
- Bag bottoms & feet: From TSh5,350 per pack of four
Note that the prices of these items are quite volatile. This implies that they change frequently due to certain factors like demand, location, vendors, government policies, etc. We will update this post as soon as we notice a price change so that you can be aware. Now, that this is off the table, let’s discuss some of the items listed above briefly.
Materials Needed for Bag Making
Bag-making has become one of the most lucrative low-capital businesses in Tanzania today. Once upon a time, women alone were seen as the primary market for bag makers. Today, bags are not just a fashion accessory, they have become very functional elements in our daily lives. Now that you know the materials needed in making bags and their prices, let’s discuss some of these materials.
Bag fabric
There are different types of fabric used in making bags. From jeans materials to leather, cotton to local “Ankara” fabric. It all depends on the design that you want to achieve and the functionality of the bag.
We must let you know that the kind of fabric that you use in the creation of a bag will affect its longevity. It is not enough for the bag to have an attractive design, it must also be capable of withstanding stress.
Sewing machine
We wouldn’t regard a sewing machine as a material, rather, it is a piece of equipment. Notwithstanding, we will have to mention it since we are discussing the items needed in bag making. If you make bags on a commercial basis, then you need to make use of a sewing machine.
You can either choose a manual sewing machine or an electric machine. The machine that you choose depends on your purposes, how much capital you have at hand, and the scale of your business. It will also depend on the kind of materials that you use for producing your bags.
Without a machine, the process of making bags can be quite stressful and frustrating. If you operate on a large scale, your best bet is to purchase an industrial machine. Ensure that you survey the market properly before you shell out funds for a machine.
Webbing
Webbing are the materials that we use in making the handles of bags. Usually, bag handles are made using the fabric that was used in making the bag. In some cases, it is difficult to use such materials to make the bag handles. Let’s also not forget the fact that these bag fabrics may not be sturdy enough to be used as handles.
Webbing is mostly made of cotton or nylon fibres. As such, they are very easy to manipulate and make the bag convenient to carry around. Since the edges of the webbing materials are neatly finished, they add some sturdiness to your bags. You can find different sizes and colors of webbings on the market.
Zippers
These are the most important parts of bags and purses. How else would we secure the contents of our bags without zippers? There are different types of zippers on the market that can be used to make bags. Some of these zippers include:
- Closed-end zipper
- Separating zippers
- Two way separating zippers
- Continuous zipper chain
- Nylon coil zippers
- Metal teeth zippers.
- Moulded plastic zippers
- Pant Zippers
- Invisible zippers
- Bag zippers
- Water repellant zippers
- Lapped Zippers
- Centered Zippers
- Exposed zippers
- Fly zippers
You can survey the market to find out which of these zippers suits your purposes best. Ensure that you purchase high-quality zippers from trusted vendors to avoid embarrassment.
Tips to help you make better bags
As a bag maker, you should strive hard to make the best bags possible. In this section, we will share a few tips that will help you make better bags.
Choose the right fabric
There are so many types of bags on the market today. Different bags perform different functions. When choosing your fabric, you should consider the function of the bag that you want to make. The fabric should be attractive and also strong enough to handle the functions of the bag. This way, your bags will be beautiful and stand the test of time.
Use walking foot machines
Most times, we associate walking foot machines with quilting. Well, they perform several other functions. The walking foot is just an attachment to your sewing machine that makes it possible for the top of your fabric to enter the machine. This type of attachment comes in handy when sewing multiple fabric layers which happens when making bags. It makes your work easier and faster.
Cover webbing with fabric
When making bags, there’s the temptation to leave your webbing uncovered. After all, they’d still look good. However, covering the webbing with the fabric that you used for the exterior of your bag adds a touch of excellence. It makes the bag look more attractive and increases its value.
Popular Questions and Answers:
- How much fabric do I need to make a bag?
The amount of fabric needed depends on the size of the bag. As a general rule, you will need one meter of fabric for a medium-sized tote bag.
- Can I use a regular sewing machine to sew leather?
It’s best to use a heavy-duty sewing machine with a leather needle when sewing leather. If you don’t have a heavy-duty sewing machine, you can hand sew leather using a leather needle and heavy-duty thread.
- What is the best type of fabric for making a waterproof bag?
Vinyl-coated fabrics like PVC or PU-coated nylon are great for making waterproof bags. They are durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean. Prices for vinyl-coated fabrics range from 8,000 TZS to 20,000 TZS per meter.
In conclusion, bag making is a lucrative business in Tanzania, and using quality materials is essential to creating a quality product.