What is a Pastry Bag?

The pastry bag or cake decorating bag is the cone shaped bag used to decorate a cake. A pastry tip is connected to the end of the bag using a coupler. The bag is then filled with icing and used to make the decorations on the cake.

Which type of bag do I need?

There are two types of bags I use on a regular basis.

• Reusable Decorating Bags
• Disposable Decorating Bags

Reusable Cake Decorating Bags

Reusable bags are bags that can be used, washed, and used again.

I recommend using these bags for most of your cake decorating. A good quality bag will last you a long time.

The best sizes to use when decorating cakes are the 10" & 12" bags. An 8" is a little too small and anything larger than a 12" becomes a little awkward to work with.

Never put your reusable bags in the dishwasher. This can break down the fibers in the bag and cause it to rip or tear easily. Always wash your bags by hands with warm, soapy water.

When you purchase a new decorating bag, it is not ready to decorate with yet. You will need to prepare your pastry bag first.

Disposable Pastry Bags

Disposable cake decorating bags are plastic bags that you simply use one time, then throw away.

These types of bags work good in situations where you are using a lot of colors.

Disposable bags are usually purchased in packs of 12, 50, or 100. I usually pick up a pack to have around in case i need it. However, if you are new to decorating or don't decorate a lot, you can just choose one or the other for now. You do not necessarily need both.

Here is some helpful information on filling and holding decorating bags.