Handbag Directions

[allamericanmom.livejournal.com]

It was requested that I post the directions for the handmade handbags.

First of all, I don't follow a pattern. I bought one initially, got confused by it, and threw it away. It's easy to eyeball size and it's an individual taste anyway, so...

I'll just say up front, too, that patchwork bags are a little harder to handle. Depending on the type of fabric you use, it can get very tricky when sewing strips of sewn-together patches together... I've had COUNTLESS boo-boos where one fabric starts unraveling or something, and the rest of it just falls to pieces. Not fun when you've put a lot of time into it.

SO, to the actual bag directions:

Buy your fabric. You can use any kind, really, and to be honest, the different textures make them VERY interesting. You can use as many different fabrics as you want, too... there ARE no rules in handbag making! Each bag takes easily less than 1 yard of material, unless you're making a huge bag for carrying your triplets in or something... : ) Typically, I use less than 1/2 yd of each material, depending on the number of stripes I'm using (because stripes are my favorite).

You'll also need trim for your bag, whether it be fringe, beads, or both. Typically, a yard is safe to say, and you'll probably have a bit of excess...

Okay, so first, cut your stripes. I usually do them extra-long so I can fold 'em in half and have the bottom of the bag done, instead of pinning and sewing it all. It doesn't really matter, I don't guess, but it's just skipping a step if you do it my way... :)

Pin two of your fabrics right-sides together... make sure they're lined up straight and what-not. Sew. Continue on with this 'til you have all your stripes sewn together. Using the shell (without sewing up the sides yet), cut an identically sized piece of fabric for your liner. I try to use sturdier materials like canvas or linen, just to give the bag a more solid shape. Then cut pieces of fabric for your handles (if you're not using pre-made handles). I use my own shoulder to measure length of handles. Pin right sides together of the handle pieces, then sew straight down both of them (or the one, if you're doing a single handle). Turn them right side out.

Next, line up the shell and the liner, with the wrong sides facing each other (you'll want the pretty side of the liner showing in the bag). Fold enough of the shell's top edge in to create a hem, and fold the lining's top edge back, too, creating a clean edge. Be sure you keep the edges of each material even. Pin along the edge. Pin the handle ends between the liner and the shell so everything is clean. Sew along the hem... I usually get as close to the top edge as possible, maybe 1/4 inch.

When you have both top edges hemmed and the handles are sewn in place between the liner and the shell, fold the bag in half where the liner is on the outside (shell's right sides are together). Pin up the edges and sew each side. I use pinking shears to cut off the excess as close to the stitches as possible. Flip your bag inside out, being careful to poke the bottom corners out for a clean finish and voila! Sewing is done.

Then you just need to put the trim on. I try to cover the top hem stitching with it... I use a hot glue gun as well, as it doesn't show through even the finest of satin ribbons and holds very well.

I hope these are easy to understand... please let me know if something is not clear. Happy Sewing!