As is usual when I make a bag, I didn't go by a pattern. I had an idea of what I wanted and just started with a basic shape of a front and back with a 4 inch gusset. I made 2 inside zipper pockets and 2 outside zipper pockets. The finished size is 10 inches high and 12 inches wide. The strap is 2 inches wide and 24" long.
I used 2 upholstery fabrics that I got at Joann Fabrics on the “red tag” table when it was 50% off, so I paid probably $5.00 for the fabric. When I saw this fabric, I knew it would be great for a handbag. For the lining I used a black twill and the printed fabric for the pockets. I made one side of the bag the black print fabric with a gold pocket and the other side is the gold fabric with a black print pocket. I did this just to add a little extra something.
For the strap I used a 2 inch wide black webbing and then sewed a piece of the purse fabric on top of it. The reason I made the strap this way is the webbing gives it strength without the layers and bulk of interfacing. But by itself, it’s kind of plain, so I added the fabric layer. The 2 inch webbing is kind of hard to find, but I wanted it that wide since there’s only 1 strap.
I really enjoy making handbags. I'm pretty happy with how this one turned out, although I do wish I'd made it just a little bit bigger.
I used 2 upholstery fabrics that I got at Joann Fabrics on the “red tag” table when it was 50% off, so I paid probably $5.00 for the fabric. When I saw this fabric, I knew it would be great for a handbag. For the lining I used a black twill and the printed fabric for the pockets. I made one side of the bag the black print fabric with a gold pocket and the other side is the gold fabric with a black print pocket. I did this just to add a little extra something.
For the strap I used a 2 inch wide black webbing and then sewed a piece of the purse fabric on top of it. The reason I made the strap this way is the webbing gives it strength without the layers and bulk of interfacing. But by itself, it’s kind of plain, so I added the fabric layer. The 2 inch webbing is kind of hard to find, but I wanted it that wide since there’s only 1 strap.
I really enjoy making handbags. I'm pretty happy with how this one turned out, although I do wish I'd made it just a little bit bigger.
