Process for Making a Satchel Handbag
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What is a Satchel Handbag?
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A satchel purse is one that has two unstructured, soft sides with a band of fabric separating both. The handle is usually short and meant to be gripped; sometimes, a satchel bag will have a long shoulder strap, but usually not. Commonly, satchel bags will have a rectangular or square shape, but can also be slightly rounded. Better-quality satchel bags have small "feet" on the bottom of the purse that separate the purse body from contact with the floor or other possibly dirty surfaces.
Designing a Satchel Handbag
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Many mainstream designers craft satchel bags with utility in mind. Often, satchels have several extra pockets on the outside to hold change, a cell phone, or little extras. For closures, a person might use buttons, zippers, buckles and magnetic snaps; metal hardware is very popular in satchel design.
When designing a satchel, it's good to take into account design balance and symmetry. A satchel is a classic sort of purse that is great for business and daily use. The components should be solid and sturdy, not flimsy or strictly ornamental. The satchel bag is truly a workhorse accessory.
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Crafting a Satchel Handbag
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A medium-sized satchel requires about 1 to 1.5 yards of fashion fabric or textile; it should be a sturdy woven, vinyl or leather that doesn't stretch. The designer should also have about a yard of silk or satin fabric for the lining. To form the body of the bag, the crafter cuts three pieces from the fabric: a narrow bottom panel and two sides. If the design calls for it, she can also cut a flap for the closure. The crafter will also cut pockets and handles from the fashion fabric, if necessary.
The pockets and handles (if made of fashion fabric) are sewn to the side panels. Then, the sides are connected to the middle piece. There may be cardboard inserted at the bottom of the satchel to reinforce and give shape. The lining is prepared, including any extra internal pockets. This is sewn to the bag, and the top edge is finished. If the designer is using hard handles, she then attaches those. At this point, other decorative hardware is installed in the bag, and the purse is polished and finished.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit 2009 innercity51 / Creative Commons
