How to Design a Boutique Bag
The bag you carry says a lot about your fashion sense and taste. Stylish and trendy boutique bags are increasing in popularity. Typically stores supply shopping bags to customers when they make a purchase. These bags typically display the store's logo or some other visual brand identification. Most bags supplied by the store are made of paper, and are in most cases are disposable. By creating your own boutique bag you can design a bag that is reusable and exhibits your personal style. Designing your own boutique bag will help you take your shopping experience up a notch. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Ruler
- Fabric
- Embellishments ( optional)
- Purse pattern
- Scissors
- Needle
- Thread
- Hot-glue gun
- Glue
Instructions
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Design
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1
Decide on a shape for your bag. Most boutique bags are square or rectangular and include handles or straps. You can design your bag any way that will allow you to carry merchandise securely.
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2
Select a practical material. Although most boutique bags are made of paper or plastic, you can use any material you choose. A cotton or cotton-blended material that can be washed will probably last longer than muslin, fabric or paper.
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3
Decide on the type of handles you want. You can use just about any material for handles. Ideally your handles should be able to be easily connected to the body of your bag. For example, sea shells may look great but would be difficult to use as handles. Cording, leather and fabric can all be used to create sturdy handles for your bag.
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4
Decide on design and embellishments. Think about the kind of bag you would love to carry but have yet to find. Perhaps you would like to have pictures, rhinestones or other objects that stand out. If you would like to transfer pictures or the images, you may have to contact a printer to put your design or image on your bag by a heat-transfer process, if the material is suitable.
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Consider optional features. If your bag is made out of a fabric, you have the option of adding a zipper or pocket. You may also want to consider monogramming your bag. Monogramming can be with an embroidery machine or simply by ironing on alphabet appliqués.
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Purchase a purse pattern that you can use for your own boutique bag design. Cut your fabric to the pattern into two equal-size pieces; pin the pieces together. Cut the handle pieces equally. If you would like to carry the bag like the traditional shopping bag, each handle should be 6- to 10-inches long.
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Sew the two pieces together and leave at least a 5-inch space for your handle. Attach the handles to the top of the bag. The manner in which you attach the handle will be determined by which you have decided to use as a handle. For harder surfaces such as straw or wood, you will have to hot glue. If fabric is used, you can simply sew the handles on the bag.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
