Sewing a Handbag

A basic handbag like this one can be made to match any outfit.

A handbag or purse is an essential accessory, useful in carrying the items you need, as well as adding the final touch to an outfit. Making your own is not a difficult thing to do, and you can have one in any color or pattern that you choose, or even embellish one with art to make a unique piece that anyone would envy. This project, which requires no pattern, features an easy to embellish flap opening and a detachable strap.

Things You'll Need

• 1 yard fashion fabric
• 1 yard lining fabric
• Fabric marker
• 1 yard extra heavy-duty iron-on interfacing
• 1 1/2 inch-by-11 1/2 inch piece of plastic canvas
• 2 pieces of twill tape, 2 inches long
• 2 D-rings, 3/4 inch
• 2 swivel trigger snaps, 1 5/8 inches long
• 30 inches of 5/8 inch wide braid

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of fashion fabric 27 inches-by-13 inches. Cut a piece from the lining the same size. Use the fabric marker and the ruler to mark both pieces into two 10-inch sections and one 7-inch section at the top. Cut the heavy-duty interfacing into 3 pieces, two 8 inches-by-12 inches and one 6 inches-by-12 inches.

2. Stay-stitch the upper 7-inch section, which will be the flap of the handbag, beginning at the dividing line at the top of the center section, along both sides and the top, 1/2 inch from the edge. Trim the corners, and clip 1/2 inch at the line where the flap meets the middle section. If you choose to embellish the flap, you should do it now.

3. Center the iron-on interfacing on the wrong side of the flap and iron in place, following the manufacturer's directions. Turn the edges under to the wrong side at the stay-stitching and press.

4. Place one piece of the iron-on interfacing half from the edge of the bottom on the wrong side of the bottom section, centered between the sides. Place the other piece at the top of the middle section, also centered. There should be 2 inches between the two pieces of interfacing. Iron them in place following the manufacturer's directions.

5. Fold the bottom section to the middle section, right sides together. Sew the sides with a half seam. At the bottom, fold the side seam to the fold line for 2 inches, so that it creates a small triangle. Sew across the top of the triangle twice. Don't trim it, but press it back underneath the bottom, and tack the point of the triangle to the fold with a couple of stitches. Press around the top of the handbag 1/2 inch all the way around.

6. Repeat the above steps for the lining except for the interfacing. Don't interface the lining. Take the piece of plastic canvas and tack it to the wrong side of the lining at the bottom. Turn both the handbag and the lining right side out. Push the bottoms together.

7. Put the lining down inside the handbag. Fold one piece of twill tape over each D-ring. Stitch the tape to the inside of the handbag at the top side seam, between the handbag and the lining. Use a whipstitch to sew the handbag and lining together. Sew a swivel hook to each end of the braid, and then attach the hooks to the D-rings.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a sturdy fabric for the handbag, such as tapestry or upholstery fabric.

• Add an optional snap to keep the flap closed.

• Embellishments can be done with beads, appliques, fabric paint or embroidery.

• Make the handbag dressier by using a length of decorative chain instead of braid for the strap.

Resources

• Better Homes and Gardens: 10 Simple-to-Sew Totes, Purses, and Bags