How to Design Your Own Purse
Creating your own purse is a good way to express your own personal style. You can create a bag that fits your shoulder perfectly, matches your favorite coat and holds all of your personal belongings exactly where you want them. The handbag can be as simple or as fancy as your sewing skill allows. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Heavy card stock or paper
- One half yard of solid fabric of your choice
- One half yard of patterned fabric of your choice
- Pins
- Pencils
- Thread that matches your material
- Scissors
- Iron
- Sewing machine
- Needle and thread
Instructions
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Determine how you will use your bag and pick fabric accordingly. If you want an everyday bag for work, consider leather, which will require more sewing skills. If you're looking to make something sporty, choose canvas, vinyl or denim. For an evening bag, go for satin or other soft fabric.
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Design your handles. For a shoulder bag, measure around your shoulder to the point where you want the top of the bag to rest. For a cross-body, measure diagonally across your body from one hip to the opposite shoulder. Use a bag you already have and like as a guide.
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Design the compartment. Pick stiffer fabric if you want a tote, softer fabric if you'd like a hobo bag. Factor in pockets for your wallet, cellphone and keys. If you need more organization, add more compartments.
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Factor in closures, such as snaps or zippers. Consider a hidden magnetic closure for a more streamlined look. If you're active or are hard on your bags, use a zipper to make sure the contents don't fall out.
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If you set your bag down often, add feet to protect the bottom.
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Tips & Warnings
When designing your pattern, the basic idea should be the same, but the shape of the lower part of the bag can be any shape you wish.
For a pretty little evening purse, pick a satin or a glittery fabric. Pick patterns that match or complement your style.
Try decorative stitches when top-stitching the handles on your purse. Applique, embroidery, or decorative buttons can give your purse a unique touch.
It's a good idea to pin each step and look at it to be sure you have not closed up a hole you will need later.
