How to Make a Designer Handbag

Finding just the right handbag that complements your outfits can be a challenge. But if you learn how to make your own, you'll be able to create a handbag wardrobe full of casual, flirty or high-impact bags that make you feel put together and glamorous.

Things You'll Need

• Featured fabrics for your handbag exterior: tapestry, upholstery or other heavy fabric Lining fabric (muslin, cotton or other thin yet durable fabric) Reinforcement Handbag handle (optional) Sewing thread Sewing needle Sewing machine Pattern paper Tailor's measuring tape

Instructions

How to Make a Designer Handbag

1. Sketch an image of the shape, size, color and exterior texture of your handbag. Think about how you want to use it--if it's meant to be a formal handbag, or a more casual, everyday accessory. Decide on the length and type of handle, if any. Choose embellishments and closure.

2. Draft and cut out pattern pieces for the front, sides and bottom of your purse. Pin these pieces to the wrong side of your exterior fabric and cut out. Be sure to leave a seam allowance of at least 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch. Repeat these steps for your reinforcement and your lining fabric.

3. Pin your reinforcement to the wrong side of your exterior fabric. When you sew the exterior together, do so with the reinforcement attached to the exterior so that you treat it as one piece of fabric instead of two. The reinforcement will stiffen the bag's shape and make it more stable.

4. Sew the front, back, sides and bottom of the exterior fabric and reinforcement. Do the same to the lining. Press seams. Turn the exterior right side out. Fold top edge inward 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch and iron in place. Leave the lining inside out. Fold the top edge outward all around and iron in place. Place lining inside the exterior bag shell. If you are using a cloth strip as a bag handle, pin in place between the lining and exterior shell on each side. Pin all pieces together and sew in place.

5. If you are using a bamboo, plastic or metal handle instead of a cloth handle, attach it to your finished bag now. Attach closures and embellishments as needed.