How to Design Handbags

The first stages every designer goes through is imagining, drawing, and creating their masterpiece. Designing a handbag is no different. They all start out as a drawing, a pattern, and eventually the finished product - a handbag.

What kind of handbag have you been imagining?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper
• Pencil
• Markers
• Scissors
• Creative Idea
• Materials
• Sewing machine
• Matching Thread

1. 
   Draw Handbag

   By now you probably have an image of a handbag or an idea for one in your head. Start out by sitting down and sketching your idea for your handbag design on paper. This could be the shape and size of your bag, or a list of all the features your handbag needs to have when your finished.

2. 
   Handbag Drawing

   Think about the purpose this bag will have and the functionality of its intended use. Will it be an evening bag, day bag, tote bag, messenger bag, or cosmetic bag?
   
   Add pockets, snap placements, flaps, and other gadgets to your drawing.

3. 
   Handbag Design

   Consider the types of material that will be used for the handbag's construction and the color pallet available for those materials. This can be very important due to the availability of materials in the chosen colors of your design.
   
   Different types of material will effect the weight, durability, and the textured feel of your handbag.
   
   Color adds style and appeal.

4. 

   Measure and draw out your pattern pieces using craft paper or the backside of gift wrap paper. Use a ruler, pencil, and other objects to round and form the shapes you need to size.
   
   Mark each pattern piece by number or placement. Example: front, back, side, pocket, or strap.

5. 

   Test your pattern out on scrap fabric before making your actual handbag. Write down directions for yourself as you see fit. You may find during the test run of creating your handbag design, that adjustments or modifications are usually needed to get the desired outcome in your handbag design.

6. 

   Stitch your handbag together, and when your finished you can sit back and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

Tips & Warnings

• Start with a simple handbag design, such as square, our triangle shaped for your first design.
• The type of bag you design will influence the texture and weight of the material used for the handbag's construction.
• Always use pencil, and or colored pencils when drawing out your design.
• Keep a waste basket near by and several sheets of paper. You may go there several drafts of your handbag design before you get the desired outcome.
• Try stitching and putting together you handbag with scrap materials first, before making your handbag with your original material in case of pattern flaws or adjustments during the "trail run" of creating your handbag.
• Don't ever use newspaper when creating a paper pattern for your handbag, the black ink will come off onto your fabrics.

Resources

• Handbag Designs Online
• Flower Purse Pattern
• Free Handbag Ideas and Patterns

[mrschadt]

on 3/30/2009 I love making handbags. If you need to know how to do anything just ask. There are some great articles here on ehow to help you learn to sew.

[pattyanniek]

on 3/30/2009 Thank you , I like this . I have been wanting to make my own purse , just didn't know where to start. Since I have never sewn before .