How to Make Fabric Handbag

Of all fabric handbags, the easiest to make are ones made from placemats. Placemats come in a variety of solid colors, as well as in prints and plaids. Other choices are denim or mats with small pleats. A placemat handbag is so simple to assemble, you can have a handbag for every outfit. This is a purse that even a young girl can enjoy picking out a placemat for, and the cost is minimal. When the placemat is worn or she has grown tired of the design, remove the handles and go shopping for another placemat.

Things You'll Need

• Placemat Sewing machine Fusible interfacing (optional) Handles

Instructions

1. Measure and cut fusible interfacing to fit the width of the placemat. Measure the length 1 inch shorter than the length of the placemat.

2. Place the interfacing on the wrong side of the placemat. This will be the inside of the handbag. Leave ½ inch of the placemat showing at the top and bottom.

3. Iron interfacing to the placemat. For added assurance, machine stitch the top and bottom of the interfacing to the placemat.

4. Attach handles to the placemat by centering one at the top and one at the bottom of the placemat. The method of attaching the handles will depend on the type of handle you have chosen. Some handles may need to be attached by hand, while others may be machine stitched. Handles can be purchased at fabric or craft stores in wood or plastic designs.

5. Fold the placemat in half so the inside of the handbag is facing out and the handles are facing each other. Machine stitch a ¼ inch seam along both sides of the handbag.

6. Turn the handbag right side out. The handbag is finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Interfacing is an option and is used to add stability.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish