How to Make Handbags From Candy Wrappers

For a whimsical special-occasion addition to your accessory wardrobe, make handbags from candy wrappers. Playful and unique, these little bags are worth the extra time and care they take to assemble.

Things You'll Need

• Paper candy wrappers
• Sewing machine
• Machine needle suitable for heavy material
• Scissors
• Thread
• Pattern
• Permanent marker

Instructions

1. Collect paper candy wrappers in attractive colors and designs. Imagine how wrappers will look in combination. Think about using just one section of each wrapper in repetition to create a pattern. Depending on the size of your wrappers, you may need quite a few. Consider buying candy of your choice in bulk, and waiting to do your project until you have saved enough wrappers. You may also remove wrappers from candy, re-wrap the candy in plastic, and store or freeze it. Or bring candy to a classroom or workplace and ask that wrappers be returned to you.

2. Choose a pattern, or design your own if you know how. Small, simple handbag and clutch patterns work well with this project. Larger bags take more time and materials to assemble, but can look great. Complicated patterns such as those with many zippers and pockets are more suitable for advanced sewers. If you are new to sewing paper, start with a small handbag to get the feel of the material.

3. Arrange wrappers in a pattern you choose. Using clear packing tape, tape wrappers together to make fabric large enough from which to cut pattern pieces. Completely cover all wrappers with a uniform layer of tape. Turn the fabric over and cover the reverse side with tape or, for a patterned lining, arrange another layer of wrappers and cover with tape. Besides creating the fabric, taping reinforces paper to make your handbag durable.

4. Using permanent marker, trace pattern pieces onto the candy wrapper fabric. Cut pieces from the fabric.

5. Set your sewing machine stitch length to medium-long. Sew together pieces cut from the fabric as the pattern instructs, using a heavyweight needle on your machine. If the design includes a zipper, substitute a button or decorative ties. Attach the button by hand and reinforce the buttonhole with tape, or punch holes in the paper and thread decorative ties through the holes.

Tips & Warnings

• Paper is less flexible than fabric. If you are accustomed to working with fabric, mistakes are inevitable. Experiment with sewing candy wrappers to get the hang of working with the materials before you begin the project.

• Lightweight machine needles may break when sewing this material. Use a heavyweight needle for best results.

• Although the handbag is reinforced with water-resistant tape, keep it away from water to ensure durability.

References

• Sewing paper

Resources

• Sewing paper handbags
• Another method to make candy wrapper handbags