How to Make Denim Handbags With Patterns
Sewing patterns come with printed directions to make it easier to create unique items, such as one-of-a-kind denim handbags. The pattern directions will provide you with the basic steps for making your denim handbag. Sewing denim handbags with patterns can give you a sturdier bag with a more finished appearance. You can also add a decorative embroidered or painted pattern to the fabric before you stitch the denim handbag together.
Things You'll Need
- 1 handbag pattern
- Straight pins
- Medium weight denim fabric, preshrunk
- Scissors
- Tailor's chalk
- Sewing machine with denim needle installed
- Embroidery machine or fabric paint (optional)
- Sewing notions (according to pattern envelope directions)
Instructions
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1
Get out the pattern pieces needed to make the handbag. Fold up the pieces you do not need and put them back in the pattern's envelope. The directions will show you which pieces are needed.
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2
Pin the handbag pattern pieces to the denim fabric. Line up the arrows on the pattern paper with the denim's grain-line.
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3
Cut out the handbag pieces using the scissors. Do not lift the denim up when cutting to keep the cut edges straight and as smooth as possible. Remove the pins.
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4
Transfer dots and markings from the handbag pattern onto the denim using tailor's chalk. If your pattern does not have any special markings, go on to the next step.
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5
Sew around each piece of denim using a zigzag or blanket stitch to finish the cut edges and prevent fraying. Finishing the seams before joining the handbag pieces means you avoid sewing over thick seams later. If you are adding an embroidered or painted pattern to the denim handbag, add the pattern right after you finish sewing the cut edges.
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6
Pin and sew the denim pieces together and add the sewing notions according to the directions that came with the pattern. Remove the pins from the denim handbag before they go under the presser foot to avoid damaging your sewing machine.
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Tips & Warnings
Medium weight denim refers to 10 to 12 ounce denim. The weight is normally marked on the end of the fabric bolt.
Avoid folding all of the seams the same direction to avoid having to sew over bulky intersecting seams. Sewing over bulky seams can break your sewing machine needle, and can even damage your sewing machine.
If you have to sew over a thick seam, sew very slowly, and work the needle through the thick denim using the sewing machine's hand wheel instead of the foot-pedal.
References
- Photo Credit Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images
