How to Make Homemade Handbags
Patterns for making homemade handbags are many and include those made of leather, fabric and yarn. Most require a sewing machine and a bit of sewing skill. There is an easier way to crate homemade handbags that reflect personality and style. Use place mats that come in a wide variety of colors and fabrics and are so simple to make, even a beginner that knows just a little bit about sewing can make them.
Things You'll Need
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Scissors
- Needle
- Pins
- Iron and ironing board
- Place mat
- 1 yard of lining fabric
- Pencil
- Purse handles
- Magnetized snap enclosure
- Decorative trim
Instructions
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Satchel Handbag
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1
Cut lining material that same size as the place mat by laying it on top and pining it down in several places. Cut with scissors around the place mat.
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2
Lay the place mat right side up on a table. Lay the lining right side down on top. The right sides of each fabric should face each other. Pin around the edges and stitch with sewing machine around 3/4 inches from the edge. Leave a 1-1/2-inch opening at one side.
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3
Pull the handbag right side out through the opening. Poke corners out by inserting a pencil, then press flat with an iron.
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4
Fold handbag in half with right sides together. Lining will be on the outside. Pin sides together and stitch sides 1/2-inch from the edge. Turn right side out and press.
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5
Purchase handles at a craft store and attach them per their instructions.
Clutch Handbag
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6
Follow steps 1 and 2 for satchel handbag.
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7
Fold the mat in thirds, with lining on inside, by folding bottom a little further than the middle. Pin sides together.
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8
Hand sew the sides with a whipstitch from bottom to the fold for upper flap. (ref 3) A Whipstitch is made by inserting needle in front and coming out back, then bringing the needle back to the front and inserting again.
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9
Fold the top flap down.
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10
Secure flap with magnetized purse snap, hand sewn on per package instructions.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Decorate with lace, cording, buttons and other decorative trim. Place a layer of stiff iron on interfacing to make the handbag stiffer or purchase a stiff place mat that is still able to bend. Use fabric cut to the same size as a place mat if no suitable place mat is found. Make handles by sewing on belting and making sure to center the handbag properly.
When using a machine, always back stitch when beginning to sew a line and at the end. This makes the stitching much stronger and less likely to break.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit green and red mat image by OMKAR A.V from Fotolia.com
