How to Sew a Handbag

How to Sew a Handbag

If you're interested in sewing and design or even just creativity, then this is the right rainy day activity for you!

Steps

1. 1Cut out four square pieces of fabric the exact same size. Make sure that if you are making a small messenger bag that it's around 12 inches (30.5 cm) in length and 10 inches (25.4 cm) in width.
2. 2Two pieces are for your lining one for the out side of the bag. If you want extra body try using a fusible product such as craft fuse, décor bond or form-flex. This gets fused with an iron to the lining of the bag before you sew it.
3. 3Sew the side seams with a ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) seam.
4. 4Sew the bottom with a ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) seam.
5. 5If you want you can box the bottom by measuring up 2 inches (5.1 cm) and creating a triangle measure in 2 inches (5.1 cm) sew across the diagonal.
6. 6Do this to both the lining and the outer bag.
7. 7To sew the bag and the lining together turn the outer bag right side out. keep the lining right side in. place the outer bag into the lining and sew a ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) seam around the top of the bag to secure the two pieces together. at the bottom of the lining open the bottom of the seam about 4 inches (10.2 cm) so that you can birth the outer bag through the lining opening.
8. 8Sew the lining back up by top-stitching the opening closed
9. 9Cut 2 handles at least 2 1/2 inches (5.1 cm) wide by however long you want your strap. For a handbag you can cut the handles 2 1/2 x 21 inches or if you want it to cross your body at least 2 1/2 x 40 inches.
10. 10Sew handles right sides together using a ¹⁄₄ inch (0.6 cm) seam down the length of the fabric.
11. 11Fold in the top and the bottom and top-stitch 1/8 around the handles and the bag.
12. 12Attach to the purse by measuring 2 1/4 inches (10.2 cm) down and 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the side. this is where you mark to add your straps.
13. 13Sew a box around the handle edges and then sew an x across to really secure the straps.
14. 14Enjoy you bag!