Handmade Handbags

[cjseattle]

I'd like to make my own handbags- just for fun but I'm not sure where to start.
Any ideas?

 

[Lena]

cute, print fabric totes are just an easy idea to start playing with

 

[punkie]

You can also try buying Vogue/McCall's/butterick etc. patterns from your local craft store...

 

[Spacemiu]

The easiest thing is to make a tote . I make bags out of old jeans, however margiela decided to steal my ideal

 

[cjseattle]

I'm totally excited to do this. My last sewing project was when I was in fourth grade- so I probably need to take sewing classes to refresh my memory- not even sure I can work the sewing machine!

 

[charlottesometimes]

I've been making bags as presents for family...it started when I did one for myself to carry all my books and folders, and people kept on asking me where I got it from.

I use denim and any unusual fabric I find as trimming. I use bamboo for handles. I don't use a pattern because they are just rectangular shaped. Here's a pic of one I made especially for my Mum (who is in her 70s). My suggestion is to just go for it and try simple shapes to start off with.

Good luck!!!!

 

[Lena]

I remember you posting regarding your bags Charlotte, this looks cute, I wish I could see more -and bigger- visuals of your 'exclusive' totes

I also need to work on my machine cjseattle.. I've almost forgotten how it works

 

[charlottesometimes]

Actually Lena, I was unsure about whether to post a pic at all, in case you all thought it was awful....so I went small.

It's just something I do as a bit of a creative outlet 'cos I spend so much of my time wrapped up in my work that I need an escape.

Here's a pic of my bag (taken with my dodgy digital camera with too much flash ).

 

[cjseattle]

Charlotte!
That last one you made is really pretty!

 

[charlottesometimes]

Thanks cjseattle!
Let us know how you go with yours....post a pic if you can!
Happy Bag-making

 

[Feline]

Charlottesometimes - those bags are lovely

Making bags is good fun.
It's inexpensive, quick & quite easy & adds a really persomlised touch to an outfit.

 

[cjseattle]

I don't think mine will be as good as your though
I'll have to learn how to manage the sewing machine first thing.

 

[dgw]

I'fd love to see some designs once they're done!!

 

[Craig]

Super blue handbag, Charlotte. I love the handle design, it's really cool.

 

[Cicciolina]

I love both of those bags! I've tried making my own bags - from old jeans as well, and they turned out alright, except I sewed on the trimming wonkily so it's a bit off so I'm not going to use it! I'd love to start making proper bags though, thanks for the inspiration

 

[charlottesometimes]

Thanks everyone!

How have you been going with it cjseattle?

 

[Belowen]

Oh Charlotte I love those bags! So unique with the bamboo like that

 

[charlottesometimes]

Thanks Belowen!

You've all inspired me to make some more.

 

[BagGal]

Have any of you designed or created your own bag before?

 

[As You Like It]

Yup. Several times.

I had this awesome backpack in highschool that was a pretty brown/rust/olive/maroon/cream paisley with fake leather trim. The fake leather went all to hell on me, so I salvaged the tapestry fabric and made an envelope bag, and made a new strap for it out of satin cords and tassels (for upholstery and draperies). I used a home-made frog arrangement for closing the flap of the purse. That was my first ever home-made bag.

More recently, I made a backpack out of an old jean skirt that always looked like crap on me and was hard to walk in because it was too straight, too long, and didn't have a vent or any kick pleats. I installed a zipper inside of the waistband, so that the top of the bag could zip shut. Then I sewed the hem of the skirt shut. Using four cheapie webbing belts, I put one around the bottom, so I could buckle the bottom of the bag around my waist to keep it from slipping when I was on my bike. I put one through the belt-loops as the skirt, just because it was cute, then I used the other two for the shoulder straps. I sewed the blunt end of the belt to the top waistband of the bag, and the end with the d-rings is loose at the bottom and threads through the bottom belt, so I can adjust it. It is hard to explain. When I get new batteries for my camera, I will have to show y'all. It is actually pretty cool.

I made a little wrist-strap evening bag to use when my husband and I got married, because I knew I needed to have a few things to hand (sunscreen, lip balm, ink pen). We had an outdoor wedding and reception at the end of June, so things were pretty warm and sunny. I used two half-moon shaped pieces of white satin, with grey/peach lace overlaid on them, some 1mm pearl-bead re-embroidery, and a grey, ruched-satin ribbon for the wrist strap. My wedding dress was cream and peach, and it looked pretty nice together. The bag had a drawstring top.

I've got a bag my mom started to make for me, and I am going to finish it. She crocheted it out of brown, orange, and tan yarn (it is concentric rings/stripes of the colors) and is an envelope-style bag, with a long double-strap that ends in a tassel on either side, comprised of 4" pieces of the yarn and some wood and brass beads. The flap of the purse is held shut by a yarn loop and a large wooden button. I'm going to line it in brown satin with a built-in change purse and a zip across the top. I may also make a separate little pochette for makeup and small items that would match the lining.

I have some cool old 1970s patterns for bags and some more contemporary ones that I might have a go at. I have a big piece of black vinyl that is begging to be put to some good use, so we shall see.