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Patternless handbag instructions
These free instructions are for making a small pouch
style bag. It is a very simple design that lends itself to a variety
of interesting fabrics. Quilted fabrics, tapestry fabrics, and other
fabric remnants may be used. They are quick to sew and make great
gifts.
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Step 1: Gather your materials
Fabric for outside of bag
Lining for bag
Cording for handle/strap
Button for closure
Tassel for closure
Thread
Needle or sewing machine (This project may be hand-sewn
if necessary.)
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Step 2: Cut & Sew
Cut a rectangle of fabric about 18" x
7" from the fabric for the outside of the bag. Cut a rectangle of
fabric the same size for the lining.
Place the lining on top of the outside
fabric, right sides together. Sew around the entire perimeter of the
rectangle leaving a small opening in the side.
Trim away the corners being careful not to
cut through the stitching.
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Step 3: Turn and Press
Turn the whole thing right side out through the small hole in the
side.
Using a chopstick, end of a paintbrush, or other non-sharp pointed
object (DO NOT USE SCISSORS!), gently work the corners until they are
precise.
Press the seam flat making sure the lining does not show on the front
side.
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Step 4: Making the Bag
Fold the rectangle into approximate thirds
so that 2/3 will make up the bag and 1/3 will be the flap. Play with it
until the flap is in the right proportion to the bag.
Slip stitch both of the sides closed
leaving a tiny opening at the bottom of each side to hide the ends of
the strap in.
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Step 5: Finishing
Cut the cording the length you want the strap to be plus twice the
length of side of the bag.
Place one end of the cording into one of the holes at the side.
Stitch in place. Slip stitch the cording up the side of the bag adding
some reinforcement stitching at the top.
Do the same on the other side.
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Add an interesting button and a tassel for closing and you are all
done!
Variations may be done with the shape of the flap by making it
pointed or rounded. The drapery department offers many interesting
items. Drapery tie-backs with tassels on each end may be used instead of
regular cording. Use your imagination and have fun!
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| Step 7: This looks too complicated!
Can I just buy this bag instead?
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Nope, sorry, I decided I liked it too much so I'm keeping
it. If you want another one, let me know and if you ask me nicely, I
might make you one. |
| Did you find these instructions useful? Were any of the
instructions confusing? Would you like to see more pictures? What other
projects would you like to see instructions for?
Send me an e-mail and let me know what you think and if you would
like me to include you on my e-mail list. Thanks!
projects@howoriginal.net
©2003 Loretta Alvarado
All Rights Reserved
Feel free to print out the instructions on this page
for your personal use. And send your friends here too! They might find
something they will enjoy. However, please don't reproduce or distribute
your copy without my permission, that is a violation of my copyright. If
you wish to make these bags to sell, please contact me at projects@howoriginal.net.
Thanks!
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