BlueSusan makes: Perfect Fabric Purse Handle Tutorial. I love the look of pre-made leather handles on a handbag but I don't love how pricey they sometimes are to purchase. In our book Just for You: Selfish Sewing there's a pattern for a handbag called the Crafty Satchel (designed by Sara Lawson) that calls for pre-made leather handles. Today I'm going to show you how to make DIY "pre-made" handles that you can use as an alternative to purchased leather handles.
All you need is fabric and a little Soft & Stable interfacing. Here's what they look like on the Crafty Satchel I sewed up for Purse Palooza. These handles are perfect for using with the Crafty Satchel pattern from our book but you can customize them for any pattern that calls for pre-made handles. You'll need... 1/4 yard of quilting cotton 2 strips 2'' x 28 1/2'' of Soft & Stable (fabric covered foam batting) this is the same interfacing used in the bag pattern, you may even have enough leftover to use.
Sewing... 1. 2. Here's a view of the layers... 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Make a Hippie-Chic Handbag From Upcycled Clothes. I am a girl who goes for comfort and casual, earthy and artsy in style and in living. A DIY handbag is signature accessory of my lifestyle. (photos by Bob Farley) I hate to go shopping, so I will wear my favorite clothes until they are completely worn out, and my husband is the same way. So when we wear our old duds past their prime, what should we do with them, throw them in the trash? No way! A pair of chinos, pockets from cargo pants, and a bright paisley print will make a hippie-chic bag. Click on the corner of an image below to view the steps and pictures in a larger photo gallery. Green Issues by Agy: Jeans into Reversible Bag. DIY: Bow Clutch Sewing Tutorial.
And fiiiinally... the tutorial you've been waiting for. This is my first real sewing tutorial - which scares me a bit, because I've never actually taken a sewing class, so I don't know all the terminology. What I do know is that I've learned to sew lots of things by reading tutorials, so hopefully I can make this simple enough that even you beginners can feel confident making a bag. And yes, a bag with a zipper! It can be done, I promise.There are plenty of photos, so hopefully that will help. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section and I'll be happy to clarify. **Also, please note except where I say, "Sew close to the edge," I am using a 1/2" seam allowance throughout.
Ok, let's get started! 1. 2. 3. 4. Sometimes, at the end of this step, if my strap doesn't feel sturdy enough, I'll cut a thin strip of interfacing and tuck it inside the crease before sewing. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. WHEW! Fully lined zippered box pouch - pattern and tutorial - it's a Pretty Modern life.
I love the look of a zippered box pouch...so incredibly cute. I found many tutorials on the internet, but was disappointed after making pouches following these tutorials to find that they were not fully lined; looks so much nicer when you open your pouch and there are no seams. It took me a long time to figure it out and I thought and thought and thought...then I got it♥ I don't want to keep this knowledge to myself, so here it is.
I'd like to thank Jane at Projects by Jane (the only other tutorial like this that I was able to find on the internet - wish I'd found it sooner). Her photos may help you out too if mine fail to communicate properly. ♥♥♥Thanks so much! The finished pouch is 3 high x 4 wide x 7 long (inches) Here's what you need: 1 twelve inch zipper 2 10x7 inch panels for the lining (my lining fabric is the green one) 2 10x7 inch panels for the exterior (my exterior fabric is the brown floral one) 2 4x3 inch pieces of complementary fabric for the pulls at the end of the zipper. Travel Accessories: Plenty of Pockets Tote. When you're on the road, doesn't it always seems to be the ordinary, everyday things you are suddenly in desperate need of: gum, nail clippers, your headphones?
I get a little panicky, certain I've left behind the most obvious items... as if perhaps I'm on an arctic expedition and won't see civilization for weeks. But the opportunity for replenishment doesn't matter; I want my stuff close at hand. That's the theory behind our handsome travel tote: plenty o' pockets to stash all your stuff. There are four big outside pockets that wrap front and back plus a deep inside compartment (exactly deep enough for a magazine, I might add!) With its own generous interior pocket. I'm still likely to forget something, which is why after my current travels, I now own six pairs of sunglasses and a dozen tubes of lip balm. We offer a full set of pattern downloads below for the tote body as well as all the pockets.
We recommend using a twin needle to do the decorative stitching on this project. Tutorial: Fabric Bucket/Basket | The Stitchin' Chicken. It’s been a long week! I meant to post this sooner, but other things kept getting in the way. Better late than never? Anyhow, please read through the entire tutorial before you start. I will have a few tips at the end, that may help you to make decisions on the materials that you use. You’ll know what I mean after you read through. This bucket/basket (I will refer to it as a bucket as we go through) is approximately 8″ wide x 6″ deep x 6″tall. Materials: Approx. 1/2 yd each – fabric for outside and fabric for liner Batting – 1/2 yd in length (please see notes at the end) Matching thread for assembly (you can use a contrasting thread for final top stitching if you choose) graph paper (or your choice of material to draw a pattern out on – see notes at the end) ruler pencil pins walking foot for machine (not required, but it makes it a lot easier to sew with the batting) First I am going to show you how to draw out a pattern.
Pattern Drawn Out Side Ends Side Measurement for Front and Back Assembly: Tutorial ~ Hanging Fabric Baskets Or Pockets. I know I say this every time, but I am so excited about this project! The possibilities are endless! And they are so easy – I am going to have baskets hanging all around my house in a weeks time. I am using these above my sewing desk to hold all my notions and patterns. First I will show you how to make them, then I will tell you all the ways I think you could use them…then you can tell me all the ways I never thought of!
Here is the tutorial for making larger baskets with plexiglass in the bottom for great wall storage. Supplies: Fabric – how much you need depends on how big and how many you make, we’ll go over thisHeavy weight interface lining – you want it stiff enough to hold its shapeAll your sewing stuffCurtain rod or wooden dowel with brackets to hang it on Cutting out fabric: To make one basket you need two pieces identical in size. So you have two pieces of fabric the same size right? Now you should have two pieces the same size with interfacing ironed on. Your done! Renske’s minimalist tote bag.
A talented seamstress with a mission, Renske Solkesz decided to create her own wardrobe after finding herself frustrated with high fashion prices. When we saw her chic and modern wardrobe creations, we asked if she’d be willing to create and share a fun accessory tutorial with us. I’m super excited about what she’s come up with: an amazing self-closing utilitarian tote!
I’m a huge fan of the graphic contrast and the leather and rivet details. Like her fashion designs, this tote is made from inexpensive materials, yet looks totally luxe. I’m halfway out the door to the fabric store already! You can see the other pieces she’s created on her blog, The Dress is Made. CLICK HERE for the full how-to after the jump! When I designed this bag, I wanted to integrate the grip/straps in a more functional way with the rest of the bag. A friend of mine called it a “yin yang bag,” which is pretty accurate, I think. Materials Tools HammerSewing machineScissorsPinsChalkMeasuring tapeIronPattern template 2. Basic zipper pouch tutorial. Let’s make some zipper pouches! This is a lined basic zipper pouch tutorial that is great for beginners! They are great for everything! Let’s start: To begin you need four pieces each measuring 6.5″ tall by 8″ wide.
A front, back and two lining pieces. If you’re going to add a label, do that first. And you need a zipper, about 8″ long. Lay your zipper face down on the front piece. Sandwich it in with the lining piece. Stitch at 1/4″ with a straight stitch. This is what you’ll have. Press the front piece. Topstitch close to the edge. Repeat with the back and second lining pieces. When you’ve topstitched both pieces, your pouch will look like this: Open the zipper. Pin back and front right sides together and lining pieces right sides together. Sew it up with a 1/2″ seam allowance, leaving a few inches open at the bottom of the lining. Trim the bag down to 1/4″ and clip the corners. Sew it up with a straight stitch, backstitching at each end. Push the lining to the inside and you’re all done!