Download Article
Download Article
If you're interested in sewing and design or even just creativity, then this is the right rainy day activity for you!
Steps
-
Cut 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.
-
Two pieces are for your lining, and 2 pieces are for the outside 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 inside of the outer fabric pieces before you sew it.Advertisement
-
Sew the side seams with a 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) seam.
-
Sew the bottom with a 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) seam.
-
If 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.
-
Do this to both the lining and the outer bag.
-
To 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.
-
Sew the lining back up by top-stitching the opening closed
-
Cut 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.
-
Sew handles right sides together using a 1 ⁄ 4 inch (0.6 cm) seam down the length of the fabric.
-
Fold in the top and the bottom and top-stitch 1/8 around the handles and the bag.
-
Attach 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.
-
Sew a box around the handle edges and then sew an x across to really secure the straps.
-
Enjoy you bag!
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Warnings
- Always use sharp scissors and good pins.Thanks
- Make sure your tetanus is up to date.Thanks
- Sewing can be an addictive and sometimes expensive hobby.Thanks
Advertisement
Things You'll Need
- Fabric 1 ⁄ 2 yard (0.5 m)
- Lining 1 ⁄ 2 yard (0.5 m)
- Pins
- Scissors
- Machine in good working order
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about sewing and tailoring, check out our in-depth interview with Jae Mee Kim .
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 72,823 times.
Advertisement