Hip Handbag

Create this easy-to-sew handbag out of bright fabric for a hot accessory.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

 
• 1/4 yd. fashion fabric (woven)
• 1/8 yd. fusible interfacing
• 1-3/4" button
• matching sewing thread
• Fasturn Tubes (optional)
• rotary cutter (optional)
• rotary cutting mat (optional)

From fashion fabric:

 
• 3" x 13 1/2" rectangle for strap
• 5 1/2" x 10 1/2" rectangle for flap
• 7" x 14 1/2" rectangle for outer bag
• 6 3/4" x 14 1/4" rectangle for bag lining

 
• 3" x 13 1/2" rectangle for strap
• 5 1/2" x 10 1/2" rectangle for flap

*All seams allowances are 1/2".
 

1	Determine wrong side of the fusible interfacing. Refer to the manufacturer's directions for fusing the interfacing. Apply the interfacing in corresponding sizes to the wrong side of the strap and flap.

2

Take the interfaced strap, and fold it in half crosswise matching the cut edges. Sew the length of the strip. Turn the tube right side out. (Hint: use a Fasturn Tube to turn tube.)

3

Fold the flap in half lengthwise matching the cut edges. Sew the side seams. Trim the seam allowance to 1/8" allowance at points as shown. Turn the flap right side out and press seams out.

4

Crease the center of the flap by bringing the pressed edges together. With a pin, mark º" away from the folded edge. Using the marks, sew a buttonhole appropriate to the size of your button. Cut open the buttonhole.

5	Take the outer bag rectangle and fold it in half lengthwise matching the cut edges. Sew the sides of the bag. To add some dimension to the bag, open the side seam at the fold. Place the seam over the fold of the bag. Sew a through the layers 1" from the point of the seam as shown. Repeat for other side.

6	Repeat Step 5 to sew the lining. Keep the lining separate from the outer bag.

7

Center the width of the strap over the side seam of the outer bag. Matching the cut edges of the strap and the bag, sew the strap to the bag.

8

Place the right side of the flap to the right side of the bag. The side seams of the flap should fit between the straps. Sew across the top of the flap, attaching the flap to the bag.

9

Turn the bag wrong side out with the flap and strap inside. Place the lining inside of the bag, with right sides together. Pin the lining to the bag matching the side seams. Sew around the bags beginning and ending at the straps, sewing over the flap. (There will be an opening of about 5".) *As you sew an area that is pinned, it is important to remove the pins as you approach them. DO NOT SEW OVER PINS!

10

Turn the bag right side out through the opening in the front of the bag. Press the seam. To close the opening, first press back a 1/2" seam allowance on both the outer bag and lining. Then, topstitch from strap to strap lining the edge of the presser foot with the edges of the fabric.

11	Fold flap over front of bag to find placement for button. Sew on button. Enjoy your fashionable handbag!