Handbags and Wallets Part 6

I had a lot of fun conceptualizing different handbags and one of the designs we have already made is the Paneled Bag in Parts 2-4 of the series. I also came up with a design for a round vanity bag and we started construction of this bag in Part 5 of the series. The pattern for this bag can be downloaded here from APrettyTalent.com.

Construction - closing the panels

Fold the panel to form a circle with the right sides facing. Pin the ends of the fabric together, right sides facing. Make sure to fold the lining away so it doesn’t get caught in the stitching.

Sew the seam.

Fold the fabric away and pin the lining right sides facing. Sew the seam.

Iron the seams open.

Construction – attaching the handle

Fold the handle in half lengthwise and iron flat.

Open the handle and fold the sides in to meet in the middle. Iron flat.

Fold down the middle again and iron flat again.

Unfold the handle and give a small hem stitch on both ends.

Refold the handle. You may want to give it a quick press on the ends if the fabric requires it. Set your machine to a longer stitch length for top stitching that is neat.

Do a top stitch all around the handle, sewing as close as possible to the sides, bearing aesthetics in mind.

Position the handle on the lid. Pin it in place.

Sew both ends of the handle onto the lid. Try to stay on top of the original top stitching.

Construction – Attaching the lids and bottoms

Pin the lid to the top side panel, working all the way around.

Sew the lid to the panel.

Trim away excess fabric from the seam and cut notches into the seam allowance. Do not cut into the stitching. This will create space to turn the bag right side out with a smooth seam line. Attach the bottom exactly the same way as the lid. Open the zipper slightly, so that you will be able to open the bag afterwards to turn the bag right side out.

Pin the lid to the side panel for the lining, working all the way around. Remember that you must be looking at the right sides of the lining when pinning it.

Sew by hand. Repeat the steps for the bottom as well.

When I was done I sewed the lining to the lid in 4 places so that it would not drop down and get caught in the zipper.

This is what the bag looks like when completed.

For more crafty ideas and great products, visit APrettyTalent.com.

Remember to keep nurturing your TALENT for making PRETTY things.

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