Easy DIY Handbag: How to Sew a Cute Purse for Beginners
I had a piece of fabric with the beautiful African print Ankara, that was perfect for a DIY handbag.
I'm going to show you step by step how to sew a purse for beginners.
I include the pattern that has just three pieces and is easy to draw. The bag is quick to make and needs only basic sewing skills.
Tools and materials:
- Main fabric
- Lining fabric
- Fusible interfacing
- 7.5 inch zipper
- A4 paper
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Iron
- Sewing machine
1. Cut out the fabric
Draw the pattern pieces on to A4/Letter paper as shown. Note that some pieces must be cut on the fold.
Cut one strap from the main fabric only and two bag sides and one gusset from both the fabric and lining.
Attach fusible interfacing to all the pieces.
2. Attach the gusset
Fold each piece in half lengthways and notch them in the center at the top and bottom edges.
Pin the gusset to the bottom and side edges of one of the bag sides with the right sides together, matching the center notches.
Sew in place, taking a half inch seam allowance.
Repeat with the side and gusset lining pieces.
Snip the curves.
Place the second bag side over the gusset and pin and sew together along the bottom and side edges.
Repeat with the bag lining, leaving a 1.5 inch opening in the center of the lower edge.
3. Insert the zipper
Pin the zipper to the upper edges of the bag sides, with the right sides together and the zipper tab facing inwards.
Sew in place with a quarter inch seam allowance.
4. Attach the strap
Press in the top and bottom edges of the strap by a quarter inch.
Fold the strap in half along its length and pin. Sew close to the edge on both sides.
Open the zipper. Place one end of the strap under the zipper tape at the top with the open end of the strap facing outwards.
Pin it between the tape and the gusset.
Insert the other end of the strap between the zipper tape and gusset on the other side of the bag.
Make sure the zipper tape is above the strap and lying flat. Pin through all three layers.
Sew securely across both ends.
5. Attach the lining
Place the bag and lining with the open edges facing each other.
Pin and sew them together along the top edges, aligning the center points and the seams.
Turn the bag right side out through the opening in the lining.
Sew the opening closed.
DIY handbag: How to sew a purse for beginners
You can use any fabric or lining of your choice, but I do think the Ankara print is perfect for this bag.
You can make the strap any length you want, or make it adjustable by adding a slider. It’s so quick to make, you can have several to match your outfits.
I’d love to know what you think of this design and if you’re going to make it. Please leave me a comment below.
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This can be made so quick with fabric to match an outfit. Thanks for the instructions.
Lovely! Appropriate for any occasion. Thanks for sharing.