Handmade Handbags

Handmade handbags are a very fun project to make. Whether you are refurbishing an old or vintage handbag or completely creating a new handbag from scratch, the finished handbag will be one you will be proud to carry.

If you are planning on using an old handbag to create a new one, it is probably best if you try to stick with a fabric bag. If you use leather or man-made leather such as PVC, once you tear the seams you will be able to see the stitches. If you do decide to use leather or synthetic, it would be best to cut into the leather so you have clean pieces that you can then re-stitch. These pieces will probably be small so it might be best to use them as patches or in some pattern design. Another idea would be to use leather or synthetic for the strap as you can easily braid the pieces (provided they are long) or fashion them into tassels. In my handbag company, we would always refashion the rejected leather into the straps.

If you are planning on making a fabric bag, consider using a pattern if you want to make up a simple tote or hobo. If you want to try making up the pattern yourself, buy some pattern paper or even some large pieces of craft paper will do the trick, and start experimenting. You will need to piece together the base, the sides which are called the gusset, the front, the back, the top or lid if applicable and straps. Will your handbag be lined? If so, consider adding a couple of pockets for easy storage of cell phones, car keys etc. Deciding what style handbag can be as simple as a simplistic drawing as demonstrated here. One doesn't need to buy an expensive computer program or hire anyone to start making some simple designs.

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When assembling your handbag you may want to add some decorative elements such as embellished trim, beading, sequins or the patchworking that I mentioned earlier in the article. Once you have the structure of the handbag complete, it is easy to add these trims with glue or some simple stitches. Another great idea is to play around with metal and incorporate that into your handbag-metal from jewelry charms or necklaces or even buckles.

The biggest challenge that I see with new designers is that they feel that they have to have every detail completely finalized before they begin work. I promise that once you start working on the handbag more ideas will flow and chances are you will change elements of the design halfway through. Rome was not built in a day so you should not expect a masterpiece for your first handbag however, I am sure it will be a fun and informative experience.

Good luck creating!

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