How to construct a handbag

Some things you’ll need to make a bag

STEP 11. Select the ribbons and

trimmings for the bag. Check that the colours blend or contrast etc.

2. Pin the ribbons in place.

Adding decorative features

3. Tack all the ribbons using tacking or running stitches –

why?

4. A running stitch is an easy up and out stitch -

Contrasting ribbons

Pins (look at how they are placed)

Running stitch totack down ribbons

1. Tack all the ribbons and remove the pins.

STEP 2 Adding tacking stitches Running stitch totack down all ribbons

2. Tacking down the ribbons makes it easier to sew on the machine as the pins don’t get in the way.

3. Tacking should go in and out of the fabric just to fasten the ribbons to the fabric

STEP 3 Adding further decorative features – sewing machine

2. Continuing adding stitches to the bag until all the ribbons are attached and you have an attractive pattern.

1. Select your decorative stitches it helps to use a guideline to get a straight line – what could you use as a guideline?

3. Remove all tacking stitches .

Running stitch totack down all ribbons

Zigzag stitch in contrasting colours

Sewing machinefoot

STEP 4 Neatening the raw edges

1. Neaten the raw edges on the top the bag – What stitch could be used?

2. Remember to neaten the top raw edge of the back of the bag.

Zig zag stitch the top raw edge.

Tacking stitch taken out.

Then fold down

iron and sew

3. Turn under 3 cms of the neatened top edge of the bag.

Pins

STEP 5

2. Add pins – which way are the pins heads placed ?

3. Straight stitch along the edge of the fabric – where should the edge of the machine foot be placed ?

1. Iron the top edge.

4. Remember to neaten front & back sides of the bag.

Neatening the top of the bag.- front Sewing machine foot

Straight stitch

Wrong side of fabric

Fold about 3cm over on the wrong side

Sewing machine foot

STEP 6 Back section of the bag.

Back section of the bag

You then need a second piece of material. Theexact same size as your first piece. You must then do the same to neaten the top.

1. Zigzag the top

2. Fold 3cm and iron

3. Straight stitch down

pins

straight stitch

FRONT OF BAG – back view. Second piece of fabric

STEP 6a

You should then have two pieces of fabric. That look similar to this.

One piece with ribbons and decorative stitching.

The second piece will be plain.

You then have to attach both pieces together to create your bag.

Neatened edges

Ribbons and decorative stitches

Zig zag and straight stitch

Right side of fabric 1 Wrong side of fabric 2

STEP 7

The front and the back of the bag need to be held together. To do this seams are used. A seam is two pieces of fabric stitched

together.

1. Place the front and back sides of the bag

together.

2. Pin the front and theback of the bag together– do you remember any rules about how you

would place the pins?

Placing the right sides together.

Pin in place all theway around the bag.

Putting the bag together

STEP 7 Constructing the seams - 2

1. Straight stitch the bag in a U shape.

2. Start at the top left hand corner and run down afew stitches and then reverse and then continue to the bottom right STOPPING just before the end – needle in the fabric – why?

3. Lift the foot – 90 degrees and straight stitch across the base – where do you stop?

4. Again STOP – needle in the fabric turn 90 degrees and straight stitch to the top of the bag and reverse a few

stitches.

Sewing machine foot

STEP 8 Neatening the raw edges

1. How can the raw edges of the fabric

be neatened? 2. Set the machine to zig-zag. Start top left– down to the base of the bag..

3. Needle down into the fabric & turn 90 degrees and along

the base. STOP

4. Needle down in the fabric – turn 90 degrees & zig-zag to the top of the bag – reverse stitch.

Look at the zig-zag stitches why are two of them incorrect ?

A quick recap!

Zig zag stitch

STEP 8 Neatening the corners

Once you have sew all the way around and zig zag stitched the edges to neaten them,your next stage is to cut off the corner edges.

Cutting off the excess fabric will make the corner neat and flat when you turn it the right way round. Be careful not to cut through the straight stitch or you’ll have a hole in your bag!!

Cut off corners

Straight stitchBe careful not to cut past her

Zigzag stitch

If you are unsureAsk your teacher to help you

STEP 9

1.Turn the bag inside

out and press with a

warm iron.

Completing the bag

2. Attach the handle of the bag – your teacher may need to help you with this.

Option 1. A long handleOption 2. two short handles

3. Take care when ironing your ribbons as they may melt if they are made from man-made fabrics.

Well done you have

completed your bag.