DIY Network

Funky Patchwork Handbag From "DIY Crafts" episode DIC-244

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The best results are achieved by having fun and breaking all the "rules"! The finished bag can be as elegant or as eccentric as the recipient. Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D

Accessory designer Sara Lytle shares her method for creating a patchwork handbag.

Materials:

Black thread
Gold thread
Fabric remnants
Eye hooks (if desired)
Sewing machine
Ironing board
Iron
Needles
Scissors
Crochet hook
Straight pins

1. Begin by selecting fabrics -- consider recycling clothing or scarves for interesting texture and color.

2. Cut these favorite fabrics into rectangular shapes (figure A). If you want your finished piece to be a bag 6" tall x 8" wide, be sure that side dimensions are 6" or 8".

3. Stitch strips together to make panels. Lay the front sides of each swatch or strip together and make a 1/2" seam. Continue by adding pieces until a panel of desired length is created.

4. Repeat for a second panel. Secure the panels with straight pins, then sew the two panels together (stitching three sides -- bottom and front -- only) with right sides facing (figure B). When complete, turn the bags inside out.

5. Iron pouch.

6. To create a reversible bag, repeat the above directions, with different fabric remnants. The second bag should be slightly smaller than the first.

7. Stitch a 1/2" seam around three sides of the bag to close. When finished, iron bag and insert into the first. The two bags should fit snugly together (figure C).

8. Turn the raw edges of each open side under 1/2" and secure with straight pins. Iron to create a defined edge.

9. Add a strap, if desired, before using gold thread (or another color you wish) to whipstitch the top edge of the patchwork pouch (figure D). Or stitch together before adding hook-and-eye closures or hook-and-loop tape to close the bag.

10. Add additional embellishments as desired.

RESOURCES :
Retro Revamp: Funky Projects from Handbags to Housewares
Model: 081182523X
Author: Jennifer Knapp

Mary Mulari's Accessories with Style: Low-Sew Accents to Wear and Carry
Model: 0873419707
Author: Mary Mulari

Making Handbags and Purses: 50 Patterns and Designs from Casual to Corporate
Model: 1579901492
Author: Carol Parks

Simply Sensational Bags: How to Stitch and Embellish Handbags, Totes and Satchels
Model: 0873418484
Author: Linda McGehee

Sew and Go: Easy Convertible Projects for the Active Lifestyle
Model: 0801986583
Author: Jasmine Hubble, et al

Terrific Totes & Carryalls: 40 Bags to Sew for Shopping, Working, Hiking, Biking, and More
Model: 1579902243
Author: Carol Parks
2001
Lark Books / Altamont Press
Website: www.larkbooks.com

Scrap Crafts Year 'Round: More than 70 Projects to Make with Less than a Yard of Fabric
Model: 0806981679
Author: Chris Rankin

Scrap Basket Crafts: Over 50 Quick and Easy Projects to Make from Fabric Scraps
Model: 0875969690
Author: Nancy Reames

GUESTS :
Sara Lytle
421 East Figueroa
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: (805) 963-2828
Email: saralytle@aol.com
Website: saralytle.com
Fiber Artist/Accessory Designer