Step 1
<b>Before you begin.</b> Cut out all the main fabric, lining, and interfacing pieces using the patterns and charts. Make any markings as indicated by the patterns. Apply the interfacing to the corresponding main bag front and back (A), top (B), bottom (C), tabs (D), and strap (E) pieces. Instead of sewing your own fabric strap, you can also use 1 2/3 yd. (167cm) of 1 1/2" (4cm)-wide webbing. The roundabout purse pattern calls for a few additional square pieces. Cut them following the chart below. PIECE NAME -- MATERIAL TO CUT -- SIZE TO CUT -- NUMBER TO CUT -- SEAM ALLOWANCE Top (B) Main fabric, lining, and interfacing 2 1/4" x 14 1/4" (5.5 x 36cm) 2 of each material 5/8" (1.5cm) Bottom (C) Main fabric, lining, and interfacing 4 1/4" x 22 1/4" (11 x 56.5cm) 1 of each material 5/8" (1.5cm) Tabs (D) Main fabric and interfacing 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" (11 x 11cm) 2 of each material 5/8" (1.5cm) Strap (E) Main fabric and interfacing 4 1/4" x 60" (11 x 152.5cm) 1 of each material 5/8" (1.5cm)
Step 2
*Stencil or appliqué* Stencil or appliqué the desired design to the bag front piece (A).
Step 3
*Install the zipper* Center and layer a bag top (B) piece over the zipper and layer a lining piece beneath it. Sew the three layers together. Repeat this with the other side of the zipper and the remaining bag top pieces. See the Installing Zippers feature (page 39) for more help.
Step 4
*Sew the strap and tabs* Create the strap (E) and tabs (D), as shown in this <a href="http://sewingnovice.com/2011/09/28/strap-tutorial-one-piece-of-fabric/">how-to</a>.
Step 5
*Sew the bottom* Line up the short edge of the bottom (C) with the short edge of the top (B). Layer the lining piece beneath it and pin them together. Fold the tab piece (D) in half, wrap it around the metal ring, and insert it into the middle of the seam. Sew these layers together, being very careful when going over the zipper. Repeat this for the other side of the top, being sure to move the zipper slider toward the middle.
Step 6
*Sew the front and back* Mark the cardinal points of the top (B) and bottom (C) pieces by folding them in half. Layer the front (A) with its corresponding lining piece, wrong sides together. Match up the cardinal points of the top and sides with those on the front. Clip the seam allowances if necessary and sew around the perimeter of the front. Do the same with the bag back.
Step 7
*Bind the seam* Use bias tape to bind the raw seam created by sewing the front and the back.
Step 8
*Attach the strap* Attach one end of the strap to the tri-glide using a box stitch. Then, loop the other end through one of the metal rings, back through the tri-glide, and through the remaining metal ring. Sew the end in place with a box stitch.
Step 9
This purse pattern is excerpted with permission from <a href="http://www.d-originals.com/sewing-stylish-handbags-totes">"Sewing Stylish Handbags & Totes: Chic to Unique Bags & Purses That You Can Make"</a> by Choly Knight, published by Design Originals.