Making Your Own Stylish Purse On A Budget
Crafting a fashionable handbag doesn't have to be expensive. With some clever sourcing of materials and smart construction techniques, you can make a chic purse that looks high-end for very little money. Follow these tips for creating your own stylish purse on a budget.
Choosing Affordable Purse Patterns and Fabrics
The starting point for making a purse is finding a purse pattern. Check out these budget-friendly sources of patterns:
- Your local fabric store's pattern books often include simple handbag patterns for just a few dollars.
- Free online purse patterns from sewing blogs and websites.
- Upcycle an old purse by using it as a pattern template.
For fabric, visit discount fabric shops, thrift stores and garage sales. Keep an eye out for upholstery samples, bedsheets, shower curtains or tablecloths that can be repurposed as purse fabric on the cheap.
Purse-Making Tools and Hardware
You don't need fancy equipment to make a professional looking handbag at home. Here are some purse-making tools and supplies you can get on a budget:
| Tool | Budget Option |
|---|---|
| Sewing machine | Borrow from a friend or buy a simple used model |
| Iron | Use a regular clothes iron |
| Pins, needles & thread | Purchase a multi-pack, they are very inexpensive |
| Hardware | Check jewelry findings aisles for affordable handles, clasps etc. |
Savvy Construction Techniques
Follow these tips for stitching together your purse on a budget:
- Line your purse with recycled fabric scraps to save money on lining fabric.
- Edge stitch seams with a zigzag stitch rather than using a serger.
- Use decorative stitches on your machine instead of trim or appliques.
- See if a friend will let you use their helpful tools like a rotary cutter, seam ripper or pressing ham.
Personalize Your Purse
Take your finished handbag to the next level with these easy, budget-friendly touches:
- Stencil designs on the purse using acrylic paint.
- Embellish with buttons, brooches, patches or other upcycled decor.
- Add custom lining fabric printed with photos or artwork.
- Monogram the purse with fabric paint or iron-on vinyl lettering.
With clever use of materials and crafty techniques, you can create purse masterpieces on a budget that look like you splurged.
Choosing the Right Purse Patterns and Materials
Selecting the right purse pattern and materials is key to creating a handbag you'll love carrying. Keep these tips in mind when starting your purse-making project.
Consider Your Skill Level
Opt for purse patterns suited to your current ability:
- Beginners: Look for basic boxy shapes without much detail.
- Intermediate sewers: Try more structured bags with flaps, pockets and straps.
- Advanced: Choose intricate patterns with zippers, gussets and custom linings.
Top products in 👛 Purse Making
Pick a Purse Design You'll Use
Think about your lifestyle needs when selecting a purse style:
- Daytime errands: A medium shoulder bag or spacious tote.
- Evenings out: A chic clutch or crossbody purse.
- Work/school: Totes, satchels or backpacks.
- Travel: Large duffel with pockets or a sturdy fabric weekender.
Another interesting products
37 Review
Choose Purse Fabrics Wisely
| Fabric Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Canvas | Sturdy everyday use |
| Quilting cotton | Colorful, washable casual bags |
| Faux leather | Chic handbags mimicking real leather |
| Denim | Jeans-inspired purses |
Always pick fabrics suited to the design. For structured purses, go with mid to heavyweight fabrics like denim or canvas. Choose flexible, drapey fabrics for slouchy hobo bags.
Additional Materials to Buy
Don't forget these other essential materials:
- Lining - Prevents stretching and hides stitches
- Interfacing - Adds structure and stiffness
- Hardware - Zippers, handles, clasps, etc.
- Stabilizer - Stabilizes fabric when sewing straps
With the right purse pattern, fabrics and materials your homemade handbag will look professionally made and last for years of fashionable use.
Essential Tools and Supplies for Purse Making
Having the right tools and materials on hand will make DIY purse construction much easier. Here are the absolute essentials to include in your purse-making kit:
Sewing Machines for Purse Making
A good sewing machine is the most important purse-making tool. Look for key features like:
- Sturdy motor - Can handle thick purse fabric
- Zipper foot - Easily sew close to zipper teeth
- Wide table - Supports purse when sewing
- Extra high presser foot lift - Accommodates thick seams
Hand Sewing Supplies
Have these supplies on hand for hand-finishing details:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Hand sewing needles | Closing linings, adding embellishments |
| Thimble | Protects finger when hand sewing |
| Beeswax | Coats thread to prevent tangling and breakage |
Cutting Tools
Proper purse cutting tools include:
- Rotary cutter - Quick, precise cuts
- Self-healing mat - Protects work surface from rotary cutter
- Clear acrylic ruler - Accurate measurements for cutting
- Scissors - Clipping threads and cutting notches
Pressing Equipment
Pressing tools help create professional-looking purses:
- Iron - Pressing seams, applying interfacing
- Pressing ham - Shapes curved areas like darts, pleats, gathers
- Seam roll - Pressing seams on narrow/tight areas
- Point presser - Presses hard-to-reach points and corners
Investing in quality purse making tools will give you the easiest and best experience when sewing handbags from scratch.
Step-by-Step Purse Construction Techniques
Follow these proven steps for sewing a professional-looking handmade purse:
Prepare the Purse Pieces
Start by cutting out all fabric pieces according to the pattern directions. This includes:
- Outer purse fabric
- Lining fabric
- Fusible interfacing
- Stabilizer for straps
Mark any guidelines or seam allowances on pieces as indicated.
Assemble the Exterior Purse
Construct the outer purse first:
- Staystitch raw edges if specified.
- Reinforce handles and straps with interfacing or stabilizer.
- Sew darts, pleats, pockets or other details.
- Sew exterior seams right sides together using a 1⁄2" seam allowance.
- Trim corners, clip curves and press seams.
- Topstitch for a professional finish if desired.
Sew the Purse Lining
Next, make the lining:
- Construct lining same as exterior but leave a 4-6" opening for turning.
- Reinforce top edges with staystitching for strength.
- Trim seams and clip corners to reduce bulk.
- Press all seams toward bottom of lining.
Insert Zippers or Hardware
Now add any closures:
- Insert zippers using a zipper foot, then trim excess zipper tape.
- Attach handles, rings or other hardware according to instructions.
Attach Exterior and Lining
With right sides together, pin then sew exterior and lining together along top raw edge. Leave opening free. Turn purse right side out through opening. Hand stitch lining opening closed.
Finish Purse
Finally:
- Push lining down into purse and press edges.
- Topstitch purse opening for a neat finish.
- Add any interior pockets, key fobs or labels.
Follow these key construction steps carefully for a professional, durable handmade purse!
Personalizing Your Handmade Purse with Decorative Touches
A handmade purse is the perfect canvas for adding unique personal touches. Use these creative ideas to customize your purse and make it truly one-of-a-kind.
Embellish with Trims
Beautiful trims transform basic fabric into something special. Consider:
- Ribbons - Choose grosgrain, satin or wired ribbon
- Tassels - In silk, beads, leather or metallic
- Fringe - Fun boho vibe for suede or leather bags
- Braids - Nautical touch with cotton, wool or metallic braid
Sew trims onto seam allowances or use fabric glue for easy application.
Embellish with Embroidery
Embroidery personalizes a purse with flair. Options include:
- Hand embroidery using surface stitches like chainstitch or backstitch
- Machine embroidery with monograms, floral motifs or other designs
- Premade embroidered applique patches
- Attaching embroidered vintage doilies, hankies or other linens
Decorate with Paints, Pens and Foils
Add color and shimmer with:
- Fabric paints - Stencil or freehand designs
- Puff paint - 3D paint for dimensional designs
- Metallic pens - Draw spirals, dots and abstract shapes
- Foil - Apply with adhesive and heat set with an iron
Personalize with Patches and Pins
Make it yours with:
- Iron-on patches - Fun printed motifs and sayings
- Buttons - Vintage, decorative shank buttons
- Brooches - For elegant embellishment
- Pins - Show off your hobbies and interests
With a handmade purse, the decorating possibilities are endless! Experiment and have fun making your purse truly personal.
What is the Use of Amazon Prime for Purse Making Buyers?
Amazon Prime offers a number of benefits that can be very useful for those who regularly buy products related to purse making and handbag design.
Free Two-Day Shipping
One of the biggest perks of Amazon Prime is free two-day shipping on millions of eligible items. This means you can get your purse making supplies and materials quickly without paying extra shipping fees.
Whether you need fabric, patterns, hardware, tools or other accessories, you can order them and receive your items rapidly with Prime's fast shipping.
Access to Exclusive Deals
Amazon Prime members get exclusive access to special deals and discounts. This includes:
- Lightning deals -limited time sales on specific items
- Prime Day deals - only for Prime members, for huge savings on popular brands/products
- Prime Early Access - get deals 30 minutes before non-Prime shoppers
These special deals can help you save money on purse making supplies and tools.
Unlimited Photo Storage
With Prime Photos, you get unlimited cloud storage for your photos and videos. This makes it easy to store and access pictures of your handmade purse designs to share with customers or use for inspiration.
Prime Wardrobe
Prime Wardrobe allows you to order clothes to try on before buying. This can be helpful for sampling different handbags, materials and accessories to determine if they work for your designs before purchasing.
Overall, a Prime membership provides useful benefits for regular buyers of purse making items. The fast shipping, exclusive deals and other perks can be very advantageous.
Discover The Best Purse Making Supplies
If you are looking for the best purse making supplies, there are many options available online. Here are some of the best places to find high-quality materials, tools, and hardware for your purse making projects:
What Are The Essential Tools Needed For Purse Making?
Purse making requires a variety of tools to create a functional and durable bag. Here are some of the essential tools needed for purse making:
These tools are just a few of the many items you may need for purse making. It's important to have the right tools and materials to create a bag that is both functional and stylish.
Similar products
37 Review
