Occasionally I like to immerse myself into creative fashion projects. My style is fairly classic, so I love to accessorize with unique items. Sewing your own purses allows you to show off your creativity and personalize your outfits with a one-of-a-kind accessory. Another benefit is you get to add some sewing skills under your belt. And perhaps the best part of all– they’re cheap to make!
I started by googling free patterns and tutorials, skimming them over to make sure they were simple enough for my basic sewing skills. I selected the tutorials below because the steps are broken down well and are pretty clear. If you’re a novice like myself, there are a few sewing techniques you may be unfamiliar with… but they are truly simple techniques that you can find on the web to practice beforehand.
My first project was a tote bag, using some fabric I already had in my stash that just never got used. I created them with Sew Mama Sew’s free tutorial, the Classic Tote. Tote bags are wonderful because they can be used for shopping, trips to the library, going to the gym, etc. This tote perfect for my trip to the beach when I went to Florida last month.
I actually improvised this tutorial a bit by tweaking the size of the bag, sewing the pocket on the inside, and adding a lining and strap in a contrasting fabric.For the first tote, the outside was made with non-washable, outdoor fabric, but I figure it’s okay. (If it gets dirty, I’ll just make another one!) The lining and strap were made with solid Kona fabric in “Celery Green,” adding a subtle, matching contrast to the outside of the bag.
Using the same Classic Tote tutorial from Sew Mama Sew, I sewed another tote with a cotton calico print on the outside and another outdoor fabric for the lining (also non-washable). This mod print is one of my favorites and it pairs nicely with the mint green lining and strap.
I also researched some purse patterns and tutorials. The next purse I sewed is the Phoebe bag by Rebeka at Artsy Crafty Babe. Her free pattern and tutorial can be accessed here. On the outside, I used a boho pattern I scored on clearance; the lining was made with a solid cotton and the strap with Osnaburg.
I loved this purse pattern so much I made another. I used this black and white crosshatch print for the outside and a light yellow cotton fabric for the lining and strap. I’m such a sucker for for mod patterns!
And I made yet another Phoebe bag, using a pastel calico print for the outside. This bag is a bit different because I experimented with a slightly longer strap. The white lining and strap was actually made with a small polka-dot print. Aqua and white is one of my favorite color combinations!
For all three of the Phoebe bags, I used the same fabric from the outside of the bag for the outside of the pocket— this way the pocket is more visible from the inside of the purse.
Yes, I became a little obsessed with making purses. Since I have a large fabric stash, most of these didn’t require shopping… but of course, I still bought some new stuff. 🙂
Many thanks to Sew Mama Sew and Artsy Crafty Babe for sharing their free patterns and creating these wonderful tutorials. All the fabrics I used can be found at Joann’s, although some may no longer be available.
***Please note, these patterns are free and for personal use only. If you want to use them for commercial use, you may wish to contact the bloggers to see if this option is available.
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Making the World Cuter Monday Link Up Party
Wow!! Making that myself 😀 xx
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Thanks! Best of luck to you with yours!
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your purses turned out so cute! I think I’m going to try this for summer! Little Bit
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Thank you! Sewing my own purses takes away the guilt of wanting a new one for each season. 🙂 Good luck with yours!
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These are very beautiful! I love to make bags and purses, too! Love your choice of fabric! Happy Spring!
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Thank you! Appreciate the complements. Happy spring to you as well!
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They are really cute. I’ve never sewed any purses but love how it would be a good way to add personality to my mostly black wardrobe. The turquoise one is my favourite!
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Thanks! You’re right, one of these purses could add a nice pop of color or print to your outfit. Good luck if you try them!
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wow, these are awesome! i’ll take on of each, please. 😉 that mod print with the mint strap is my fave!
Thanks so much for linking up at he Humble Brag!
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Thanks! I appreciate you stopping through & hosting your party!
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What a great selection of bags and some lovely fabric too!
Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
Hope you have a fabulous week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/
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Thanks! I appreciate your stopping over & your hosting the link party! You have a great week as well.
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Dropped by from Craftastic Monday and I Should Be Mopping – I love that there’s so many bag patterns out there now, it’s fun to see what fabric choices people make too. Great collection 🙂
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There’s definitely a lot out there! I had to cut myself off to avoid sewing more purses, LOL. Thanks for stopping through!
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Very fun! I love making homemade projects. I love the different bags you have and your fabrics are great 🙂 Krista @ A Handful of Everything
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Homemade items are so much more meaningful, aren’t they? Thanks for stopping through!
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They’re all so cute! Great work. Thanks for linking up to The DIY’ers today!
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Appreciate the compliment. Thanks for stopping through & for hosting your party!
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What fun bags! I love the different fabrics you chose. Great way to be versatile and not spend lots of extra cash! 🙂
We’d love for you to link up with us at Much Ado About Monday, if you get a chance. 🙂
http://www.huckleberrylove.com/2013/04/much-ado-about-monday-no-5.html
~Emily
http://www.huckleberrylove.com
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Thanks! I linked up to your party. Appreciate your comment & your hosting a link party!
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What gorgeous bags, you’ve been very busy!
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Thanks! It did help being on vacation. 🙂 Thanks for stopping through!
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Your bags are rally cute. Really great sewing and super cute fabric choices… Stop by my website to see some more free sewing patterns…
Happy sewing day…!!!
hugs x
Crystelle
Crystelle Boutique
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Thanks! I will surely stop by your site. Appreciate the comment!
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This purse is simply stunning. I love the fabric and the form…gorgeous!
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Thank you! Appreciate you visiting and leaving a comment!
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So cute! And great fabrics too. If only I could sew, I can have as many bags as I want!!
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Thanks! Appreciate your stopping by and leaving a comment—and also for following my blog! Welcome!
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Wow! Fabulous bags! I will add this to my list of things I want to make (why does it keep getting longer and longer… so much amazing creativity and talent out there, I guess). Thanks so much for visiting The Happy Housie earlier. Love your colourful blog!
Krista
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Thanks! I appreciate the complements & you stopping through. And yes, those to do lists are very long! Hopefully you will find time to create one—it probably took me 1-2 hours for the first one, less time for each one after.
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Very cute! I especially love that black and white one! Thanks for sharing it at Monday Funday!
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Thanks! Appreciate you hosting the party & stopping through.
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Very nice! I love the paisley fabric! Thanks for sharing this at my Pin Me Party!
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Thanks! I’m a sucker for paisley. 🙂 Appreciate you stopping over to comment & for hosting your link party!
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yay – featuring you tonight! 🙂
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Thank you for leaving a comment & for featuring my bags!
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You have inspired me to try making my own bags! I seem to have a mental block about it but all of yours turned out so cute that I just HAVE to try it now! Fantastic job and I love all the prints that you choose! Thanks so much for linking up and sharing!
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Thank you! Best of luck to you in your bag-making journey. These were quite simple (especially the tote) and so easy to coordinate with your outfits!
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Thanks so much for sharing this post at the Say G’day Saturday Linky party. I just pinned this!
Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz
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Congratulations!! You were featured at Sew-Licious Craft Showcase! Thank you so much for participating. If you would like a button, just follow this link.
http://sew-licious.blogspot.com/2013/04/saturday-show-licious-craft-showcase-28.html
Marti
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