Materials needed:
– Bag pattern piece (click to download)
– Leather ** (1 1/2 yds cotton or vinyl)
– 1 yd lining fabric
– 1 yd fusible interfacing
– Sew-on or magnetic snap
– 2 D-rings (1 1/4″)
– Coordinating thread
– Upholstery thread
– Leather sewing machine needle (Not necessary but I recommend it for leather/vinyl)
* All seams 1/4″ unless otherwise noted.
** If you don’t want to use leather, you may use cotton, since I explain how to use either in this tutorial. Leather doesn’t fray. You can also use vinyl instead, which is sold by the yard. I wanted a brighter color than what was offered in vinyl, so I went to Beck Leather and Crafts and bought a remnant piece (with a 40% off coupon). Leather is sold in hides, so take your pattern piece with you to make sure the piece you like will work. You could also check your local thrift store for a leather jacket and cut that up.
– (2) 1″ x 20″ pieces from leather or vinyl for the strap. OR if using cotton, cut (1) 2 1/2″ x 20″ piece.
– (2) 6″ x 12″ pocket piece: 1 from exterior, 1 from lining
– (2) 2″ x 1 1/4″ pieces leather/vinyl for loops or (2) 2″ x 3″ pieces cotton
2. Iron fusible interfacing to the two lining bag pieces and pocket piece. If using cotton, also iron to strap piece.
3. We are going to start with the rosette (Layer 1). I used cotton for mine because I didn’t have enough leather, and it’s easier to gather into a tight flower. Cut a 3 1/4″ strip. If you want your whole flower in leather/vinyl, cut a 1 1/4″ strip and proceed to below, “Cut a piece of upholstery thread…”.
Fold RST (right sides together) lengthwise and sew along the short raw ends and long raw edge, but leave about a 10″ opening in the middle of the long raw edge.
Mommafo says
I really want to make this……… Now to find some leather!
Christie @ A Lemon Squeezy Home says
You did great Tam! The purse is so cute. It was fun running into yesterday!
Amy says
Really cute. Did you use a special needle to get through the leather, or did it work just fine with your regular machine needle?
Mandy's Creative Corner says
Awesome tutorial and great inspiration! Thanks for sharing =D
Tam @ Sew Dang Cute says
Amy-
I did use a leather needle. I like to play it safe and didn’t want to risk breaking a regular needle. Plus, my leather was a little thicker.
gisjul says
this is absolutely fabulous.luv it.
casserole says
That’s so pretty!! I linked to your tutorial over at Craft Gossip Sewing.
–Anne
http://sewing.craftgossip.com
Tami says
Thank you SO much for this GREAT tutorial! I’m in love! I saw a bag much like this at a boutique a few weeks ago selling for over $100. I wanted it but couldn’t bring myself to shell over the big bucks… Now I can make my own!! HOORAY!
Valerie says
Thank you for sharing this. I have been wanting one of my own, but am too cheap to buy one. This just moved to the top of my to-make list.
BrendaLea, the Prpldy says
I love this! Thanks for the pattern! I have some leather coats I have been waiting to recycle into a purse….now I just have to download and get started!
BrendaLea