1. How to construct a handbag
Some things you’ll need to make a bag

2. STEP 1 Adding decorative features
Pins (look at how
they are placed)
STEP 1
Adding decorative features
Contrasting ribbons
Select the ribbons and trimmings for the bag. Check that the colours blend or contrast etc.
2. Pin the ribbons in place.
3. Tack all the ribbons using tacking or running stitches – why?
Running stitch to
tack down ribbons
4. A running stitch is an easy up and out stitch -

3. STEP 2 Adding tacking stitches
Running stitch to
tack down all ribbons
Adding tacking stitches
Tack all the ribbons and remove the pins.
2. Tacking down the ribbons makes it easier to sew on the machine as the pins don’t get in the way.
3. Tacking should go in and out of the fabric just to fasten the ribbons to the fabric

4. STEP 3
Adding further decorative features – sewing machine
Running stitch to
tack down all ribbons
1. Select your decorative stitches it helps to use a guideline to get a straight line – what could you use as a guideline?
Sewing machine foot
2. Continuing adding stitches to the bag until all the ribbons are attached and you have an attractive pattern.
3. Remove all tacking stitches .
Zigzag stitch in contrasting colours

5. STEP 4 Neatening the raw edges
Then fold down iron and sew
Zig zag stitch the top raw edge.
1. Neaten the raw edges on the top the bag – What stitch could be used?
2. Remember to neaten the top raw edge of the back of the bag.
3. Turn under 3 cms of the neatened top edge of the bag.
Tacking stitch taken out.

6. STEP 5 Neatening the top of the bag.- front Straight stitch
Sewing machine foot
Straight stitch
Pins
1. Iron the top edge.
2. Add pins – which way are the pins heads placed ?
3. Straight stitch along the edge of the fabric – where should the edge of the machine foot be placed ?
4. Remember to neaten front & back sides of the bag.
Fold about 3cm over
on the wrong side
Wrong side of fabric

7. STEP 6 Back section of the bag.
Sewing machine foot
pins
Back section of the bag
You then need a second piece of material. The exact same size as your first piece. You must then do the same to neaten the top.
Zigzag the top
Fold 3cm and iron
Straight stitch down
straight stitch
Second piece of fabric
FRONT OF BAG – back view.

8. STEP 6a
Neatened edges
Zig zag and straight stitch
You should then have two pieces of fabric. That look similar to this.
One piece with ribbons and decorative stitching.
The second piece will be plain.
You then have to attach both pieces together to create your bag.
Right side of fabric 1
Wrong side of fabric 2
Ribbons and decorative stitches

9. STEP 7 Putting the bag together
Placing the right sides together.
Putting the bag together
The front and the back of the bag need to be held together. To do this seams are used. A seam is two pieces of fabric stitched together.
Pin in place all the way around the bag.
1. Place the front and back sides of the bag together.
2. Pin the front and the back of the bag together– do you remember any rules about how you would place the pins?

10. STEP 7 Constructing the seams - 2 Sewing machine foot
1. Straight stitch the bag in a U shape.
2. Start at the top left hand corner and run down a few stitches and then reverse and then continue to the bottom right STOPPING just before the end – needle in the fabric – why?
3. Lift the foot – 90 degrees and straight stitch across the base – where do you stop?
4. Again STOP – needle in the fabric turn 90 degrees and straight stitch to the top of the bag and reverse a few stitches.

11. STEP 8 Neatening the raw edges
Look at the zig-zag stitches why are two of them incorrect ?
Neatening the raw edges
1. How can the raw edges of the fabric be neatened?
Zig zag stitch
2. Set the machine to zig-zag. Start top left– down to the base of the bag..
3. Needle down into the fabric & turn 90 degrees and along the base. STOP
4. Needle down in the fabric – turn 90 degrees & zig-zag to the top of the bag – reverse stitch.
A quick recap!

12. STEP 8 Neatening the corners
Zigzag stitch
Once you have sew all the way around and zig zag stitched the edges to neaten them, your next stage is to cut off the corner edges.
Cutting off the excess fabric will make the corner neat and flat when you turn it the right way round. Be careful not to cut through the straight stitch or you’ll have a hole in your bag!!
Straight stitch
Be careful not to cut past her
If you are unsure
Ask your teacher
to help you
Cut off corners

13. Well done you have completed your bag.
STEP 9
Completing the bag
Option 1. A long handle
Option 2. two short handles
1.Turn the bag inside out and press with a warm iron.
Well done you have completed your bag.
2. Attach the handle of the bag – your teacher may need to help you with this.
3. Take care when ironing your ribbons as they may melt if they are made from man-made fabrics.