NO Sew Handbag

I MADE MY FIRST HANDBAG! 🙂

I’ve been wanting a new purse but I haven’t been wanting to pay the money for it. Not sure why I wanted something new just did. :-/ So instead of going store to store with a toddler and not finding anything that I liked (Yes, I’m picky. lol) I decided to make my own. I don’t know how to sew. I’ve wanted to learn for years now but I haven’t taken the time to buy a sewing machine and learn plus with a toddler and a baby on the way when would I find the time. I barely feel like I have time to do “me” things now. I started my search on Pineterst and wasn’t very successful so I went to YouTube. YouTube is AWESOME! I found a “No Sew Tote Bag” video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjbrtiYWF-g) YAAAYYYY!! It seemed pretty easy so I decided to give it a try. What you need and pictures are below.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Two pieces of 18″x21″ fabric
SctochGuard ( I decided to add this to try to prevent major stains)
Iron on patches (I decided to add this because I knew I wanted a cell phone pocket)
Standard size stapler
Scissors
Tape measure or ruler
Two 24″ pieces of belting for handles
Duct tape (This will be the lining, so remember to use a color you think goes well with your fabric choice!)
An iron

Things needed

Two pieces of fabric cut to size 18×21

Covering fabric with beige duct tape

The back of both pieces of fabric covered with duct tape

Measured fold down 2″ then measured over 6″ on each side to attach strap. Staple strap to fold flap 4-6 times depending on how heavy you plan to stuff bag.

Cover staples with duct tape. Cover twice to make more secure.

Staple two pieces of fabric together

Cover staples with duct tape.

Make a triangle at the corners. Measure across 6″ then staple.

Cover staples with duct tape

Turn back ride side out. the bottom inside flaps will look like this. Tape flaps down.

Finished product!

Inside of bag with flaps taped down

Taped cellphone pouch

I’m very satisfied with my first attempt at making my own no sew handbag! 🙂 As I said at the beginning I didn’t want to pay the cost for a new handbag. If I would have gone searching for a purse in TJMaxx, Marshalls or Ross it would have cost $40-100 to find a purse that was big enough, had straps that I liked, etc. For me to make this handbag it only cost me $19! 😀

After carrying the bag a couple days I plan to make some alterations. I didn’t realize that I bought nonroll “elastic” for the straps. Elastic isn’t that great :-/ the bag bounces up and down on my shoulder. I was in Walmart when I bought all my supplies and I was trying to get everything in that one store. Also, I want to close the bag. So I’m going to add a fastener. Yesterday I went to JoAnn and bought beige belting, for straps, and a beige button, to add to the bag to close it. I haven’t finished my alternations. JoAnn didn’t have any beige duct tape. I wasn’t about to go to another store with it being close to nap time for my son. Didn’t want to have a whining toddler in the store. So I will have to make a follow-up post about my handbag. I really do like it and I think I’ll like it even more after I make my alterations. 🙂

Have you ever made your own handbag? No sew or sew? If so share pictures please.