Sew a Simple Vintage Handbag for Any Occasion

Do you have an abundance of vintage linens in your closet? Did Grandma like lace trimmed hankies? Do you have a collection of old tablecloths and aprons that, sadly, never see the light of day? All of these textiles, plus old costume jewelry and antique fabric, can all be combined to make simple handbags for any occasion. Use your collections to enhance your personal fashion style.

These bags are so easy and fun to make, you won't want to stop with just one. Why should you? Have them do double duty as gift bags, a child's purse or a decoration.

Gift Bag Ideas-

Wrap beautiful soaps in tissue paper and tuck into a bag. Add more colorful tissue to peek out the top.

These bags are the perfect size to slip in a CD or a movie. Add a gift card for the movie theater and the lucky lady will have a special handbag for the occasion.

Fill with seed packets as a favor for a mother/daughter spring tea party.

Child's Purse Ideas-

Little girls love purses, not just one purse, but purses for every occasion. Because of the small amount of supplies used, you can make several for your special girls in an afternoon.

Fill a bag with small quiet toys and use this simple handbag as a church bag. Small dolls or beanie babies will fit perfectly in their little carrier bag.

Decorations-

Insert a bouquet of silk flowers to add a touch of spring to a door knob.

Make several to hang on the wall in a little girl's room for beautiful decorative art.

Materials You Will Need:

Fabric-an assortment of vintage textiles

Beads from old jewelry

24 gauge floral wire

Old buttons, ribbon and lace

Scissors

Sewing machine

Matching thread

Hand sewing needle and pins

Iron

Needle nose pliers

Wire cutters

Basic Handbag Instructions:

1. Cut 2 pieces of fabric 7" wide by 8" tall for the handbag and 2 pieces 7" wide and 8" tall for the lining.

2. Pin both sets with their right sides together and sew a 1/4" seam allowance around the two 8" sides and one 7" bottom on both. Leave a 2" opening along the linings bottom edge.

3. Clip the corners. Turn the handbag right side out. Slip the handbag inside the unturned lining, match the edges and pin.

4. Cut 2 pieces of ribbon 2" long. Match the ends of each piece of ribbon. Insert the loop of the ribbons between the lining and the bag at the side seams. Match the raw edges of the ribbon with the edge of the handbag and pin.

5. Sew a 1/4" seam allowance around the top edge of the handbag. Turn the handbag right side out through the 2" opening in the lining.

6. Iron the handbag. Pin lace or ribbon around the top edge of the handbag. Sew in place.

7. Cut the 24 gauge wire 12" long. Thread an end through one loop on the handbag and twist with the needle nose pliers to secure. Thread beads onto the wire and attach the other end to the remaining loop for the purse handle.

8. Tie a pretty bow and stitch to the top middle on the front of the handbag. Embellish with a vintage button over the bow's knot.

These are the bare bones instructions for this handbag. Experiment with the items you have on hand to create your one-of-a-kind bags.